[Official] 2006 World Championships Thread

[JumpMan]

Training starts on July 12th, first scrimmage is against Puerto Rico on August 1, followed by more exhibitions against Puerto Rico, China, Brazil, Lithuania and Korea, WCs start on August 19.

Who will make the final cut? Who would you start? Give big minutes to?

Current Roster: Carmelo Anthony (Denver Nuggets); Gilbert Arenas (Washington Wizards); Shane Battier (Memphis Grizzlies); Chauncey Billups (Detroit Pistons); Chris Bosh (Toronto Raptors); Bruce Bowen (San Antonio Spurs); Elton Brand (Los Angeles Clippers); Kobe Bryant (Los Angeles Lakers); Dwight Howard (Orlando Magic); LeBron James (Cleveland Cavaliers); Antawn Jamison (Washington Wizards); Joe Johnson (Atlanta Hawks); Shawn Marion (Phoenix Suns); Brad Miller (Sacramento Kings); Adam Morrison (Gonzaga University); Lamar Odom (Los Angeles Lakers); Chris Paul (New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets); Paul Pierce (Boston Celtics); J.J. Redick (Duke University); Michael Redd (Milwaukee Bucks); Luke Ridnour (Seattle Supersonics); Amaré Stoudemire (Phoenix Suns); and Dwyane Wade (Miami Heat).

Final 12 man plus an alternate team will probably be announced by the beginning of August.

My team:

F - James/Pierce/Battier
F - Brand/Odom
C - Bosh/Howard
G - Bryant/Arenas/Redd
G - Paul/Ridnour

Adam Morrison as the alternate.

No need for Wade IMO, but I think they'll take him along with Amare, either way it's tough to pick a team.

How will we fare?

We're in Group D with Puerto Rico (Arroyo and Ayusa; ranked #11), Slovenia (Rasho and Boki; ranked #22), Italy (Bargnani and who ever won silver at the Olympics; ranked #6), China (Yao who we will have no answer for; ranked #14), and Senegal (Saer Sene and Diop; ranked #30).

We should be able to beat everyone but I expect a slip up against Italy. After that? Who knows? Argentina, Spain, Serbia & Montenegro, Italy, Lithuania, France, Greece are all tough teams that will keep the game close and can beat us in the end if we don't execute. As high as a gold medal as low as no medal. We are not the obvious favorites anymore.

On the coaching front I'm happy for the most part except with Coach K as the head coach I love Mike D'Antoni, Nate McMillan, and Jim Boeheim.

[SamFisher]

If there's any player who deserves to be there, it's Luke Ridnour.

[JumpMan]

He would work fine... Actually, I think Billups' wife is having a baby this summer so he won't go.

[weslinder]

Your team isn't bad, but I'd replace Redd with Wade and Odom with Amare (if he's healthy). I don't think Bosh would start over Howard and I wouldn't be suprised if Brad Miller beats out Bosh.

[JumpMan]

I understand Wade, he just came off an unbelievable performance in the playoffs, but why Amare? As of now all we know about his game is that he's an outstanding finisher the relies on his athleticism, that won't fly in international competition. I like Bosh's game a lot for international and Odom's, both of them have to go, Miller looks good too I wouldn't be opposed to leaving Howard at home for him. I like Howard because he too is a phyiscal phreak like no one else in the world and he's one of the best rebounders on the planet; at the Olympics we won Bronze mostly because we killed everyone on the boards. We need a sharp shooter too so Redd almost has to go, he's the only professional available unless you want to take Redick or Morrison.

[coolweather]

We can grab the championship but will never dominate...

[Diaw]

france has a good chance imo ... with parker and diaw, everything is possible ... allez les bleus ! :D

[weslinder]

I understand Wade, he just came off an unbelievable performance in the playoffs, but why Amare?

I think with Chris Paul breaking down defenses, Amare can get a lot down low. And while he's no defensive monster, he does know how to play zone (1-and-box or whatever Phoenix runs). When the US dominated, it was because they had Magic setting up a bunch of athletes who could out-run and out-jump everyone else.

france has a good chance imo ...

Are you sure you're not thinking of the World Cup?

[Chopped]

is this on TV? i need my basketball fix. :(

[WallofYao]

I think this is how it will end up.

Billups/Paul
Kobe/Wade/Redd
James/Pierce
Brand/Stoudemire/Jamison
Bosh/Howard

and then our alternate either Miller or Arenas, that line-up give us athleticism, leadership, and mental toughness. I think we can win. I was wondering.. what are we ranked?? I hope Yao dosent murder us. :rolleyes: but I hope he dosent get hurt either.

[JumpMan]

The US is ranked #1 of course; Serbia & Montenegoro is second, Lithuania third, Spain fourth, Argentina fifth, Italy sixth... I forgot the rest. I think they're on the FIBA website.

[Diaw]

Are you sure you're not thinking of the World Cup?
yes i'm sure ... the french basketball team finished 2nd in the european championship last summer, and their main players (parker/diaw) improved strongly this season ... + they have other good players like pietrus, petro, turiaf, gelabale ... i'm not saying they will win, but i think they can be in the top 5

[weslinder]

The US is ranked #1 of course; Serbia & Montenegoro is second, Lithuania third, Spain fourth, Argentina fifth, Italy sixth... I forgot the rest. I think they're on the FIBA website.http://www.fiba.com/pages/en/misc/ranking/FIBArankingG.asp?an_id=557&pn_id=178&

[JumpMan]

Yeah, I forgot the order too...

1. USA
2. Yugoslavia
3. Argentina
4. Lithuania
5. Spain
6. Italy
7. Russia
8. Greece
9. Austrailia
10. France

[Toast]

If it were my team, I think I'd take Redd over DWade.

Oversimplifying, Wade's more of a slasher, Redd's more of a shooter. I think at the 2 guard, the US will need someone who will spread the floor, not drive to the basket. We have enough guys who can finish strong at the basket (Kobe, LeBron, plus all the bigs).

[francis 4 prez]

we have to take kobe, lebron, and wade b/c they are easily the best players. as much as people think we need a "team" we also need our individual firepower. plus we need all the guys we can get who aren't afraid of big moments, and those 3 aren't.

for size (with some versatility) we probably have to take odom, howard, bosh, and brand (although miller could be a nice choice, he might not be as good by 2008).

for shooting we need redd, billups, and arenas.

for pg we need paul.

and for extra talent either marion, pierce, or joe johnson. maybe johnson for his shooting.

[tXhiggs]

F - James/Marion/Battier
F - Brand/Amare
C - Bosh/Howard
G - Bryant/Arenas/Johnson
G - Paul/Billups

alt Morrison or Pierce

marion can play 3 and have the vertical advantage, or play 4 and jump through the roof. billups or paul are the best ball distributors IMO, and im not sure whether cp3 has enough experience to lead a team like this. I also agree that dwyane wade is not a great fit. while he is certainly one of the top 3 1on1 forces (w/ kobe and lebron), he is the smallest of the aforementioned and his outside shooting would be valued more so than his penetrating abilities. In light, i would go with a joe johnson or a michael redd.

[tXhiggs]

F - James/Marion/Battier
F - Brand/Amare
C - Bosh/Howard
G - Bryant/Arenas/Johnson
G - Paul/ Wade

EDIT: billups will not be playing, oversight on my part. also, i know wade is not a true one, but i cant see anyone else id rather have running the point.

[rocketsinsider]

anyone know if the game of US and china will be brodcasted on TV?

[plcmts17]

is this on TV? i need my basketball fix. :(
Nothing so far on NBA.com, but I'm thinking they will show the U.S. games at least. I doubt TNT is going to televise them like they did for the ones held in Indianapolis, for one thing the Championships will be held in Japan and the time difference will mean that if the games are shown live, they will run from 11:00 at night to 4:00 am in the morning.

The official site is http://www.fiba2006.com
But no TV listings.

[hnjjz]

Games with the Chinese team will almost certainly be shown on Chinese P2P networks. I'm guessing they'll probably have quite a few Dream Team games as well.

[dream2franchise]

No Kirk Hinrich? I think he'd be a great back up behind Chris Paul. Has he chosen not to play?

[zoork34]

No Kirk Hinrich? I think he'd be a great back up behind Chris Paul. Has he chosen not to play?


no, he's just being left out for now. he should definitely be chris paul's backup. i'd take hinrich over ridnour any day

[aussie rocket]

All i hope is the Aussies give it a good crack and dont embarass themselves. Top 5 finish I would settle for.

oh and one other thing I wanna see is for the amount of posts on this thread to blow to pieces the amount of posts on the soccer world cup (which is inexplicably over 3000).

[plcmts17]

oh and one other thing I wanna see is for the amount of posts on this thread to blow to pieces the amount of posts on the soccer world cup (which is inexplicably over 3000).
Highly unlikely. For one the WC is the biggest thing on the planet. Secondly the basketball championships are in Japan!!! It's going to kill the TV exposure here in the States.

[Uprising]

oh and one other thing I wanna see is for the amount of posts on this thread to blow to pieces the amount of posts on the soccer world cup (which is inexplicably over 3000).

No shot in hell in having that happen. WCS is MUCH > than WCB

Although, I added to your hopes....

[emjohn]

we have to take kobe, lebron, and wade b/c they are easily the best players. as much as people think we need a "team" we also need our individual firepower.
But that thinking is exactly what led to our teams collapsing on themselves. Non-shooting scorers unable to execute anything other than iso-ball, with point guards that are inept when they aren't just looking to jack up their own shot. I'd focus on versatile guys that can be greater than the sum of the roster:

LeBron is #1 - since he can facilitate the offense in a Pippen/Magic role when asked to do so.
Kobe is your primary scorer, despite the Wade hype. Wade is completely unreliable when the lanes are clogged, and it should be crystal by now that the tunnel-vision-slash approach doesn't work in international games.
Billups is your PG, but he's not available this summer. Hinrich should be #2, but they were dumb in the selections by nabbing Ridnour instead. Maybe they can still sneak him in. Chris Paul wins by default.
Morrison and JJ are your obligatory college alternates.
Since Amare is in all likelihood out because of his knees, Howard and Miller are your centers.
Odom, Marion, and Bosh are the PFs
Arenas and Jamison don't make a lot of sense to me. Wade and Gilbert have mirror image games, and Jamison simply isn't world class at either forward spot.
Anthony makes it, even though he doesn't really have a good game for this style of play, simply to assuage his massive ego/complex. Paul Pierce is the exact same, but I think they leave him off after he proves in tryouts that he's still the same guy he's always been.
Brand's a tough call. He should be there, but even Tim Duncan couldn't get the post game going last time. I would think they opt for D'Antoni ball instead.

I honestly don't know who'll win out between Joe Johnson (better handling) or Mike Redd (better shooting), but my hunch is that only one goes. I'll go with JJ just on a whim.
Shane Battier makes it as a defender over Bowen simply because Bowen has to use a cane on the court now.

Miller - Howard (Amare out this summer)
Odom - Marion, Bosh
LeBron - Anthony, (Marion/Kobe)
Kobe - Joe Johnson, Battier
Paul - Wade (Billups out this summer)
{alternates: JJ, Morrison, Redd}

That would be my plan.

Evan

[JumpMan]

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=ap-usabasketball-arenas&prov=ap&type=lgns

Arenas 'willing to do anything' to make U.S. team
July 11, 2006

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Washington Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas is ready to do almost anything to make the U.S. national team -- starting with mastering the shorter 3-point shot.

"I've been working out on the international 3 -- it's like a free throw now," Arenas said Tuesday at an open workout before leaving for next week's training camp. "I'm accustomed to that line, and I know it's hard for NBA players to shoot from that line. We don't practice it. It's either shoot an NBA 3 or drive into the lane, it seems like there is no in-between, so I've been working on it and I've forgotten about the NBA line."

Arenas and 22 other invitees will train at the camp run by U.S. coach Mike Krzyzewski in Las Vegas from July 19-25. Those who make the final roster will play in this year's world championship in Japan.

"I'm excited, a little nervous," said Arenas, who averaged 29.3 points last season and made the All-Star game for the second straight year. "It's just like when you see rookies come in and they are trying to make a squad. That is how I feel going out there."

Arenas lobbied to be selected for the roster in part because he doesn't mind the year-round commitment. Arenas works out through the summer anyway, rarely taking a vacation from the gym.

To reinforce his desire, he gave Krzyzewski a call last week and spoke to the coach for about a half hour.

"He said he likes my speed and that I can shoot," Arenas said. "He wants to see me play defense -- to get out there and pick them up full court -- and I am willing to do anything to make this team.

"I told him, 'You don't have to worry about me. I'm not one of the egotistic players. If you want me to dive on the floor and run into walls, I'll do it.' He can worry about someone else because he won't have to worry about me."

Even if he makes the team, Arenas realizes the competition for points and playing time will be tough on a squad that could include LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and Dwyane Wade.

"We have scorers; they don't need that from me," Arenas said. "All they need from me is to run the team, run the defense, be athletic and take open shots -- and I am willing to do that."



I liked him as a backup but with that attitude he could start at next to Kobe, hope he makes.

[dream2franchise]

All i hope is the Aussies give it a good crack and dont embarass themselves. Top 5 finish I would settle for.

oh and one other thing I wanna see is for the amount of posts on this thread to blow to pieces the amount of posts on the soccer world cup (which is inexplicably over 3000).

I think we have the talent to make a good showing. I'm wondering if Bogut and Anstey had their one-on-one showdown that Anstey wanted so badly.

[Dark_Tower]

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=ap-usabasketball-arenas&prov=ap&type=lgns

Arenas 'willing to do anything' to make U.S. team
July 11, 2006

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Washington Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas is ready to do almost anything to make the U.S. national team -- starting with mastering the shorter 3-point shot.

"I've been working out on the international 3 -- it's like a free throw now," Arenas said Tuesday at an open workout before leaving for next week's training camp. "I'm accustomed to that line, and I know it's hard for NBA players to shoot from that line. We don't practice it. It's either shoot an NBA 3 or drive into the lane, it seems like there is no in-between, so I've been working on it and I've forgotten about the NBA line."

Arenas and 22 other invitees will train at the camp run by U.S. coach Mike Krzyzewski in Las Vegas from July 19-25. Those who make the final roster will play in this year's world championship in Japan.

"I'm excited, a little nervous," said Arenas, who averaged 29.3 points last season and made the All-Star game for the second straight year. "It's just like when you see rookies come in and they are trying to make a squad. That is how I feel going out there."

Arenas lobbied to be selected for the roster in part because he doesn't mind the year-round commitment. Arenas works out through the summer anyway, rarely taking a vacation from the gym.

To reinforce his desire, he gave Krzyzewski a call last week and spoke to the coach for about a half hour.

"He said he likes my speed and that I can shoot," Arenas said. "He wants to see me play defense -- to get out there and pick them up full court -- and I am willing to do anything to make this team.

"I told him, 'You don't have to worry about me. I'm not one of the egotistic players. If you want me to dive on the floor and run into walls, I'll do it.' He can worry about someone else because he won't have to worry about me."

Even if he makes the team, Arenas realizes the competition for points and playing time will be tough on a squad that could include LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and Dwyane Wade.

"We have scorers; they don't need that from me," Arenas said. "All they need from me is to run the team, run the defense, be athletic and take open shots -- and I am willing to do that."



I liked him as a backup but with that attitude he could start at next to Kobe, hope he makes.

Cosign. This is the type of attitude that we need going into the World Championships. IMO, I think we're going to see a higher level of play overall, because with the team holding selections, the competitive spirit will be strong. Most of the guys they selected either haven't had to worry about getting cut in some time, or train/play like they are going to get cut at any time, despite anchoring their teams (see Arenas, Bryant). If Coach K doesn't bury talent on the bench, we should be fine in Japan.

[italian rocket]

Seems like Bargnani is in doubt to play at World Championship. He has stated he is tired and will decide at the end of Vegas Summer League.
I'm not really optimistic about the sort of Italy, passing the first round would be already a success to me.
Hope to see USA Team get back to win.

[francis 4 prez]

But that thinking is exactly what led to our teams collapsing on themselves.


but it isn't. the 3 biggest reasons we lost are

1) the game is different - carlos arroyo and 11 puerto rican scrubs beat tim duncan, allen iverson, and 10 nba stars. in fact, they blew them out. but in the nba, carlos arroyo spends most of his time picking bench splinters out of his ass and the other 11 guys can't sniff an nba roster. that's just how it is.

2) we had our C team in the olympics - we had our B team in the qualifying tournament of the americas (we had tmac, ray allen, and bibby) and rolled through that, going 10-0. in the final, we beat gold-medal winning argentina by 30...in the first half. that team still didn't have shaq, kobe, or kg. if we had all 6 of those other guys in the olympics, we roll everyone.

3) we brought all the same type of players to the game - this is what you seem to be addressing and i agree, you can't just bring 12 slashers who can't shoot and hope it works because it won't.

points 1 and 3 would pretty much be moot if point 2 weren't around. our best are still the world's best.

but they seem to be addressing point 3 this year. they are trying to get shooters and versatile guys, but we can't just bring all the international, versatile types, we still have to play to our strengths. wade is easily one of our best players, and we need our best players there. we need guys who aren't afraid of the big shots, who wanna step up, who know how to get a shot when things are rough. wade isn't as bad a shooter as people make him out to be. we also need to take advantage of our overwhelming athletic advantages. again, we had C level athletes last time, wade/kobe/lebron are A level (so is tmac but he isn't an option, unfortunately). having them playing pressure D, driving past people, getting out on the break and knowing how to finish, being able to elevate over anyone for a jumper, we need that and didn't really have it last time. as long as it comes in packages as talented as kobe, wade, and lebron, being as athletic as possible should be our goal. if it's richard jefferson, maybe not. we need to control the boards, get cheap points, and play good D and wade does that. we need the best of the best because they still dominate games even in international ball and we can't not have wade. having 3 guys on the perimeter like kobe, wade, and lebron just physically dominating, all being able to shoot for the most part, and wade and lebron great at passing will be huge. plus with all 3 you can always have at least 2 on the court at all times. put all the shooters and versatile big men you can around them and i think you've got a gold medal.

[aussie rocket]

No shot in hell in having that happen. WCS is MUCH > than WCB

Although, I added to your hopes....


on what basis does Soccer > Basketball.

are you aware this is a basketball website?

the majority of people that are on here should be far more interested in the WCB than the world diving championships!

[weslinder]

Great news for the USA.

http://www.nba.com/bulls/news/hinrich_usa_060712.html

Hinrich Named To USA Basketball Men’s Senior National Team

[JumpMan]

Nice.

[jello77]

just as a heads up, the usa doesnt need to worry about serbia this year. the team is terrible. i dont think they have one nba player on their team. its all young guys and everyone good on the time jsut argued with each other. couple that with a horrible soccer showing, and serbian athletics is in shambles right now.

besides that, i think this is the first time i'm going to be ROOTING for kobe. weird. i hate that guy but now he's on my team. strange feeling.

[dream2franchise]

Great news for the USA.

http://www.nba.com/bulls/news/hinrich_usa_060712.html

Hinrich Named To USA Basketball Men’s Senior National Team


Nice to see somebody came to their senses.

[JumpMan]

Odom and Pierce can't go (rumor that Redd probably can't go either), that sucks bad, does anyone know if the US has to win a medal to qualify for the Olympics? Or does the bronze in 2004 automatically qualify them for the 2008 Olympics?

New Team:

F - James/Battier/Morrison
F - Brand/Jamison
C - Bosh/Howard
G - Bryant/Arenas
G - Paul/Hinrich/Ridnour

EDIT: First place at the WCs gets a bid. If the US doesn't win that they need to get either 1st or 2nd in the Americas Zone or 1st, 2nd, or 3rd at the FIBA Olympic Qualitfying Tournament.

[richter911]

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e239/cmbchwang/jpwc.jpg

FIBA World Championship schedule

Event takes place in Japan
All times are Eastern

Saturday, Aug. 19
(Friday) 11 p.m.: Venezuela vs. Lebanon
(Friday) 11 p.m.: Germany vs. Japan
(Friday) 11 p.m.: Puerto Rico vs. USA
(Friday) 11 p.m.: Brazil vs. Australia
2 a.m.: Serbia & Montenegro vs. Nigeria
2 a.m.: Angola vs. Panama
2:30 a.m.: Greece vs. Qatar
2:30 a.m.: Slovenia vs. Senegal
5 a.m.: Argentina vs. France
5 a.m.: Spain vs. New Zealand
5:30 a.m.: Turkey vs. Lithuania
5:30 a.m.: China vs. Italy

Sunday, Aug. 20
(Saturday) 11 p.m.: Nigeria vs. Venezuela
(Saturday) 11 p.m.: Japan vs. Angola
(Saturday) 11:30 p.m.: Qatar vs. Brazil
(Saturday) 11:30 p.m.: Senegal vs. Puerto Rico
2 a.m.: Lebanon vs. Argentina
2 a.m.: New Zealand vs. Germany
2:30 a.m.: Australia vs. Turkey
2:30 a.m.: Italy vs. Slovenia
5 a.m.: France vs. Serbia & Montenegro
5 a.m.: Panama vs. Spain
5:30 a.m.: Lithuania vs. Greece
5:30 a.m.: USA vs. China

Monday, Aug. 21
(Sunday) 11 p.m.: Argentina vs. Venezuela
(Sunday) 11 p.m.: Angola vs. New Zealand
2 a.m.: Serbia & Montenegro vs. Lebanon
2 a.m.: Germany vs. Spain
5 a.m.: France vs. Nigeria
5 a.m.: Japan vs. Panama

Tuesday, Aug. 22
(Monday) 11:30 p.m.: Lithuania vs. Qatar
(Monday) 11:30 p.m.: China vs. Puerto Rico
12:30 a.m.: Greece vs. Australia
2:30 a.m.: Italy vs. Senegal
5:30 a.m.: Turkey vs. Brazil
5:30 a.m.: USA vs. Slovenia

Wednesday, Aug. 23
(Tuesday) 11 p.m.: Nigeria vs. Argentina
(Tuesday) 11 p.m.: Spain vs. Angola
(Tuesday) 11:30 p.m.: Australia vs. Lithuania
(Tuesday) 11:30 p.m.: Senegal vs. China
2 a.m.: Venezuela vs. Serbia & Montenegro
2 a.m.: Panama vs. Germany
2:30 a.m.: Qatar vs. Turkey
2:30 a.m.: Puerto Rico vs. Slovenia
5 a.m.: Lebanon vs. France
5 a.m.: New Zealand vs. Japan
5:30 a.m.: Brazil vs. Greece
5:30 a.m.: USA vs. Italy

Thursday, Aug. 24
(Wednesday) 11 p.m.: Serbia & Montenegro vs. Argentina
(Wednesday) 11 p.m.: Angola vs. Germany
(Wednesday) 11:30 p.m.: Australia vs. Qatar
(Wednesday) 11:30 p.m.: Slovenia vs. China
2 a.m.: Lebanon vs. Nigeria
2 a.m.: New Zealand vs. Panama
2:30 a.m.: Lithuania vs. Brazil
2:30 a.m.: Italy vs. Puerto Rico
5 a.m.: France vs. Venezuela
5 a.m.: Japan vs. Spain
5:30 a.m.: Greece vs. Turkey
5:30 a.m.: USA vs. Senegal

Second round
Saturday, Aug. 26
Game 61: A1 - B4
Game 62: C2 - D3
Game 63: C1 - D4
Game 64: A2 - B3

Sunday, Aug. 27
Game 65: B1 - A4
Game 66: D2 - C3
Game 67: D1 - C4
Game 68: B2 - A3

Quarterfinals
Tuesday, Aug. 29
Game 69: Winner Game 61 - Winner Game 62
Game 70: Winner Game 63 - Winner Game 64

Wednesday, Aug. 30
Game 71: Winner Game 65 - Winner Game 66
Game 72: Winner Game 67 - Winner Game 68

Loser bracket semifinals
Thursday, Aug. 31
Game 73: Loser Game 69 - Loser Game 70
Game 74: Loser Game 71 - Loser Game 72

Medal Round Semifinals
Friday, Sept. 1
Game 75: Winner Game 69 - Winner Game 70, 2:30 a.m.
Game 76: Winner Game 71 - Winner Game 72, 5:30 a.m.

Finals
Saturday, Sept. 2
2:30 a.m.: 5th/6th Place Game: Winner Game 73 - Winner Game 74
5:30 a.m.: Bronze Medal Game: Loser Game 75 - Loser Game 76

Sunday, Sept. 3
2:30 a.m.: 7th/8th Place Game: Loser Game 73 - Loser Game 74
5:30 a.m.: Gold Medal Game: Winner Game 75 - Winner Game 76

[richter911]

Kobe won't play for USA after knee surgery.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2520373

Kobe Bryant reportedly had surgery and won't play for Team USA this summer.

Bryant had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee Friday and will need eight to 12 weeks to recover, The Riverside Press-Enterprise reported Saturday.

While Bryant will not participate in the team's training camp next week, he will get the chance to compete for the Olympic team, a USA Basketball spokesperson told the paper.

The sugery was a "minor treatment" of cartilage and to remove scar tissue. The Lakers begin training camp Oct. 2.

"We trust that Kobe will have a total and speedy recover, and we are pleased that he expressed a willingness to remain as involved with our team as possible through this process," Jerry Colangelo, USA Basketball Senior National Team managing director, said in a statement issued by USA Basketball to The Press-Enterprise. "Kobe being with the team will add to our team chemistry, and his presence will help provide valuable off-court leadership."

USA Basketball announced Thursday that Bryant's L.A. teammate Lamar Odom and Paul Pierce would miss training camp later this month. Another player, J.J. Redick, had recently said he wouldn't take part when camp opens Wednesday in Las Vegas because he has been out with a back injury.

After training camp, the roster will be whittled from 24 to 15 players, then trimmed to 12 for the World Championships, which begin Aug. 19 in Japan.

The U.S. is in Group D with 2004 Olympic silver medalist Italy, Puerto Rico, Slovenia, China and Senegal.

The winner of the 24-nation World Championships receives an automatic berth to the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China. If Team USA does not win, it must qualify through the 2007 FIBA Tournament of the Americas.

[spankz141]

Good luck V-Span!

[RocketForever]

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e239/cmbchwang/jpwc.jpg

Looks like Yao is the biggest draw of the event. It would be funny if he ends up not playing one minute in it.

[KellyDwyer]

Still no word on whether or not this will be televised? The FIBA and NBA sites aren't saying anything, and I can't believe NBA TV isn't hopping on this. Is the cost prohibitive for NBA TV? Very surprised by this.

[richter911]

I just looked it up,it appears all the USA games will be on ESPN2.

[The_Yoyo]

weird i live in la and have heard nothing about the kobe surgery until i saw the thread today. granted that post was a few hours ago it still is strange. it seems strange for him to delayed the surgery for so long because he would have probably known about the loose tissue and he seemed so pumped to play for the us. its a shame he wont play it would be the only time i would openly root for him too.

[JumpMan]

No Billups, no Redd, no Kobe, no Pierce, no Redick... We're screwed. This is who they should send:

F - James/Battier/Morrison
F - Brand/Jamison
C - Bosh/Howard
G - Arenas/Johnson
G - Paul/Hinrich/Ridnour

Knowing the arrogance of USA Basketball, they'll probably start Wade in the backcourt with Paul, meaning that all three perimeter players will suck at spot up shooting, meaning that we will be once again the worse shooting team in the tournament.

[hikanoo49]

Brad Miller
Shane Battier
Morrisson
Reddick
Ridnour


This team is perfect for international ball. All 5 can step back and shoot the 3 and they can all penetrate and dish as well.

[TheBigSleep]

Brad Miller
Shane Battier
Morrisson
Reddick
Ridnour


This team is perfect for international ball. All 5 can step back and shoot the 3 and they can all penetrate and dish as well.

Oh I thought you meant because most international teams average 4.5 white people on the court at a given time =P

Thats a terrible defensive lineup, and one that cannot create anything off the dribble. Its just not a very good lineup.

[airbulllard]

I just looked it up,it appears all the USA games will be on ESPN2.

where'd you find this? i've been looking forever. link? thanks

[g1184]

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e239/cmbchwang/jpwc.jpg


Who's number 5 in the top left corner?

[robbie380]

Who's number 5 in the top left corner?


manu.

[richter911]

where'd you find this? i've been looking forever. link? thanks

http://sports.espn.go.com/espntv/espnGuide

Here is the link.You can click the calender to see their daily schedule.

[compucomp]

http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/stories/MYSA072406.en.bowen.1d0204f0.html

With Bruce Bowen making the cut according to this, it does not look positive for Battier's chances. I think we'll hear that he didn't make it when the 15-man rosters are announced tomorrow.

[compucomp]

http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/stories/MYSA072406.en.bowen.1d0204f0.html

With Bruce Bowen making the cut according to this, it does not look positive for Battier's chances. I think we'll hear that he didn't make it when the 15-man rosters are announced tomorrow.

Check that... Andy Katz says otherwise. He says that Marion will leave due to a knee injury, and Morrison and Ridnour will be cut to bring the roster down to 15, which leaves both Bowen and Battier.


Marion's departure trims the roster down to 17, leaving two more possible cuts -- likely Seattle point guard Luke Ridnour and former Gonzaga forward and Charlotte Bobcats first-round draft pick Adam Morrison. That means the 15 players likely to travel to Asia are: Carmelo Anthony, Gilbert Arenas, Shane Battier, Chris Bosh, Bruce Bowen, Elton Brand, Dwight Howard, LeBron James, Antawn Jamison, Joe Johnson, Brad Miller, Chris Paul, Amare Stoudemire, Dwyane Wade and Kirk Hinrich. The coaching staff will meet Tuesday morning before the news conference to make the final call. Ridnour looks to lose out to Chicago's Hinrich, and Morrison is up against veteran options.

[compucomp]

oops, forgot the link:

http://sports.espn.go.com/oly/wbc2006/columns/story?columnist=katz_andy&id=2528801

[ymc]

oops, forgot the link:

http://sports.espn.go.com/oly/wbc2006/columns/story?columnist=katz_andy&id=2528801

Cool. But eventually it has to be down to 12 for the WC. I suspect Bowen, Amare and Joe Johnson will be cut. This leaves us:

Brand/Howard/Miller
Bosh/Jamison
James/Battier
Wade/Arenas/Melo
Paul/Hinrich

Good enough to win on paper but you still have to play. :cool:

[BiGGieStuFF]

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e239/cmbchwang/jpwc.jpg


Man, that picture shows such a huge change in yao's physique. His top actually matches his bottom now.

[g1184]

manu.

Manu looks black.

[g1184]

Looks like Yao is the biggest draw of the event. It would be funny if he ends up not playing one minute in it.

The sizing of the players is interesting too. Lebron James, by far the biggest star and arguably best talent in the NBA, has the smallest image. I wonder if that's because the rest of the world are less familiar with the American player or if it's politically motivated. I can understand him being smaller than Yao - he's got the entire nation of China backing him up. But it looks like Lebron lost out on the popularity contest to Ginobili, Parker, and Gasol as well. I wonder what Nike thinks about this.

[ymc]

The sizing of the players is interesting too. Lebron James, by far the biggest star and arguably best talent in the NBA, has the smallest image. I wonder if that's because the rest of the world are less familiar with the American player or if it's politically motivated. I can understand him being smaller than Yao - he's got the entire nation of China backing him up. But it looks like Lebron lost out on the popularity contest to Ginobili, Parker, and Gasol as well. I wonder what Nike thinks about this.

But isn't Japanese our sturdy ally? How can that be politically motivated?

Remember this is an international competition not an extension of NBA. James only warmed the bench in 04 Olympics, why shouldn't he take a back seat to other players in this poster who had more international games exposure?

And why should Nike to have anything to do with this? Did they pay for the whole tournament? :rolleyes:

[wstar]

Final 15-man travel roster announced.
USA 15-man Travel Squad (http://usabasketball.com/seniormen/2006/06_mwc_finalists15.html)

[A-Train]

15 man roster

Melo
Arenas
Battier
Bosh
Bowen
Brand (killer B's??)
Hinrich
Dwight Howard
Lebron
Jamison
Joe Johnson
Brad Miller
Chris Paul
Amare
Wade

I'm thinking that Bowen, Hinrich, and Jamison won't make the 12 man roster. That's a pretty killer lineup even without Kobe, McGrady, Duncan, and Garnett

[weslinder]

I'd agree with you on Bowen and maybe Jamison, but Hinrich is great and will be even better in international competition. He's easily the best defensive guard on that team. Joe Johnson might be in danger of not making the top 12.

[KaiSeR SoZe]

I liked our Puerto Rico qualifying team from a couple of years ago :(

[airbulllard]

http://sports.espn.go.com/espntv/espnGuide

Here is the link.You can click the calender to see their daily schedule.


thanks dude, been looking for this forever.

[101 6 7]

I'd agree with you on Bowen and maybe Jamison, but Hinrich is great and will be even better in international competition. He's easily the best defensive guard on that team. Joe Johnson might be in danger of not making the top 12.

By all accounts Bowen has acquitted himself very well throughout this. He is expected to be

...anyway, here is the ESPN Insider's take on the thing:

ESPN Insider
Archive

LAS VEGAS -- Cutdown day is coming for Team USA, which needs to whittle its roster of 24 players down to 15 before heading overseas, and then down to 12 for the World Championships.

The first cuts will come Tuesday after the final day of practice. Then the team gets a five-day break, and the final active roster won't be submitted until Aug. 18 -- the day before the tournament begins.

Chris Paul's game was already familiar to Coach K in the ACC.Thus far, Chris Paul has improved his stock the most, with Carmelo Anthony a close second and Joe Johnson third, judging by comments made by coach Mike Krzyzewski after practice Friday.

"Paul has really jumped up. He's the truest point guard, and he gets it downcourt so fast that we have to be able to run with him, and we're not in shape yet to do that," Krzyzewski said.

"Carmelo has stood out, he's like on a mission. I don't know what mission it is, but he's been terrific. I didn't know Joe Johnson, and I don't know if there can be a more solid player. I mean he can play four positions, he shoots, he defends and he doesn't say peep. There's high maintenance, low maintenance and no maintenance. He's no maintenance. And I'm impressed with the potential of Dwight Howard. What an amazing guy, and I just think he's going to grow."

The United States invited 24 players to training camp in Las Vegas, but injuries sidelined Kobe Bryant, J.J. Redick and Paul Pierce, and the death of an infant son caused Lamar Odom to withdraw. Amare Stoudemire is attending and playing, but he's still recovering from knee surgery and would be an extreme longshot to make the final active roster. Michael Redd and Chauncey Billups are in camp but won't be traveling to Asia because of personal commitments.

That leaves 17 players (18 counting Stoudemire) vying for 12 spots, and Krzyzewski offered some insight into what the decision-making process will be when the first cut is made Tuesday.

"We have to be careful not to multiply positions too much," Krzyzewski said. "Can we take two or three points guards on the trip? How many big guys do we need? On the perimeter, do people duplicate something? That's where the decisions will have to be made, and that's going to be tough."

With Coach K's comments in mind, Insider handicaps each player's chances of actually wearing a Team USA jersey when the World Championships begins:

• Carmelo Anthony: A lock to make the active roster, and he may even be earning himself a spot in the starting lineup. "Carmelo came in here as part of a mission, and he has played accordingly. He's making a statement early on in this camp with how much he wants to make this team," team director Jerry Colangelo told Insider.

• Gilbert Arenas: The coach's infatuation with the Paul is going to be bad news for one of the other point guards, but Arenas is clearly the best of them, and Team USA will need his outside shooting to contend with the steady diet of zone defenses they'll see. Pretty close to being a lock for the final 12.

• Shane Battier: His Duke roots won't hurt him, but the numbers game will likely work against him. Odds are he'll be a practice player who makes the trip to Japan but doesn't make the cut from 15 to 12.

• Chauncey Billups: His wife is expecting a baby, and he will not travel to Asia. He still might be a member of the 2008 Olympic team, and he might even play next summer at the Tournament of the Americas in Venezuela if the U.S. fails to win the gold medal in Japan.

• Chris Bosh: He's a favorite of Colangelo's, and Team USA desperately needs his size and inside-outside game. Look for him to be the first big man off the bench in Japan, though he may start against teams with multiple big men who can shoot the 3.

• Bruce Bowen: This is the guy they were talking about when they said they wanted to bring in role players, and Bowen's role will be to defend the opposing team's best scorer. If the US faces Argentina, he'll be the one guarding Spurs teammate Manu Ginobili. With his defense and 3-point shooting, he's another lock for the final 12.

• Elton Brand: He's America's best big man, at least until Greg Oden (who attended two days of this training camp) gets to the NBA, and he has plenty of international basketball experience. Probably the starting center in Japan.

• Kobe Bryant: Stunned Colangelo and Krzyzewski by undergoing knee surgery a couple of days before camp opened. Is not in Las Vegas yet, but is expected to attend the second phase of camp beginning July 31.

• Kirk Hinrich: Has been slowed during camp by a tweaked hamstring, which hasn't helped his case for possibly being the third point guard. It's still too early to count him out, though.

• Dwight Howard: A lock for the 15-man squad that will leave for Asia on Aug. 4, and it's hard to see him being kept off the final 12-man roster. Coach K sounded genuinely impressed, saying he expects to see even greater things two weeks from now.

• LeBron James: The King is a lock for Japan, the only question being what his role will be in the World Championship. You could make the case that he'd be the perfect sixth man if Coach K went with a starting five of Paul, Dwyane Wade, Bowen, Anthony and Brand.

• Antawn Jamison: Told Insider after practice Friday that this is the first time in his life he's been in the position of trying out for a team. "I'm in a situation where I'm on the bubble, but I think I'm unique. I can come in and shoot from the outside is they need me to, or I can score on the inside. I can adapt too to what we're doing defensively, and I think that fits in to what this team is trying to do."

• Joe Johnson: Another lock for Japan, and will probably be the emergency third point guard behind Paul and Arenas. Put him out there with a couple of other shooters, and no one will dare play zone against the U.S.

• Shawn Marion: The only guy in camp who played on both the 2002 World Championship team and the 2004 Olympic team. A favorite of Colangelo's, so we'll list him as a 99 percent lock to make the final 12.

• Brad Miller: When the team bigwigs debate the merits of bringing an extra big man, this is one of the main guys they're talking about. He'll probably be on the plane to Asia, but a spot on the final 12 will have to be earned -- or created by an injury.

• Adam Morrison: He's in camp to get a taste of the program, but his stay is expected to be short. He's the easiest guy to cut, so count on him getting cut Tuesday.

• Lamar Odom: Withdrew after Jayden Odom, his third child, died in a crib last month just 6 1/2 months after being born.

• Chris Paul: The reigning Rookie of the Year, as noted above, has been the most impressive player in camp. He's not a lock yet for the final 12, but he's pretty close.

• Paul Pierce: Is scheduled to have minor surgery on his left elbow Aug. 1, and has not been in camp.

• Michael Redd: Is attending camp, but won't be traveling to Asia because of his upcoming marriage plans. Would have been the pure shooter the Americans have been lacking the past few years, and will probably play in Beijing.

• J.J. Redick: Has been bothered by a back injury, and attended camp for only two days before leaving. Never had a shot at making the final 15, but viewed as a building block for the future.

• Luke Ridnour: He was an early favorite to be one of the first cuts, but Hinrich's hamstring injury might be helping his cause somewhat. If he makes the final 15, he'd be a practice player in Asia.

• Amare Stoudemire: Lots of people forget he was a member of the 2004 Olympic team because Larry Brown kept him buried on the end of the bench. His recent knee surgery makes him the easiest cut aside from Morrison.

• Dwyane Wade: A lock for Japan, and probably a lock for the starting lineup. But will Coach K use him as the starting point guard? Or does he put him at shooting guard and find another place to use LeBron? It'll to be interesting to watch as the team plays exhibitions in Las Vegas (against Puerto Rico Aug. 3), Guangzhou, China (against China and Lithuania Aug. 7-8) and Seoul, South Korea (against Lithuania and Korea Aug. 13 and 15).

Chris Sheridan, a national NBA reporter for the past decade, covers the league for ESPN Insider.

[A-Train]

I'm still not sure about Bowen. He really brings nothing offensively, and I don't think the US can afford to be on the floor without a legit scoring threat at each position. He's a good defender, but international basketball doesn't rely on one-on-one play as much as good passing and shooting. With all the screens and picks that the other teams will run, a solid team defensive philosophy will be much more important than one good individual defender. We'll see...

[geeimsobored]

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=AoALm1zF4Lpw0iyDdapkx628vLYF?slug=ap-uscamp-roster&prov=ap&type=lgns

LAS VEGAS (AP) -- Shawn Marion, Adam Morrison and Luke Ridnour were left off the U.S. national team's roster Tuesday before its trip to Asia for the world championships next month.

Amare Stoudemire and Kirk Hinrich were the only moderately surprising inclusions on the 15-man roster, which will play five warmup games in Las Vegas, China and Korea before opening the world championships in Japan on Aug. 19.

ADVERTISEMENT
Coach Mike Krzyzewski and his staff must trim the roster to 12 players before the world championships.

Marion, the Phoenix Suns' three-time NBA All-Star, apparently was left off the roster because of a minor knee injury. He was just one of five candidates remaining from the 2004 U.S. Olympic team, which won disappointing bronze medals.

Hinrich, the Chicago Bulls point guard, beat out Ridnour for the ostensible third-string spot behind Chris Paul and Gilbert Arenas. Hinrich was slowed by a hamstring injury during the team's weeklong training camp in Las Vegas, but apparently did enough to impress Krzyzewski.

Stoudemire earned a spot on the traveling team with a remarkable comeback from surgery on both knees during last season with the Suns, when he played in three NBA games. The 6-foot-10 forward looked strong and mobile during training camp despite struggling during summer-league play a few weeks ago.

The rest of the 15-man roster includes LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Dwyane Wade, Shane Battier, Chris Bosh, Bruce Bowen, Elton Brand, Dwight Howard, Antawn Jamison, Joe Johnson, Brad Miller, Arenas and Paul.

In all, 25 players have committed to be members of the U.S. national team for the next three years, through the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.

[dream2franchise]

I'd really like to see Hinrich make that team, it never hurts to have three PG's on a team, especially when one of them is a shoot first PG. Hinrich's defense is a definate need.

I'm thinking Jamison, Stoudamire (just to give him time to recover fully), and either Bowen/Battier get cut, hopefully Joe Johnson makes the team, i think he'll shine on the world stage, i really like him as a player.

[ymc]

I'm still not sure about Bowen. He really brings nothing offensively, and I don't think the US can afford to be on the floor without a legit scoring threat at each position. He's a good defender, but international basketball doesn't rely on one-on-one play as much as good passing and shooting. With all the screens and picks that the other teams will run, a solid team defensive philosophy will be much more important than one good individual defender. We'll see...

I think he will make the final 12. He won't be useful any more when Olympics comes. So why not play him now? I think Melo, Amare and Joe Johnson will be cut

[kobefor3ITSGOOD]

I think Battier will be cut when they narrow it down to 12 for sure. Like the article says, he'll go to Japan but won't do anything else. Also, Bowen will probably be gone too unless Team USA really feels they need him THAT much to guard Ginobili.

[compucomp]

I think Battier will be cut when they narrow it down to 12 for sure. Like the article says, he'll go to Japan but won't do anything else. Also, Bowen will probably be gone too unless Team USA really feels they need him THAT much to guard Ginobili.

I think that exactly one of Bowen and Battier will make the final team. From what I've heard reported, it's Bowen. Probably in 2008 Bowen will be too old, and then they'll take Battier instead.

[MandM's]

I'm pulling for Bowen to make it.

I live in SA but not a Spurs fan, but I like his attitude towards the game

[aussie rocket]

I'm still not sure about Bowen. He really brings nothing offensively, and I don't think the US can afford to be on the floor without a legit scoring threat at each position.

I dispute this. If anything I think they'll need more Bruce Bowens on the floor. It is possible to have TOO MANY go-to guys.

5 guys who all want to shoot leads to confusion and frustration etc etc...

this is where the US have gotten into trouble in recent international play.

[A_3PO]

I dispute this. If anything I think they'll need more Bruce Bowens on the floor. It is possible to have TOO MANY go-to guys.

5 guys who all want to shoot leads to confusion and frustration etc etc...

this is where the US have gotten into trouble in recent international play.
Because of the Olympic debacle under the neurotic LB, supposedly the USA players don't care about individual scoring. Everyone is supposed to play team ball and give maximum effort for their 20 mins/game each. Plus, it's easy to tell which players will not be focusing on scoring.

We will see.

[g1184]

But isn't Japanese our sturdy ally? How can that be politically motivated?

Remember this is an international competition not an extension of NBA. James only warmed the bench in 04 Olympics, why shouldn't he take a back seat to other players in this poster who had more international games exposure?

And why should Nike to have anything to do with this? Did they pay for the whole tournament? :rolleyes:

I'm just pointing out the differences that would have been had the same poster been made in the United States. If you got all the international coaches together right before the competition and had an international draft, i'm 99.999% sure Lebron would be the first pick. So, if you chose to believe this, that's why I find it interesting that he's the smallest. All the factors that determine the layout of the poster can probably be described as either cultural, economic, political, or aesthetic.

While you'd think aesthetics would dominate, I gave it less pull because Japan is ultimately a capitalist country and hosting an international event which will guarantee viewers from multiple first world countries - which translates into revenue either directly or indirectly (tourism). Half the reason they chose Yao as their main draw - it's probably easier to get people from China to visit than it is to get someone from the United States. I understand it doesn't carry the prestige of the Olympics, but it's something.

These were also the reasons why the poster's layout didn't make economic sense. If the US were to host an international soccer match - which they are this weekend, Chelsea vs. MLS All-Stars, for those interested - I'm pretty sure Wayne Rooney's image would be more prominantly promoted than Alecko Eskandarian (who?) because Rooney has better overall game and would be the larger economic draw.

The difference in culture makes sense, which is where you brought up the great point that James' lack of international exposure would fit him a smaller image because foreign nations are less familiar with his image. This is why I brought up Nike. When the company plasters a seven story tall image of Lebron James on the side of building with "I am a witness" they're not trying to directly make you form an opinion about their shoes. What they're doing is influencing the culture of their market to gravitate towards their product by making their spokesman a prominant figure in the lives of their constituents. Because Lebron's so small, it's obvious that Nike hasn't been able to (or hasn't tried to) ingrain their spokesman in Japan's consumer culture. After all, Lebron's line is a huge chunk of Nike that will rival (and possibly surpass) #23's Jumpman in the future, and if I was an executive I'd definately pay to build his image.

Politically, the United States has a horrible image, and if I was any other country hosting an international anything, ally or not, I wouldn't put stars and stripes front and center. Yao promotes regional favoritism, which is the next best thing to nationalism, and strengthens the consumer fanbase that's the most likely to invest in the event.

Since you HAD to ask, that's why I think it's "interesting." That's all it is, not outrageous, reprehensible, or grossly offensive to my sense of decency, morality and national pride. Just interesting.

Your sarcastic rolly eyes have been duly noted and subsequently unappreciated.

[Invisible Fan]

I'm pulling for Bowen to make it.

I live in SA but not a Spurs fan, but I like his attitude towards the game

Bowen is a dirty lil bastard.

[SamFisher]

If the US were to host an international soccer match - which they are this weekend, Chelsea vs. MLS All-Stars, for those interested - I'm pretty sure Wayne Rooney's image would be more prominantly promoted than Alecko Eskandarian (who?) because Rooney has better overall game and would be the larger economic draw.


I'm going to have to disagree that Rooney would be featured.

[rrj_gamz]

Bring it on b*tches... :D

[g1184]

I'm going to have to disagree that Rooney would be featured.

damn ... uh, I said Michael Ballack ...

[weslinder]

I can understand why Coach K absolutely loves Dwyane Wade, his heart and willingness to be coached make him the ultimate Coach K-type player. But when the US starts facing good international competition who really know how to use the zone, we're going to see how worthless his talent is in international competition. The best players against the zone are jump shooters. Games 1 and 2 against the Mavs show Wade's jump shooting ability. And if he plays the way he did in the finals, pushing off and banging into defenders, with refs who are typically biased against the US and world-class floppers, he'll foul out in 2 minutes flat.

[dream2franchise]

U.S. team impressive in scrimmage vs. Puerto Rico
By BRIAN MAHONEY, AP Basketball Writer
August 1, 2006

LAS VEGAS (AP) -- If the Americans play as well as they did at times Tuesday night, they might not even miss the guy sitting behind the basket.

The U.S. team made an impressive debut, winning all four quarters of a scrimmage against Puerto Rico before a Thomas & Mack Center crowd that included injured teammate Kobe Bryant.

ADVERTISEMENT

Bryant, unable to play in the upcoming world championships after undergoing knee surgery last month, made his first appearance at training camp and sat with USA Basketball managing director Jerry Colangelo about five rows behind the basket.

And watching Carmelo Anthony, LeBron James and Dwyane Wade put on a show reminded Bryant -- who also had to pull out of before the 2004 Olympics while dealing with a sexual assault trial -- how much he wanted to be a part of the team.

"It's tough, it's really tough," Bryant said after the game. "Especially coming, seeing guys playing, competing and doing what they did today.

"I've been looking forward to this. Since I spoke with Mr. Colangelo on the phone I've been looking forward to it, coming out here and playing and competing. It's very upsetting."

Even without the NBA's leading scorer, the Americans had several impressive spurts during the four-quarter scrimmage. Scores were reset at the start of each period, otherwise the Americans would have won 116-82.

U.S. coach Mike Krzyzewski stressed earlier Tuesday that the scrimmage was nothing more than a practice, but he found his players took it more seriously than that.

"I like the fact, I think it meant something," Krzyzewski said. "I thought actually a couple of guys were nervous in a good way. That means it means something. I thought they tried to play every possession."

The U.S. held a Puerto Rican team that included Orlando guard Carlos Arroyo without a point for more than 3 minutes to open the second quarter. The most impressive stretch came during the third period, when James, Wade and Dwight Howard all threw down powerful dunks -- at the basket right in front of Bryant.

"It's amazing, it's fun to watch," Bryant said. "They come at you in waves. It's nonstop, the pressure that they put on fullcourt, quick hands, quick feet that they have."

The scrimmage marked the first time the teams were together since the Puerto Ricans routed the Americans 92-73 during preliminary round play at the 2004 Olympics.

Anthony was on that U.S. team, and hasn't forgotten about his Olympic debut.

"I remember like it was yesterday," he said after a morning practice. "I can't forget that ... whipping."

He guaranteed a competitive atmosphere, then went out and was the best player on the floor. He scored 23 points and shot 10-for-13 from the floor while helping spearhead the strong defensive effort to begin the second quarter.

Anthony said the plan was to build on a strong finish to the first quarter by the previous unit. Krzyzewski played seven players in the first and third quarters, and the other eight in the other two.

"We tried to learn from their mistakes and I think it helped us in the second quarter," Anthony said.

James added 20 points. All 15 players scored for the Americans.

Arroyo scored 17 points for the Puerto Ricans, including a 3-point shot just before the buzzer at the end of the second quarter. Rick Apodaca, who played at Hofstra, added 13 points.

The teams meet again Thursday night in an exhibition game, and face each other in their opening game at the world championships on Aug. 19 in Sapporo.

Bryant could be there at some point. He said he wasn't planning to travel to Asia while continuing to rehab his knee, but Colangelo said Nike would like Bryant to make a promotional appearance in Japan.

But he'll have to wait at least another year before making his U.S. debut.

"It's really, really tough," Bryant said. "Just have to do what I have to do, I guess."

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=Aoy3X5UQRRLkZHCCmLLKHxm8vLYF?slug=ap-uscamp&prov=ap&type=lgns

[JumpMan]

They beat Puerto Rico in an exhibition last year before getting whooped when it really counts...

"We'd rather not overplay our guys, put too much structure in offensively, because we would like to be precise on the defensive end and give them freedom on the offensive end."

Bad move Coach.

[ymc]

So who got the minutes in this scrimmage? Maybe then we can find out who will be cut.

[ymc]

Amare is out. Next up Joe Johnson and Jamison. Go Battier! :D

[Texas Stoke]

Amare is out. Next up Joe Johnson and Jamison. Go Battier! :D

I don't think Joe Johnson will be cut. He was on of the guys that got it going for the US during that 2nd quarter.

Stoudamire and Jamison will probably be cut then it would have to be out of Bowen, Bosh, and Brad Miller. as of now I'd say it's Bowen who is the last player to be cut.

[weslinder]

Amare is out. Next up Joe Johnson and Jamison. Go Battier! :D
Joe Johnson was the suprise of the game for me. He's going to play a big part.

[TheBigSleep]

They beat Puerto Rico in an exhibition last year before getting whooped when it really counts...

Bad move Coach.

The biggest problem on last years team was the coach. We now have a coach who understands that he has smart creative playmakers. Even at Duke, he ran motion offense because he trusts his players to make the right decisions.

Brown is all about fitting pieces into his system, while Coach K is much more flexible and fluid in using his players.

This team should continue to improve as they figure out how to play with one another in K's system.

[freemaniam]

CNT's roster for WC fixed:

WANG, ZhiZhi
MO, Ke
LIU, Wei
YAO, Ming
YI, JianLian
ZHU, FangYu
DU, Feng
WANG ShiPeng
SUN Yue
Zhang XongTao
ZHANG QingPeng
CHEN JiangHua

GO CHINA!!!

[Haim]

A site that will show the games: http://live-sports.atspace.com/

[JumpMan]

USA beat Korea by 53 points last night :eek:, did anyone see it?

http://www.usabasketball.com/seniormen/2006/06_mwc_exhibition_game5.html

[Swack]

Wow, Bowen finally scored.

[AXG]

USA beat Korea by 53 points last night :eek:, did anyone see it?

http://www.usabasketball.com/seniormen/2006/06_mwc_exhibition_game5.html
Talk about a major butt-whoopin'. :eek:

[TracyMcCrazyeye]

USA beat Korea by 53 points last night :eek:, did anyone see it?

http://www.usabasketball.com/seniormen/2006/06_mwc_exhibition_game5.html

watching right now on espn2. and yes, its a definite wooping.

[Honey Bear]

http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/sp/getty/46/full.getty-71630872ng019_usab_camp_8_13_59_am.jpg

http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/sp/getty/bd/full.getty-basket-kor-usa-training_5_23_34_am.jpg

[JumpMan]

Finally this thing gets going tonight (tomorrow, whatever) 12:00 in the AM on ESPN2, Team USA's revenge game against Puerto Rico. Be there or be square or something...

For those who will TiVO the thing, I hope you don't wake up to a bitch fest, I don't think you will, the team looks strong, but you never know. :cool:

[Texas Stoke]

Lets kick some ass!

USA rules the world!

I'm kidding around. But this is cool. I want to watch Greece and China and some of the other teams. This is just a really cool thing to have going on right now for us basketball fans. It's almost like March Madness for the world of professional basketball.

I want to see Yao and Spanoulis do well but really just long as they stay healthy, thats all that matters. Same goes for Battier.

[ghost]

Is anyone recording these games? I don't have that ability at the moment and wanted to record them. If anyone records the games, please let me know.

[Dr. Basketball]

Wade + James = going on a federer like winning streak!

[BrockStapper]

A site that will show the games: http://live-sports.atspace.com/

Thanks!!!

[slowmustang]

A site that will show the games: http://live-sports.atspace.com/

I get tennis.... :confused:

[slowmustang]

Never mind...didnt realize it hasn't started yet. :p

[dandorotik]

1st observation- USA's defense kicks up a notch as soon as Battier goes in.

2nd observation- Dwight Howard is going to be a beast in the NBA.

[JumpMan]

Anyone else worried? Don't like all those missed threes and scared play against the zone.

But you have to love that defense...

[dandorotik]

BATTIER FOR 3!!!

[dandorotik]

BATTIER SAVES THE BALL!!

OK, that's enough commentary for now.

[JumpMan]

Wade stinks again.. so far.

These refs stink worse though...

[Texas Stoke]

Refs are calling a very one-sided game so far.

The Puerto Ricans are a bunch of punks. They are the instigitators and when they get hit back they can't take it.

[JumpMan]

Down 1 after the 1st quarter, zone screwing them up again, but the refs are obviously on Puerto Rico's side. They need to just accept that because it's not going to change unless they play Iraq or Iran so just kick their asses 5 against 7.

Brand is such a ball hog... :p

[yaoluv]

Man I love Arroyos game. He is so ballsy. Its so great watching an NBA scrub with balls and heart take it to the all star team.

[JumpMan]

Team USA is catching fire, especially Carmelo and Joe Johnson...

Arroyo is a baby, he's lucky that the entire Puerto Rican team is dedicated to making him the star, therefore he looks a lot better than he really is.

Yes, we need a guy to give opponents those types of cheap shots.. :D

[JeopardE]

Coach K needs to make some defensive adjustments ASAP.

And get Joe Johnson and Kirk Hinrich some more playing time dangit. I'm tired of the bricklaying.

[JumpMan]

Defensive adjustment = zone defense

Maybe camping Brand and Howard in the lane will discourage Arroyo and the other PR guards from penetrating at will.

PR is shooting 68%!

[JumpMan]

Ha! PR's decision to play man to man D has cost them the opportunity to keep this game within reach.

[slowmustang]

Lebron needs to shoot FT's all day....

[BiGGieStuFF]

I just don't understand how these international guards can penetrate so easily.

[JumpMan]

OK this is getting ugly, if they're not going to blow these dudes out at least play a pleasing brand of basketball. JJ, Carmelo, Battier, and Hinrich play ball that is nice to watch, I'm not so sure about everyone else.

I think that douchebag announcer, not Fran the other one, is rooting for Puerto Rico.

[BrockStapper]

the whole US team needs to shoot free throws all day...

On a completely unrelated note, I wish everyone associated with audio - from mics to internet delivery - was forced to take an extensive class in gain structure.

I will deal with crappy compression and artifacts if it means I can hear something, but there is no excuse for digital clipping. In addition to the digital clipping is an obvious electrical hum which is most likely from a mismatched impedence or improper grounding.

I could rant for minutes...

[jello77]

is there a website where i can at least follow the game by gamecast or something i went to yahoo, espn and nba.com and its getting ridiculous...no wonder the ratings for this thing is low since they barely mention there is a game going on. christ.

[BrockStapper]

is there a website where i can at least follow the game by gamecast or something i went to yahoo, espn and nba.com and its getting ridiculous...no wonder the ratings for this thing is low since they barely mention there is a game going on. christ.

I took a chance and downloaded the TVU player that is linked on the website above. It works. CCTV 5 is the game.

Switched to HBO during halftime. This thing is kinda' cool.

actually I think this is the one: http://www.tvunetworks.com/downloads/index.htm

[JumpMan]

http://www.download.com/TVU-Player/3000-2194_4-10549204.html

That's the TVU Player. Enjoy!

This homo announcer is getting on my nerves..

[BrockStapper]

http://www.download.com/TVU-Player/3000-2194_4-10549204.html

That's the TVU Player. Enjoy!

That's a link to an earlier beta version.

Not sure what the differences were but I felt more comfortable downloading the latest:

http://www.tvunetworks.com/downloads/index.htm

[JumpMan]

No wonder it wasn't working, my bad jello77.

Y'all liked that Battier block?

[LongTimeFan]

Battier is going to do wonders for the Rockets. I admit I underestimated his value.

[francis 4 prez]

unfortunately i forgot this was the game that came on at midnight (instead of 5:30 am), so where are wade, lebron, and carmelo right now? have we been doing the one line up for each quarter thing the whole game? or does coach K just figure it's wrapped up.

also, did all 3 start or did only 2.

[JumpMan]

Wade stunk... Lebron played OK... Carmelo did his thing. He did play different lineups every quarter, Jamison started the game but didn't play after the 1st quarter.

Wade came off the bench.

Disappointing game overall because they didn't blow them out, they played horrible defense, and they didn't rebound as well as they should. They probably need to play two BIGS at a time, not one center and either Carmelo or Lebron.

[aussie rocket]

have to post this...

http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,20183135-23769,00.html

the Aussies take a major first step. Screw the Socceroos and their boring sport. Go on Boomers - go ahead and make this country take notice!!

[A-Train]

The United States is going to get their asses handed to them by Argentina or S & M if they play like that in the elimination round

[Tb-Cain]

Did anyone else notice that we were leading 76-62, Puerto Rico scored, and all of the sudden the score went to 74-66 and was never corrected? We lost 4 points right there.

The announcer was audibly confused but never mentioned it. I guess he assumed he was mistaken and didn't want to say anything.

Also, the final score on the telecast was 111-101 but the stories this today showed 111-100.

I'm so glad they have their act together. Hasn't there been numerous discrepencies with the score in the exhibition matches?

[Texas Stoke]

Wade was everything you don't want to see. I don't how many points he scored or how many dunks he got the thing that bothered me with him was his lack of effort on defense and his lackadasical sloppy play when the USA got a comfortable lead. both times PR got back in the game after Wade seemed to take a few plays off. i don't like his body language out there, he needs to step it up and show a lot more effort, and not just little portions of effort when he has the ball, but throughout the game.

[Shawndme7]

The United States is going to get their asses handed to them by Argentina or S & M if they play like that in the elimination round


Right cause Argentina and S&M were so sharp last night too...

The main teams to worry about imo are Spain and Greece

[heypartner]

The United States is going to get their asses handed to them by . . . S & M
So, coming from the A-Train, that quote means a hole lot more.

[Omer]

Battier was pimpin that sheit.

[xtint1n]

I have a question. Why didnt tmac get invited? I mean I looked over his stats and stuff when he was playing for team USA and he did very well. 12.6 pgg and all that other stuff + the team did very well 10-0 or something.

[m_cable]

I have a question. Why didnt tmac get invited? I mean I looked over his stats and stuff when he was playing for team USA and he did very well. 12.6 pgg and all that other stuff + the team did very well 10-0 or something.

T-mac doesn't want to play on the US team. He's putting his attention and focus on preparing for the NBA rather than in international competition.

[xtint1n]

T-mac doesn't want to play on the US team. He's putting his attention and focus on preparing for the NBA rather than in international competition.

yhea.. but i mean did he even get invited??

[m_cable]

If Tracy wanted to join the US team, he's definitely get invited. He was on that stacked qualifying team from a few years ago, but decided not to go to Athens. Since then, I bet he's made it known that he's not interested in making the team, so he hasn't been asked just like how KG has made it known that he's not interested in team USA.

[BrockStapper]

Battier was pimpin that sheit.

I too was smiling and thinking about him on the court with T-mac and Yao.

The way I look at that whole thing is we gave up a lot for Battier. Why would Memphis have given him up for less? They are on a longer building plan than the Rockets. They have some time to grow. We gotta' be grown and harvesting pretty soon or we will be starving.

Cheers,
Brock

[xtint1n]

If Tracy wanted to join the US team, he's definitely get invited. He was on that stacked qualifying team from a few years ago, but decided not to go to Athens. Since then, I bet he's made it known that he's not interested in making the team, so he hasn't been asked just like how KG has made it known that he's not interested in team USA.

oooh icic.
i think if hes on the team right now. he'd be a 20ppg. scorer. i watched the game vs. puerto rico the other day. team usa sucks at shooting and the only way they can score is to be open [like hinrich and johnson] and fast break

[JeopardE]

Did anyone else notice that we were leading 76-62, Puerto Rico scored, and all of the sudden the score went to 74-66 and was never corrected? We lost 4 points right there.

The announcer was audibly confused but never mentioned it. I guess he assumed he was mistaken and didn't want to say anything.

Also, the final score on the telecast was 111-101 but the stories this today showed 111-100.

I'm so glad they have their act together. Hasn't there been numerous discrepencies with the score in the exhibition matches?

Yeah ... I remember looking up at the TV, seeing 74-66 and was like ... WTH? How did the lead disappear that quickly? Unfortunately I wasn't paying close enough attention to notice why. I thought the final score was corrected because the last shot wasn't a 3-pointer.

[francis 4 prez]

i would say yao must feel like he's playing on the rockets right now but china actually hits 3 pointers.

[rrj_gamz]

Poor Yao...China was no match for the US...I like his passion and as long as his foot feels fine, he needs the work to get back in shape...

[francis 4 prez]

did team USA leave the defense on the bus? no one is even trying to stop dribble penetration. granted, playing aggresively will get you beat, but they are getting beat very easily.

and boki drains a 3 like he's trying out for the rockets instead of playing for the rockets.

hopefully we step it up the rest of the way or this could be a long (or short) world championship.

[Swack]

Heh, we have a "comfortable" lead now. USA always starts out slow for some reason, but our superior depth wears the other teams down.

[The Sensei]

On the Chron sports sections for USA vs Slovenia, they show a picture of Bosh about to dunk one-handed, with his other hands clearly gripped to the rim. Is that kind of thing permitted in international rules?

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/headline/sports/4133052.html

I know goal-tending is allowed, so maybe hanging on the rim before the shot is allowed too?

[rrj_gamz]

Feel sorry for Yao, but again, the sooner they exit, the sooner he can come back to the states...

USA should be winning these games...Is it me, or can you tell a difference from USA teams in the past...More confidence, etc...

[A-Train]

Well, the US has officially qualified for the elimination round now. Maybe they can focus on trying to play some defense in their two remaining pool play games.

[Variant]

On the Chron sports sections for USA vs Slovenia, they show a picture of Bosh about to dunk one-handed, with his other hands clearly gripped to the rim. Is that kind of thing permitted in international rules?

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/headline/sports/4133052.html

I know goal-tending is allowed, so maybe hanging on the rim before the shot is allowed too?

I didn't see the shot, but this would probably be illegal unless he was doing this off of a missed shot. That'd be my guess...

[RocksMillenium]

The United States is going to get their asses handed to them by Argentina or S & M if they play like that in the elimination round

Tell them to bring it on!

[heypartner]

Well, the US has officially qualified for the elimination round now. Maybe they can focus on trying to play some defense in their two remaining pool play games.
I agree: The half court defense needs to improve. We need to play the PnR better and the drive and kick out. But, it also doesn't seem to be our game plan to focus on lock-down half court defense.

Seems Coach K is going for up tempo vs lock-down half court defense. Focusing on lock-down D might result in low scoring games, which doesn't favor us. Shooting for up tempo does suit us.

So what is your defensive strategy in up tempo.

It looks to me what is happening is we are trying to up the tempo to the point of actually stringing out the court...ie, allowing one cherry picker to force the other team to leave a 5th player back with him. Not all the way pass half court, but one guy who slowly comes back. So, if we can get the opps to shoot quickly on 4 on 4 by going for risky turnovers; #1: we get them outta their game (ie, chaotic play), #2, we get our share of turnovers, #3, we fastbreak out of made baskets, and most all misses, #4, we tire the opponents with our superior depth.

This offense-based-on-defensive scheme reminds me of the Magic Lakers/Loyola Marrymount. Bring your 5th defender back slowly and dare the other team to go 5 on 4 by upping their tempo.

So far, it appears each team we've played has fallen into the mistake of attacking a Magic/Lakers defense. They should just pull it back out and force the half court game. I suspect we'll see that more in elimination. And then we'll see how well we do playing true half-court defense against an opponent who wants the score in the 80s.

[A-Train]

The biggest problems the US are having is the dribble penetration and, like you said HP, the pick and roll. Arroyo is probably the one player the US has to watch out for in elimination play.

Suprisingly, the risky defense they've been utilizing by playing the passing lanes has worked pretty well, with only a few buckets given up on missed steals. It really boils down to defensive fundamentals, proper foot spacing and keeping the arms up. They have to always keep an arm or hand around the ball, so the other teams become hesitant to pass and force up bad long range shots. Try to disrupt every pass possible, no matter how menial it may be. If a guard gets in the lane, jump on his ass as soon as possible. Send three or four guys at him and force a bad pass.

[xiki]

Arroyo is probably the one player the US has to watch out for in elimination play.

So, why is this guy a FIBA stud but an NBA dud?

[heypartner]

So, why is this guy a FIBA stud but an NBA dud?
one reason might be that the High PnR in FIBA is 3' further in; that is, starting a PnR from 3pt land. Maybe that difference makes Arroyo in FIBA as effective as Tony Parker in the NBA.

[A-Train]

NBA dud? He had solid stats when he started for Utah along with a career 2.5 a/to ratio. I'd like to have him on the Rockets...

[Champ06]

3rd quarter, Italy leading by 52-48.

[Champ06]

Anthony just score a 3 pts and Wade scored another 2pts. USA lead by 1pt. Not dominating Italy at all. A tussle.

[Life2Def]

Carmello was lighting italy up, but USA needs to quit gambling for steals so much and play position d.

[A-Train]

I had to leave for work after the first half. What did the United States do in the second half that they didn't do in the first half when they were getting their asses kicked? They were still playing terrible on ball defense in the first half...

[JumpMan]

The announcers are anti-US, we need Rick Kamla!

[JumpMan]

I had to leave for work after the first half. What did the United States do in the second half that they didn't do in the first half when they were getting their asses kicked? They were still playing terrible on ball defense in the first half...

From what I heard they played a lot better D... Carmelo starting hitting everything... They rebounded better... Got some fast break buckets... I had to leave for work too.

Oh and apparently they started running plays because one anti-US announcer said, "That was the first play the US has ran all night". :rolleyes:

[Champ06]

USA won by 9 pts, a disappointing game for USA. USA was not out of trouble until the last few minutes. Italy playing great by their standard, and if USA wants to win Gold, they better pick up their game fast. No more sloppy play.

[A-Train]

Oh and apparently they started running plays because one anti-US announcer said, "That was the first play the US has ran all night". :rolleyes:

He might have been right. What I watched of the game, there was nothing but isolation play. I thought I was watching the Rockets circa 2002...

[JumpMan]

That's true, but isolation plays are usually plays too and that wasn't the first play they ran all night either.



Team USA has finished first in group D and will go up against the fourth place team in group C in the Eight Finals which will be either Autrailia, Lithuania, or Brazil. Luckily Spain and Argentina are together in the other bracket so the US can avoid playing either of them until the final. IF they get there! On paper their toughest competition in their bracket is Greece, but Serbia and Montenegro are a nice squad, either of the possible fourth place teams in group C can beat us, France is talented.

Their offense is good enough to win out, when they're hitting the three point shot, the problem is defense and rebounding for the first time ever. Offense-based-on-defense? That makes sense, should explain the rebounding problem too.

[SamFisher]

NBA dud? He had solid stats when he started for Utah along with a career 2.5 a/to ratio. I'd like to have him on the Rockets...

He was shipped off from Utah for spare parts by way of the Doghouse Express just a few months after he signed a big contract in 2004, did nothing in particular in detroit, and was cap filler w/Milic last year (essentially he was traded for Kelvin Cato), so yes I think that means he's a dud, and not exactly the one man wrecking crew that he was one night in 2004 (that had somebody on this board - who shall remain nameless- honestly arguing that he was the second coming of tiny archibald, which made me fall out of my chair)

2.5 assists per turnover is great - but not so impressive when that's your per game number and not your ratio, lol.

[pgabriel]

its not that simple on arroyo either way. he actually closed out the year pretty well for orlando, I don't know why he couldn't get off the bench for the pistons.

in orlando he played 27 games, scored 10 points and had 3 assists a game in 22 mins. he's almost the same player as jameer nelson. he also shot 50% in those games.


he played well for utah one year and then they stopped playing him. maybe this year he will finally find his niche.

[xiki]

NBA dud? He had solid stats when he started for Utah along with a career 2.5 a/to ratio. I'd like to have him on the Rockets...

He's mostly a bench warmer. Dud is too strong a term, but the fact is he hasn't been earning his 4mil/yr.

[A-Train]

He was shipped off from Utah for spare parts by way of the Doghouse Express just a few months after he signed a big contract in 2004, did nothing in particular in detroit, and was cap filler w/Milic last year (essentially he was traded for Kelvin Cato), so yes I think that means he's a dud, and not exactly the one man wrecking crew that he was one night in 2004 (that had somebody on this board - who shall remain nameless- honestly arguing that he was the second coming of tiny archibald, which made me fall out of my chair)

2.5 assists per turnover is great - but not so impressive when that's your per game number and not your ratio, lol.

He was traded for a first round draft pick...Hey look, Al Harrington was also traded for a first round draft pick, so I guess that makes him a dud, too. Averaging 3.2 assists and 5.4 points in only 17 minutes per game on probably the deepest team in the NBA isn't exactly doing "nothing". I'm also not sure if your math skills are off or you have poor statistical analysis, but 3.3 career assists/1.33 career turnovers = 2.48 assist/turnover ratio

I also don't recall anybody call him a "one man wrecking crew" either. Sure, he's a journeyman right now, but for somebody that wasn't drafted to last five seasons in the NBA isn't too shabby. You want NBA duds? Here you go:

LaRue Martin - #1 overall pick in 1972 - four seasons in NBA
Chris Washburn - #3 pick in 1986 - two seasons in NBA
Dennis Hopson - #3 pick in 1987 - five seasons in NBA
Alec Kessler - #12 pick in 1990 - four seasons in NBA
Harold Miner - #12 overall pick in 1992 - four seasons in NBA
Yinka Dare - #14 pick in 1994 - as many career assists as NBA seasons (four)

So, I suggest you alter your definition of "dud" before you call that to somebody who's career isn't over and probably won't be over for quite awhile...

[A-Train]

Back to the actual world championships...Does Jamison have pics of Coach K having sex with an asian hooker or something? He's 4-14 from the field with two assists in four games, and he's started every game! I think Coach K needs to start Brand in the elimination round. Maybe he can get some easy baskets early so the US avoids those slow starts.

[xiki]

Back to the actual world championships...Does Jamison have pics of Coach K having sex with an asian hooker or something? He's 4-14 from the field with two assists in four games, and he's started every game! I think Coach K needs to start Brand in the elimination round. Maybe he can get some easy baskets early so the US avoids those slow starts.

You think Kobe might be contributing more (if he hadn't 'knee'ded to b eg off)? :D

[A-Train]

You think Kobe might be contributing more (if he hadn't 'knee'ded to b eg off)? :D

I almost wish that they had kept Bowen now...at least with Bowen, you know that any offense you get will be a bonus.

[SamFisher]

He was traded for a first round draft pick...Hey look, Al Harrington was also traded for a first round draft pick, so I guess that makes him a dud, too. Averaging 3.2 assists and 5.4 points in only 17 minutes per game on probably the deepest team in the NBA isn't exactly doing "nothing". I'm also not sure if your math skills are off or you have poor statistical analysis, but 3.3 career assists/1.33 career turnovers = 2.48 assist/turnover ratio

I also don't recall anybody call him a "one man wrecking crew" either. Sure, he's a journeyman right now, but for somebody that wasn't drafted to last five seasons in the NBA isn't too shabby. You want NBA duds? Here you go:

LaRue Martin - #1 overall pick in 1972 - four seasons in NBA
Chris Washburn - #3 pick in 1986 - two seasons in NBA
Dennis Hopson - #3 pick in 1987 - five seasons in NBA
Alec Kessler - #12 pick in 1990 - four seasons in NBA
Harold Miner - #12 overall pick in 1992 - four seasons in NBA
Yinka Dare - #14 pick in 1994 - as many career assists as NBA seasons (four)

So, I suggest you alter your definition of "dud" before you call that to somebody who's career isn't over and probably won't be over for quite awhile...

Sorry, A-Plaintain, I didn't know you were nuthugging Arroyo so badly - I would think the fact that he was arguably the best guard in the world in 2004 during the Olympics and then signed a long term contract, which was followed that up by being ridden out of town on a rail within a matter of months by Sloan would be indicative of a somewhat disappointing return, as well as the fact he was thrown in as cap matching for Kelvin Cato on his way out of detroit. (the future 1st was, for all intents and purposes, the price of Darko). His demise in detroit, btw, was rather similar to his decine in Utah where Flip consigned him to the doghouse for whatever reason.

Thanks for listing the biggest busts in NBA draft history (PS, you missed, inter alia, prominent busts like Olowokandi, Joe Smith, Kent Benson, etc etc etc).

I have no idea where I (or anybody else, for that matter) stated, or even suggested, that he was the biggest bust in NBA history or in anyway comparable to them, but anyway you knocked that straw man down like Tiny Archibald attacking the hoop. Kudos.

So dud is out, what else do you want me to call him? Superstar? Pimpdaddy? El Rey? Super Arroyo? (http://www.carlosarroyo.com/) Or journeyman guard? Anyway, I'll be careful not to piss in your arroz next time when discussing him.

[A-Train]

So dud is out, what else do you want me to call him? Superstar? Pimpdaddy? El Rey? Super Arroyo? (http://www.carlosarroyo.com/) Or journeyman guard? Anyway, I'll be careful not to piss in your arroz next time when discussing him.

I think "A-Roy" has a nice ring to it....

[ima_drummer2k]

I watched the 2nd half while getting ready for work. Who ever said we're gambling too much on defense is exactly right. We're athletic enough to just play strong man-up defense, we don't have to go for every steal and leave the lane wide open.

[rimbaud]

Back to the actual world championships...Does Jamison have pics of Coach K having sex with an asian hooker or something? He's 4-14 from the field with two assists in four games, and he's started every game!

The last two games the starting lineup has been:

G - Paul
G - James
F - Anthony
F - Battier
C - Howard

[A-Train]

The last two games the starting lineup has been:

G - Paul
G - James
F - Anthony
F - Battier
C - Howard

OK...ESPN has Jamison starting all the games on their site. He still sucks, though...

[pgabriel]

battier didn't even take a shot, grab a board?

[rimbaud]

battier didn't even take a shot, grab a board?

He drew 2-3 charges. He didn't play much, though, because Wade was having a huge day and they needed his and Anthony's offense.

[durvasa]

Who's been most impressive in the tournament so far?

I calculated a per-minute (note, not pace adjusted) statistical rating for every player so far. Here it is, for every player who's played at least 30 minutes in the tournament. All stats are per 40 minutes.


Name Team Min GS/40 PTS TS% OR TR AST ST BLK TO
1 D.Wade USA 83 33.64 40.96 67.5% 3.37 5.78 4.34 3.86 1.45 4.82
2 P.Gasol SPA 128 31.13 33.44 69.7% 2.19 12.50 2.50 1.25 3.13 1.25
3 C.Anthony USA 110 28.91 35.64 68.0% 2.55 6.18 2.55 3.27 0.00 1.45
4 M.Yao CHI 164 28.59 34.63 70.4% 3.90 11.22 1.95 0.24 2.93 3.66
5 P.Brezec SLO 87 24.74 27.59 70.4% 7.82 14.71 1.84 0.92 0.92 1.84
6 L.James USA 110 23.13 25.45 63.8% 2.18 7.27 6.18 3.64 0.36 3.64
7 L.Scola ARG 119 23.06 26.55 61.1% 4.71 12.10 3.03 2.69 0.67 2.69
8 E.Brand USA 80 22.70 26.50 64.6% 2.00 6.50 1.50 2.00 3.00 1.00
9 D.Nowitzki GER 172 22.70 28.84 58.1% 3.02 12.33 3.95 1.63 0.70 3.72
10 W.Herrmann ARG 88 21.55 30.45 68.6% 2.27 6.82 0.45 0.00 0.00 0.91
11 S.Mancinelli ITA 44 21.45 21.82 76.1% 2.73 5.45 5.45 4.55 0.00 3.64
12 E.Ginobili ARG 105 21.14 26.67 64.9% 2.29 5.71 4.57 3.43 0.00 4.19
13 C.Delfino ARG 95 20.84 20.63 66.4% 2.11 11.37 5.47 3.79 0.42 3.37
14 J.Navarro SPA 108 20.37 27.04 65.1% 2.22 4.44 2.59 2.59 0.00 2.96
15 C.Paul USA 123 20.23 14.63 72.2% 1.30 4.23 11.06 3.58 0.00 1.95
16 A.Macijauskas LIT 142 19.46 24.79 67.0% 2.54 5.07 4.79 1.97 0.00 3.94
17 E.Ayuso POR 156 19.36 27.18 75.6% 0.26 2.05 2.31 1.54 0.00 2.56
18 R.Fernandez SPA 96 19.13 20.83 76.1% 0.83 5.42 1.25 3.75 0.42 1.25
19 M.Worthington AUS 56 19.07 23.57 78.3% 1.43 10.00 2.14 2.86 0.00 2.86
20 '.Splitter BRA 152 19.03 21.58 67.2% 3.16 8.68 0.79 1.58 0.79 1.58
21 A.Nocioni ARG 102 17.69 25.49 66.1% 0.78 9.41 1.57 0.39 0.78 2.75
22 I.Rakocevic SM 155 17.68 25.55 68.8% 1.03 4.65 2.58 0.77 0.00 3.10
23 C.Arroyo POR 166 17.61 25.54 57.7% 1.20 5.54 6.27 0.48 0.00 3.86
24 F.Pietrus FRA 121 17.22 18.51 64.3% 3.64 10.91 0.99 2.64 1.32 2.64
25 '.Becker BRA 32 17.13 20.00 59.2% 3.75 8.75 2.50 5.00 2.50 3.75
26 J.Calderon SPA 104 17.08 13.08 75.5% 1.15 4.23 8.46 2.69 0.00 1.54
27 J.Gomes ANG 142 16.99 22.54 55.7% 4.51 12.11 0.85 0.56 1.13 0.85
28 A.Barrios VEN 54 16.74 24.44 56.6% 5.19 9.63 0.74 2.22 0.74 3.70
29 J.Petro FRA 54 16.44 18.52 63.6% 5.19 9.63 2.96 1.48 0.00 1.48
30 C.Bosh USA 58 16.41 19.31 62.6% 6.90 10.34 1.38 0.69 0.69 2.76
31 D.Lavrinovic LIT 105 16.30 17.90 68.6% 1.52 9.14 3.81 1.90 1.90 3.43
32 D.Howard USA 77 16.16 17.14 50.7% 4.68 13.51 0.00 1.56 3.64 0.52
33 D.Milicic SM 156 15.67 20.26 52.5% 1.28 10.51 2.05 1.03 3.59 2.82
34 O.Askrabic SM 87 15.63 17.47 71.6% 3.22 8.74 3.68 1.38 0.00 3.22
35 D.Dikoudis GRE 59 15.59 27.12 60.5% 5.42 8.81 0.00 0.00 0.68 4.75
36 B.Rodríguez SPA 56 15.50 17.86 65.9% 2.14 7.86 2.14 2.14 0.00 1.43
37 J.Sanchez ARG 118 15.46 11.19 99.9% 0.34 3.73 11.53 1.36 0.00 3.05
38 D.Diamantidis GRE 137 15.33 11.68 79.9% 1.17 4.67 2.92 6.13 0.29 2.34
39 R.Nesterovic SLO 115 15.30 20.17 55.6% 3.83 13.22 3.13 0.70 2.43 4.17
40 P.Cameron NZ 140 15.29 19.71 61.3% 2.29 5.71 4.00 2.00 0.00 2.57
41 M.Kakiouzis GRE 93 15.14 17.63 64.5% 0.86 5.16 0.00 4.30 0.00 1.72
42 A.Fotsis GRE 132 15.00 16.97 76.3% 2.73 6.67 1.52 0.91 0.30 1.52
43 S.Battier USA 78 14.56 14.87 79.7% 2.56 5.64 2.56 1.54 1.03 1.54
44 A.Moussa ANG 96 14.21 11.67 59.8% 6.25 12.50 2.08 1.67 1.25 0.83
45 O.Cipriano ANG 151 14.17 18.81 62.5% 1.06 5.56 2.12 2.12 0.53 2.12
46 J.Garbajosa SPA 143 14.10 18.18 62.8% 1.12 8.39 1.68 2.24 0.00 2.24
47 R.Javtokas LIT 73 14.08 20.27 54.2% 4.93 11.51 0.00 0.55 4.38 2.74
48 M.Gasol SPA 59 14.03 17.63 65.5% 1.36 9.49 4.75 0.00 0.68 3.39
49 '.Giovannoni BRA 102 13.96 16.86 57.0% 2.35 6.27 2.35 2.75 0.00 1.18
50 J.Nwosu NIG 76 13.95 18.95 48.6% 4.74 7.89 1.58 1.58 0.53 1.05
51 E.Ilyasova TUR 95 13.94 16.84 59.5% 0.42 5.47 2.11 3.37 0.00 1.26
52 M.Diarra FRA 44 13.91 16.36 60.5% 2.73 4.55 0.91 3.64 0.91 0.91
53 K.Gönlüm TUR 112 13.89 18.21 68.6% 3.21 10.71 1.07 0.71 0.36 3.21
54 S.Erdogan TUR 111 13.87 22.34 53.2% 0.36 1.80 2.88 2.16 0.36 1.80
55 R.Douglas PAN 124 13.87 21.29 50.7% 1.29 6.13 2.90 2.58 0.65 2.90
56 E.Mingas ANG 181 13.81 17.46 57.4% 3.98 8.40 1.99 0.88 0.44 1.77
57 K.Hinrich USA 93 13.81 15.05 61.6% 2.58 9.46 3.01 2.58 0.00 1.72
58 A.Anagonye NIG 72 13.78 12.78 51.8% 6.67 13.89 0.56 2.78 0.00 1.67
59 S.Becirovic SLO 126 13.75 20.63 56.4% 2.54 4.76 3.49 1.90 0.00 3.49
60 I.Udoka NIG 157 13.61 19.62 51.9% 2.55 7.13 5.10 2.55 0.25 4.59
61 F.Weis FRA 115 13.57 14.96 57.3% 5.22 11.48 1.74 1.39 0.70 2.43
62 M.Belinelli ITA 110 13.49 26.18 49.3% 0.73 2.91 2.55 1.45 0.00 2.18
63 G.Muoneke NIG 118 13.29 18.31 52.9% 1.69 6.44 1.69 2.03 0.00 1.36
64 K.Penney NZ 119 13.18 23.87 58.6% 0.00 3.36 0.67 0.67 0.00 1.34
65 J.Lakovic SLO 129 13.15 20.78 80.3% 0.00 1.86 2.48 1.55 0.00 4.03
66 D.Songaila LIT 109 13.10 22.75 58.4% 2.94 11.38 2.57 1.47 0.37 6.24
67 K.Lavrinovic LIT 77 13.04 18.70 60.1% 2.60 9.35 3.64 1.56 0.00 4.16
68 M.Soragna ITA 123 12.98 18.54 65.2% 1.30 3.25 3.90 0.98 0.33 3.25
69 R.Wolkowisky ARG 103 12.93 15.15 63.7% 1.55 6.21 0.78 0.78 0.39 0.39
70 A.Carvalho ANG 55 12.87 18.91 72.2% 0.73 2.91 0.73 1.45 0.00 1.45
71 J.Levy PAN 37 12.86 10.81 46.5% 5.41 11.89 1.08 3.24 0.00 0.00
72 S.Schultze GER 67 12.66 19.70 72.1% 2.99 9.55 2.39 0.00 0.00 3.58
73 D.Santiago POR 113 12.64 19.47 63.2% 2.12 8.50 1.06 0.35 1.77 3.54
74 W.Liu CHI 146 12.47 12.60 59.0% 2.19 6.30 7.40 0.82 0.00 2.19
75 B.Udrih SLO 110 12.40 17.82 55.5% 0.36 4.00 5.09 2.91 0.00 4.73
76 M.Lutonda ANG 105 12.38 17.90 67.7% 0.76 2.29 6.10 1.14 0.00 4.19
77 P.Femerling GER 101 12.36 14.26 62.0% 2.77 7.52 1.98 1.19 1.58 2.38
78 B.Miller USA 39 12.31 13.33 51.9% 3.08 13.33 4.10 2.05 0.00 3.08
79 T.Papaloukas GRE 126 12.29 13.65 65.3% 0.95 3.81 3.81 3.17 0.00 3.17
80 S.Ali QAT 129 12.28 19.84 64.9% 0.62 3.41 3.72 3.10 0.31 5.58
81 J.Aw SEN 103 12.27 17.86 53.8% 4.66 8.16 0.39 3.50 0.39 4.66
82 G.Nikolic SM 100 12.08 11.60 51.2% 2.00 8.40 3.20 1.20 2.40 1.20
83 S.Savane SEN 104 12.00 16.54 65.7% 2.31 6.92 1.54 0.38 0.38 3.08
84 E.Ere NIG 133 11.94 18.35 51.2% 1.80 3.91 1.20 1.80 0.30 1.20
85 A.Mumbrú SPA 94 11.91 19.57 59.1% 0.43 4.68 0.85 1.70 0.00 2.13
86 B.Diaw FRA 146 11.73 17.26 57.5% 2.47 7.95 3.56 0.27 0.55 4.11
87 V.Avdalovic SM 94 11.70 17.02 65.1% 0.43 3.40 4.26 1.70 0.00 2.55
88 C.Bradshaw NZ 124 11.58 18.39 55.1% 1.61 10.32 2.26 1.61 0.65 4.19
89 M.Badiane SEN 90 11.56 14.22 43.8% 6.67 12.44 1.78 0.44 1.33 0.89
90 F.ElKhatib LEB 158 11.39 23.80 51.4% 1.27 3.80 1.27 2.28 0.25 5.57
91 C.Bruton AUS 159 11.27 16.35 56.8% 1.01 3.02 4.03 3.27 0.00 4.03
92 F.Du CHI 96 11.25 19.17 66.0% 3.33 6.67 0.00 0.42 0.00 2.08
93 E.Atsür TUR 57 11.23 15.44 65.2% 0.00 2.11 3.51 0.70 0.00 0.70
94 G.Basile ITA 107 11.03 15.33 50.0% 1.50 4.86 3.36 1.12 0.00 1.50
95 Z.Wang CHI 104 10.92 18.46 56.2% 1.92 7.69 0.77 0.00 1.15 2.31
96 C.Dalmau POR 63 10.92 15.24 56.0% 1.27 5.08 2.54 3.17 0.63 3.17
97 K.Igarashi JAP 121 10.88 15.87 61.9% 0.99 2.64 4.96 1.32 0.00 2.98
98 '.Machado BRA 140 10.86 17.71 50.2% 1.14 2.86 3.43 2.57 0.00 2.29
99 S.Mackinnon AUS 146 10.63 10.68 50.4% 1.92 7.12 4.93 3.29 0.27 3.01
100 P.Roller GER 53 10.49 13.58 52.9% 2.26 3.77 5.28 0.75 0.00 1.51
101 C.Morais ANG 88 10.45 16.36 56.2% 0.45 5.00 4.55 2.27 0.00 4.55
102 A.Okulaja GER 118 10.44 13.90 54.8% 2.37 8.81 1.69 2.37 0.00 3.05
103 M.Diouf SEN 68 10.35 16.47 42.6% 2.94 6.47 4.12 2.94 0.00 3.53
104 K.Daley PAN 72 10.22 17.22 48.2% 3.89 6.11 1.11 1.11 0.56 2.78
105 T.Orimo JAP 128 10.22 19.06 62.4% 0.31 2.50 0.94 0.63 0.00 1.88
106 C.Oguchi NIG 58 10.21 17.93 43.3% 3.45 6.90 1.38 2.07 0.00 1.38
107 J.Vogel LEB 158 10.18 16.46 49.7% 2.28 6.84 1.52 0.51 2.03 2.53
108 J.Smith AUS 111 10.16 19.10 74.4% 0.36 5.77 0.36 0.00 0.00 2.88
109 D.Marconato ITA 86 10.09 10.70 44.1% 2.33 12.09 1.40 2.33 1.40 0.47
110 F.DiBella ITA 90 10.00 14.22 54.4% 2.22 7.11 4.44 0.89 0.00 3.11
111 F.Oberto ARG 114 9.96 12.98 50.8% 4.21 10.18 3.16 0.70 1.40 2.81
112 C.Frank NZ 78 9.95 15.90 65.7% 1.54 6.67 1.54 1.03 1.54 4.62
113 '.Garcia BRA 106 9.77 16.60 53.9% 1.89 6.42 3.02 1.89 0.00 2.64
114 M.Ndoye SEN 157 9.73 18.09 48.1% 0.76 4.84 1.27 2.29 0.25 2.29
115 E.Ibekwe NIG 86 9.67 13.95 39.6% 4.65 13.95 1.86 1.86 2.33 2.33
116 P.Jankunas LIT 46 9.65 8.70 38.5% 6.96 12.17 4.35 1.74 0.87 2.61
117 M.Marriaga VEN 68 9.65 11.76 53.1% 4.12 9.41 0.59 2.94 0.59 2.94
118 I.Kutluay TUR 109 9.61 18.72 59.5% 0.37 3.30 2.57 0.37 0.00 2.94
119 R.Rocca ITA 84 9.57 10.95 49.9% 4.76 10.48 1.43 3.33 0.00 1.43
120 U.Slokar SLO 92 9.57 11.74 59.6% 4.35 9.57 1.30 1.30 1.30 3.48
121 D.Gomez PAN 64 9.56 18.75 54.8% 2.50 5.63 0.00 1.88 0.63 3.13
122 A.Jamison USA 51 9.33 15.69 39.3% 1.57 7.84 0.00 3.92 0.00 0.78
123 J.Johnson USA 98 9.22 13.88 48.9% 1.22 2.86 3.67 1.22 0.41 2.45
124 M.SaleemAbdullahQAT 36 9.22 20.00 60.0% 1.11 3.33 3.33 1.11 0.00 4.44
125 G.Fernandez ARG 38 9.16 10.53 55.1% 4.21 6.32 1.05 0.00 2.11 1.05
126 P.Henare NZ 142 9.15 9.86 68.9% 0.28 2.25 3.94 2.25 0.00 2.25
127 E.Pene SEN 99 9.13 14.95 74.4% 0.40 4.04 5.66 0.81 0.00 4.85
128 R.Fahed LEB 128 9.13 20.00 53.7% 0.63 4.06 3.75 0.63 0.00 5.00
129 L.Papadopoulos GRE 108 9.11 18.15 47.3% 2.22 5.93 4.07 1.48 1.48 5.93
130 D.Greene GER 145 8.83 16.83 66.0% 0.55 2.48 1.93 0.28 0.00 2.76
131 R.Lugo VEN 150 8.80 16.53 40.4% 4.27 15.20 2.13 0.27 2.67 5.33
132 A.Bogut AUS 150 8.72 15.20 51.5% 1.33 8.27 3.20 0.80 0.80 4.53
133 D.Barlow AUS 85 8.71 13.65 67.4% 0.94 5.18 1.88 0.47 0.00 2.35
134 J.Yi CHI 84 8.67 13.33 41.9% 4.76 13.81 0.95 0.00 3.81 3.81
135 B.Nachbar SLO 115 8.59 17.39 51.3% 0.35 9.39 2.43 0.35 0.00 3.48
136 M.Gelabale FRA 113 8.57 15.22 51.4% 1.77 6.02 1.06 1.06 0.35 2.48
137 R.Garrett GER 95 8.55 11.79 53.9% 2.11 6.32 1.68 0.84 0.00 1.68
138 '.Barbosa BRA 148 8.54 17.84 48.7% 0.27 1.35 3.78 2.43 0.00 4.05
139 M.Dickel NZ 41 8.49 9.76 37.9% 0.98 5.85 3.90 3.90 0.00 0.98
140 K.Peker TUR 93 8.39 17.63 54.1% 2.58 12.90 2.15 1.29 1.72 6.88
141 S.Rodriguez SPA 44 8.36 10.91 55.8% 0.00 2.73 10.91 3.64 0.00 8.18
142 A.Michelori ITA 77 8.36 12.47 56.1% 3.12 9.35 2.08 0.52 0.00 2.08
143 T.Awojobi NIG 90 8.31 12.44 55.8% 0.89 5.33 2.67 0.89 0.44 2.67
144 M.Mordente ITA 111 8.29 11.89 52.1% 1.80 5.05 4.32 0.72 0.36 2.52
145 O.Salem QAT 112 8.29 9.64 45.4% 5.36 10.36 3.57 1.07 0.36 2.86
146 E.Saeed QAT 177 8.16 11.30 51.4% 2.94 5.65 3.39 1.81 0.68 4.29
147 K.Tsartsaris GRE 69 8.06 10.43 53.1% 1.74 5.80 1.74 1.74 2.90 2.90
148 B.Beshara-FeghalLEB 146 8.03 13.42 51.1% 1.37 6.30 2.74 2.74 0.00 3.84
149 M.Demirel GER 83 7.95 10.60 41.9% 1.45 4.34 5.30 0.96 0.00 0.96
150 T.Rampton NZ 46 7.83 16.52 52.5% 1.74 4.35 1.74 0.87 0.00 2.61
151 A.Ali QAT 160 7.83 14.50 55.3% 0.75 5.25 2.00 1.00 0.00 2.75
152 V.Diaz VEN 128 7.75 17.19 53.0% 0.63 1.25 2.19 0.63 0.00 2.81
153 V.Spanoulis GRE 134 7.70 15.82 49.7% 0.90 2.39 2.09 2.69 0.00 4.18
154 C.Cedeno VEN 76 7.68 8.42 55.9% 0.53 1.58 4.21 1.58 0.00 1.58
155 C.Jiménez SPA 111 7.68 9.37 57.8% 2.16 6.13 1.80 1.08 0.00 1.80
156 S.Ozbolt SLO 54 7.56 14.07 56.3% 0.00 0.74 2.22 2.22 0.00 2.22
157 O.Torres VEN 131 7.54 16.18 44.6% 2.75 7.02 2.44 1.53 0.61 4.89
158 L.Garri ITA 68 7.53 15.29 49.8% 2.35 8.24 1.76 0.59 1.18 2.94
159 B.Popovic SM 112 7.50 10.71 52.4% 0.36 4.64 2.86 3.21 0.36 2.86
160 A.Reyes POR 76 7.42 12.63 47.2% 4.74 13.68 0.00 1.58 0.00 3.16
161 R.Sakurai JAP 80 7.40 19.50 46.1% 1.00 4.50 2.00 2.50 0.00 6.00
162 C.Lee POR 57 7.37 10.53 69.7% 1.40 4.21 0.70 2.11 0.70 1.40
163 M.Barros ANG 115 7.34 10.43 46.3% 0.00 5.91 5.57 2.43 0.00 3.13
164 C.Almeida ANG 126 7.27 16.51 46.1% 0.63 3.17 1.59 1.90 0.00 2.54
165 U.Tripkovic SM 84 7.24 14.76 53.9% 1.90 2.86 1.43 0.48 0.00 1.43
166 A.Gigli ITA 67 7.22 13.13 49.3% 2.99 4.78 1.79 0.60 1.79 2.39
167 B.Newley AUS 100 7.20 13.60 59.6% 0.80 5.20 2.80 2.80 1.20 7.20
168 N.Zisis GRE 63 7.17 13.97 52.2% 0.00 3.81 3.17 1.27 0.00 3.17
169 A.Pecile ITA 34 7.06 10.59 57.1% 1.18 3.53 2.35 0.00 0.00 0.00
170 M.Kalnietis LIT 89 7.06 10.34 40.8% 1.35 4.04 6.29 2.70 0.00 4.49
171 W.Helliwell AUS 40 7.00 10.00 74.0% 1.00 9.00 2.00 1.00 0.00 3.00
172 M.Zukauskas LIT 58 6.97 7.59 40.0% 2.76 6.90 6.21 2.76 0.00 3.45
173 J.Abdel-Nour LEB 73 6.96 12.05 70.9% 2.19 7.12 0.00 0.55 0.00 3.84
174 L.Foirest FRA 65 6.83 11.69 28.8% 1.85 10.46 1.85 4.31 0.62 1.85
175 T.Amino JAP 124 6.81 14.84 50.4% 0.00 4.19 1.61 2.58 0.65 3.87
176 R.Apodaca POR 142 6.79 10.99 52.8% 0.56 5.92 1.97 1.13 0.00 2.54
177 K.Takeuchi JAP 125 6.75 8.64 42.3% 1.28 7.04 0.96 1.60 1.60 0.32
178 R.Garces PAN 121 6.74 16.20 44.2% 3.31 9.26 0.33 0.66 0.99 3.64
179 N.Ndiaye SEN 47 6.72 11.91 42.1% 3.40 7.66 0.85 0.85 2.55 1.70
180 M.Milic SLO 59 6.71 10.17 36.5% 2.71 5.42 5.42 2.03 0.00 2.03
181 '.Varejao BRA 146 6.60 12.33 38.8% 4.38 10.14 1.92 1.10 1.10 3.84
182 F.Zhu CHI 143 6.60 12.31 59.7% 0.28 2.24 2.24 1.12 0.00 2.80
183 E.Arslan TUR 103 6.52 13.20 46.0% 0.00 3.88 3.50 1.55 0.00 3.50
184 A.Latimer POR 110 6.51 8.36 58.0% 1.45 5.82 1.45 1.45 0.73 2.18
185 H.Tawbe LEB 89 6.47 6.74 50.4% 4.94 9.89 0.90 0.45 0.00 1.35
186 J.Takeuchi JAP 102 6.43 12.16 50.9% 2.35 10.20 0.78 1.57 0.00 3.14
187 G.Vallenilla VEN 33 6.42 15.76 37.5% 6.06 10.91 4.85 0.00 0.00 4.85
188 F.Solak TUR 60 6.40 8.00 50.5% 5.33 12.67 0.67 0.00 3.33 3.33
189 M.Ndiaye SEN 78 6.36 10.26 62.5% 0.00 9.23 1.54 1.03 0.51 1.54
190 S.Erden TUR 30 6.27 10.67 69.4% 2.67 2.67 0.00 1.33 1.33 2.67
191 R.Turiaf FRA 39 6.15 7.18 33.9% 8.21 13.33 1.03 1.03 1.03 3.08
192 P.Machado VEN 60 6.13 9.33 36.5% 6.00 12.00 2.67 0.67 0.67 2.67
193 M.Raicevic SM 103 6.10 9.32 50.1% 3.88 8.54 1.55 0.78 0.39 3.11
194 T.Aguilera VEN 100 6.04 15.20 41.9% 3.60 8.80 1.60 2.00 0.00 4.40
195 J.Herber GER 63 5.90 12.70 59.2% 1.27 5.08 1.90 0.00 0.00 2.54
196 A.Jeanneau FRA 84 5.86 6.67 33.7% 0.00 5.71 5.24 2.38 0.48 1.43
197 G.Jurak SLO 85 5.84 10.35 43.5% 1.88 5.65 3.76 1.88 0.00 2.82
198 G.Gustas LIT 121 5.72 9.26 48.9% 0.99 4.30 4.30 0.99 0.33 1.98
199 Y.Bokolo FRA 71 5.46 12.39 41.0% 1.13 2.25 2.82 2.25 0.00 2.25
200 L.Kleiza LIT 115 5.43 15.65 47.4% 1.74 6.61 0.70 2.09 0.35 5.57
201 S.Jasaitis LIT 68 5.41 10.59 45.3% 2.35 7.06 1.76 1.18 0.00 3.53
202 M.Marinovic SM 40 5.30 17.00 53.1% 1.00 2.00 5.00 1.00 0.00 6.00
203 G.Grünheid GER 34 5.06 9.41 58.1% 3.53 9.41 1.18 2.35 0.00 5.88
204 B.Cisse SEN 116 4.97 10.69 39.1% 0.34 3.10 5.86 1.72 0.00 4.83
205 E.Kurtoglu TUR 100 4.80 12.00 41.8% 0.80 5.60 4.00 0.40 0.40 3.20
206 S.Wang CHI 148 4.78 14.32 55.9% 0.00 2.70 1.62 1.08 0.00 4.86
207 D.Yamada JAP 55 4.51 15.27 45.7% 0.73 5.09 1.45 0.00 0.00 3.64
208 '.Huertas BRA 79 4.51 9.62 37.9% 1.01 4.05 4.56 2.03 0.00 3.54
209 P.Prigioni ARG 66 4.36 2.42 13.4% 1.21 4.85 10.30 2.42 0.61 3.64
210 A.Garcia PAN 86 4.28 6.05 39.6% 5.12 13.95 2.79 1.86 0.00 5.12
211 Y.Sun CHI 66 4.12 2.42 25.8% 1.21 3.64 6.06 1.21 0.00 0.61
212 L.Kendall AUS 68 3.94 10.00 50.0% 1.18 2.35 3.53 0.59 0.00 3.53
213 M.SaleemAbdullahQAT 108 3.93 11.85 41.9% 3.33 10.00 0.74 1.48 0.37 5.19
214 J.Varem NIG 86 3.86 9.30 35.9% 2.79 6.51 0.93 2.33 0.93 2.79
215 S.Hamann GER 120 3.80 7.33 51.6% 0.00 3.33 3.00 1.33 0.33 2.33
216 S.Furuta JAP 108 3.63 3.33 47.9% 1.48 4.81 2.96 1.11 0.00 1.85
217 '.DosSantos BRA 63 3.30 7.62 50.5% 0.63 3.81 4.44 1.90 0.00 3.81
218 M.Ndiaye SEN 96 3.25 11.25 39.8% 2.92 10.00 1.25 1.25 1.25 4.58
219 J.Lloreda PAN 113 3.12 10.27 44.6% 2.48 7.79 2.83 1.42 0.35 6.37
220 S.Kashiwagi JAP 71 2.93 12.96 36.1% 0.00 4.51 3.94 2.25 0.00 3.94
221 M.Hicks PAN 130 2.28 16.31 38.8% 3.38 5.54 0.31 0.62 0.31 4.31
222 E.Cota PAN 107 2.17 6.36 40.9% 0.37 2.62 2.99 0.75 0.00 2.99
223 J.Gomis FRA 57 2.11 11.93 32.3% 0.70 1.40 3.51 0.70 0.00 1.40
224 C.Morris VEN 61 2.10 9.84 52.8% 0.66 4.59 3.28 0.00 0.00 4.59
225 D.Boucher NZ 98 2.08 3.27 29.6% 3.67 6.12 4.90 2.86 0.00 5.31
226 R.Samaha LEB 89 1.89 10.34 39.3% 4.04 8.54 0.90 0.90 1.35 5.39
227 M.Pietrus FRA 93 1.46 11.18 29.8% 0.86 4.73 1.72 2.58 0.00 2.58
228 A.Bruce AUS 43 1.30 17.67 40.9% 2.79 6.51 3.72 1.86 0.00 10.23
229 Y.Mijares VEN 117 1.20 4.79 27.2% 0.68 4.10 1.71 2.74 0.00 2.05
230 N.Hatzivrettas GRE 77 1.04 11.95 48.9% 0.00 1.56 0.52 0.52 0.00 4.16
231 P.Ramos POR 87 0.97 9.66 42.1% 0.92 5.98 0.46 0.46 0.00 2.30
232 C.Akyol TUR 66 0.48 6.06 27.3% 0.61 2.42 1.82 1.82 1.21 1.82
233 T.Kawamura JAP 55 0.36 10.18 36.8% 0.00 2.91 0.00 0.00 0.00 2.18
234 H.Demirel TUR 64 0.31 5.63 45.0% 0.63 3.75 5.63 1.25 0.00 6.25
235 P.Jones NZ 119 -0.10 10.76 29.5% 1.68 7.39 3.36 1.01 0.00 3.70
236 J.Peralta PAN 107 -0.19 6.73 38.3% 1.50 3.36 1.50 1.12 0.00 4.11
237 K.Abdi QAT 71 -0.85 10.70 34.1% 1.13 4.51 2.82 1.13 0.56 7.32
238 A.Mahmoud LEB 60 -1.27 4.00 27.9% 0.67 6.67 2.00 1.33 0.67 4.67
239 H.Zaidan QAT 32 -1.75 5.00 50.0% 1.25 7.50 2.50 2.50 0.00 6.25
240 M.Niang SEN 37 -1.95 6.49 23.1% 0.00 3.24 0.00 1.08 0.00 1.08
241 I.Nwankwo NIG 31 -2.06 3.87 22.2% 2.58 9.03 0.00 0.00 0.00 2.58
242 D.Obasohan NIG 32 -2.13 0.00 0.0% 1.25 2.50 2.50 3.75 0.00 1.25
243 A.Olson NZ 44 -2.27 4.55 22.7% 3.64 4.55 0.91 0.91 0.00 2.73
244 J.Akognon NIG 61 -2.75 8.52 34.4% 0.00 0.66 1.97 0.00 0.00 3.28
245 D.Daoud QAT 133 -3.22 7.82 34.4% 0.60 3.31 2.11 1.20 0.30 6.62
246 C.Cabezas SPA 52 -4.54 5.38 27.4% 0.77 1.54 1.54 0.00 0.00 4.62

[stuckonyou]

Who's been most impressive in the tournament so far?

I calculated a per-minute (note, not pace adjusted) statistical rating for every player so far. Here it is, for every player who's played at least 30 minutes in the tournament. All stats are per 40 minutes.


Name Team Min GS/40 PTS TS% OR TR AST ST BLK TO
1 D.Wade USA 83 33.64 40.96 67.5% 3.37 5.78 4.34 3.86 1.45 4.82
2 P.Gasol SPA 128 31.13 33.44 69.7% 2.19 12.50 2.50 1.25 3.13 1.25
3 C.Anthony USA 110 28.91 35.64 68.0% 2.55 6.18 2.55 3.27 0.00 1.45
4 M.Yao CHI 164 28.59 34.63 70.4% 3.90 11.22 1.95 0.24 2.93 3.66
5 P.Brezec SLO 87 24.74 27.59 70.4% 7.82 14.71 1.84 0.92 0.92 1.84
6 L.James USA 110 23.13 25.45 63.8% 2.18 7.27 6.18 3.64 0.36 3.64
7 L.Scola ARG 119 23.06 26.55 61.1% 4.71 12.10 3.03 2.69 0.67 2.69
8 E.Brand USA 80 22.70 26.50 64.6% 2.00 6.50 1.50 2.00 3.00 1.00
9 D.Nowitzki GER 172 22.70 28.84 58.1% 3.02 12.33 3.95 1.63 0.70 3.72
10 W.Herrmann ARG 88 21.55 30.45 68.6% 2.27 6.82 0.45 0.00 0.00 0.91
11 S.Mancinelli ITA 44 21.45 21.82 76.1% 2.73 5.45 5.45 4.55 0.00 3.64
12 E.Ginobili ARG 105 21.14 26.67 64.9% 2.29 5.71 4.57 3.43 0.00 4.19
13 C.Delfino ARG 95 20.84 20.63 66.4% 2.11 11.37 5.47 3.79 0.42 3.37
14 J.Navarro SPA 108 20.37 27.04 65.1% 2.22 4.44 2.59 2.59 0.00 2.96
15 C.Paul USA 123 20.23 14.63 72.2% 1.30 4.23 11.06 3.58 0.00 1.95
16 A.Macijauskas LIT 142 19.46 24.79 67.0% 2.54 5.07 4.79 1.97 0.00 3.94
17 E.Ayuso POR 156 19.36 27.18 75.6% 0.26 2.05 2.31 1.54 0.00 2.56
18 R.Fernandez SPA 96 19.13 20.83 76.1% 0.83 5.42 1.25 3.75 0.42 1.25
19 M.Worthington AUS 56 19.07 23.57 78.3% 1.43 10.00 2.14 2.86 0.00 2.86
20 '.Splitter BRA 152 19.03 21.58 67.2% 3.16 8.68 0.79 1.58 0.79 1.58
21 A.Nocioni ARG 102 17.69 25.49 66.1% 0.78 9.41 1.57 0.39 0.78 2.75
22 I.Rakocevic SM 155 17.68 25.55 68.8% 1.03 4.65 2.58 0.77 0.00 3.10
23 C.Arroyo POR 166 17.61 25.54 57.7% 1.20 5.54 6.27 0.48 0.00 3.86
24 F.Pietrus FRA 121 17.22 18.51 64.3% 3.64 10.91 0.99 2.64 1.32 2.64
25 '.Becker BRA 32 17.13 20.00 59.2% 3.75 8.75 2.50 5.00 2.50 3.75
26 J.Calderon SPA 104 17.08 13.08 75.5% 1.15 4.23 8.46 2.69 0.00 1.54
27 J.Gomes ANG 142 16.99 22.54 55.7% 4.51 12.11 0.85 0.56 1.13 0.85
28 A.Barrios VEN 54 16.74 24.44 56.6% 5.19 9.63 0.74 2.22 0.74 3.70
29 J.Petro FRA 54 16.44 18.52 63.6% 5.19 9.63 2.96 1.48 0.00 1.48
30 C.Bosh USA 58 16.41 19.31 62.6% 6.90 10.34 1.38 0.69 0.69 2.76
31 D.Lavrinovic LIT 105 16.30 17.90 68.6% 1.52 9.14 3.81 1.90 1.90 3.43
32 D.Howard USA 77 16.16 17.14 50.7% 4.68 13.51 0.00 1.56 3.64 0.52
33 D.Milicic SM 156 15.67 20.26 52.5% 1.28 10.51 2.05 1.03 3.59 2.82
34 O.Askrabic SM 87 15.63 17.47 71.6% 3.22 8.74 3.68 1.38 0.00 3.22
35 D.Dikoudis GRE 59 15.59 27.12 60.5% 5.42 8.81 0.00 0.00 0.68 4.75
36 B.Rodríguez SPA 56 15.50 17.86 65.9% 2.14 7.86 2.14 2.14 0.00 1.43
37 J.Sanchez ARG 118 15.46 11.19 99.9% 0.34 3.73 11.53 1.36 0.00 3.05
38 D.Diamantidis GRE 137 15.33 11.68 79.9% 1.17 4.67 2.92 6.13 0.29 2.34
39 R.Nesterovic SLO 115 15.30 20.17 55.6% 3.83 13.22 3.13 0.70 2.43 4.17
40 P.Cameron NZ 140 15.29 19.71 61.3% 2.29 5.71 4.00 2.00 0.00 2.57
41 M.Kakiouzis GRE 93 15.14 17.63 64.5% 0.86 5.16 0.00 4.30 0.00 1.72
42 A.Fotsis GRE 132 15.00 16.97 76.3% 2.73 6.67 1.52 0.91 0.30 1.52
43 S.Battier USA 78 14.56 14.87 79.7% 2.56 5.64 2.56 1.54 1.03 1.54
44 A.Moussa ANG 96 14.21 11.67 59.8% 6.25 12.50 2.08 1.67 1.25 0.83
45 O.Cipriano ANG 151 14.17 18.81 62.5% 1.06 5.56 2.12 2.12 0.53 2.12
46 J.Garbajosa SPA 143 14.10 18.18 62.8% 1.12 8.39 1.68 2.24 0.00 2.24
47 R.Javtokas LIT 73 14.08 20.27 54.2% 4.93 11.51 0.00 0.55 4.38 2.74
48 M.Gasol SPA 59 14.03 17.63 65.5% 1.36 9.49 4.75 0.00 0.68 3.39
49 '.Giovannoni BRA 102 13.96 16.86 57.0% 2.35 6.27 2.35 2.75 0.00 1.18
50 J.Nwosu NIG 76 13.95 18.95 48.6% 4.74 7.89 1.58 1.58 0.53 1.05
51 E.Ilyasova TUR 95 13.94 16.84 59.5% 0.42 5.47 2.11 3.37 0.00 1.26
52 M.Diarra FRA 44 13.91 16.36 60.5% 2.73 4.55 0.91 3.64 0.91 0.91
53 K.Gönlüm TUR 112 13.89 18.21 68.6% 3.21 10.71 1.07 0.71 0.36 3.21
54 S.Erdogan TUR 111 13.87 22.34 53.2% 0.36 1.80 2.88 2.16 0.36 1.80
55 R.Douglas PAN 124 13.87 21.29 50.7% 1.29 6.13 2.90 2.58 0.65 2.90
56 E.Mingas ANG 181 13.81 17.46 57.4% 3.98 8.40 1.99 0.88 0.44 1.77
57 K.Hinrich USA 93 13.81 15.05 61.6% 2.58 9.46 3.01 2.58 0.00 1.72
58 A.Anagonye NIG 72 13.78 12.78 51.8% 6.67 13.89 0.56 2.78 0.00 1.67
59 S.Becirovic SLO 126 13.75 20.63 56.4% 2.54 4.76 3.49 1.90 0.00 3.49
60 I.Udoka NIG 157 13.61 19.62 51.9% 2.55 7.13 5.10 2.55 0.25 4.59
61 F.Weis FRA 115 13.57 14.96 57.3% 5.22 11.48 1.74 1.39 0.70 2.43
62 M.Belinelli ITA 110 13.49 26.18 49.3% 0.73 2.91 2.55 1.45 0.00 2.18
63 G.Muoneke NIG 118 13.29 18.31 52.9% 1.69 6.44 1.69 2.03 0.00 1.36
64 K.Penney NZ 119 13.18 23.87 58.6% 0.00 3.36 0.67 0.67 0.00 1.34
65 J.Lakovic SLO 129 13.15 20.78 80.3% 0.00 1.86 2.48 1.55 0.00 4.03
66 D.Songaila LIT 109 13.10 22.75 58.4% 2.94 11.38 2.57 1.47 0.37 6.24
67 K.Lavrinovic LIT 77 13.04 18.70 60.1% 2.60 9.35 3.64 1.56 0.00 4.16
68 M.Soragna ITA 123 12.98 18.54 65.2% 1.30 3.25 3.90 0.98 0.33 3.25
69 R.Wolkowisky ARG 103 12.93 15.15 63.7% 1.55 6.21 0.78 0.78 0.39 0.39
70 A.Carvalho ANG 55 12.87 18.91 72.2% 0.73 2.91 0.73 1.45 0.00 1.45
71 J.Levy PAN 37 12.86 10.81 46.5% 5.41 11.89 1.08 3.24 0.00 0.00
72 S.Schultze GER 67 12.66 19.70 72.1% 2.99 9.55 2.39 0.00 0.00 3.58
73 D.Santiago POR 113 12.64 19.47 63.2% 2.12 8.50 1.06 0.35 1.77 3.54
74 W.Liu CHI 146 12.47 12.60 59.0% 2.19 6.30 7.40 0.82 0.00 2.19
75 B.Udrih SLO 110 12.40 17.82 55.5% 0.36 4.00 5.09 2.91 0.00 4.73
76 M.Lutonda ANG 105 12.38 17.90 67.7% 0.76 2.29 6.10 1.14 0.00 4.19
77 P.Femerling GER 101 12.36 14.26 62.0% 2.77 7.52 1.98 1.19 1.58 2.38
78 B.Miller USA 39 12.31 13.33 51.9% 3.08 13.33 4.10 2.05 0.00 3.08
79 T.Papaloukas GRE 126 12.29 13.65 65.3% 0.95 3.81 3.81 3.17 0.00 3.17
80 S.Ali QAT 129 12.28 19.84 64.9% 0.62 3.41 3.72 3.10 0.31 5.58
81 J.Aw SEN 103 12.27 17.86 53.8% 4.66 8.16 0.39 3.50 0.39 4.66
82 G.Nikolic SM 100 12.08 11.60 51.2% 2.00 8.40 3.20 1.20 2.40 1.20
83 S.Savane SEN 104 12.00 16.54 65.7% 2.31 6.92 1.54 0.38 0.38 3.08
84 E.Ere NIG 133 11.94 18.35 51.2% 1.80 3.91 1.20 1.80 0.30 1.20
85 A.Mumbrú SPA 94 11.91 19.57 59.1% 0.43 4.68 0.85 1.70 0.00 2.13
86 B.Diaw FRA 146 11.73 17.26 57.5% 2.47 7.95 3.56 0.27 0.55 4.11
87 V.Avdalovic SM 94 11.70 17.02 65.1% 0.43 3.40 4.26 1.70 0.00 2.55
88 C.Bradshaw NZ 124 11.58 18.39 55.1% 1.61 10.32 2.26 1.61 0.65 4.19
89 M.Badiane SEN 90 11.56 14.22 43.8% 6.67 12.44 1.78 0.44 1.33 0.89
90 F.ElKhatib LEB 158 11.39 23.80 51.4% 1.27 3.80 1.27 2.28 0.25 5.57
91 C.Bruton AUS 159 11.27 16.35 56.8% 1.01 3.02 4.03 3.27 0.00 4.03
92 F.Du CHI 96 11.25 19.17 66.0% 3.33 6.67 0.00 0.42 0.00 2.08
93 E.Atsür TUR 57 11.23 15.44 65.2% 0.00 2.11 3.51 0.70 0.00 0.70
94 G.Basile ITA 107 11.03 15.33 50.0% 1.50 4.86 3.36 1.12 0.00 1.50
95 Z.Wang CHI 104 10.92 18.46 56.2% 1.92 7.69 0.77 0.00 1.15 2.31
96 C.Dalmau POR 63 10.92 15.24 56.0% 1.27 5.08 2.54 3.17 0.63 3.17
97 K.Igarashi JAP 121 10.88 15.87 61.9% 0.99 2.64 4.96 1.32 0.00 2.98
98 '.Machado BRA 140 10.86 17.71 50.2% 1.14 2.86 3.43 2.57 0.00 2.29
99 S.Mackinnon AUS 146 10.63 10.68 50.4% 1.92 7.12 4.93 3.29 0.27 3.01
100 P.Roller GER 53 10.49 13.58 52.9% 2.26 3.77 5.28 0.75 0.00 1.51
101 C.Morais ANG 88 10.45 16.36 56.2% 0.45 5.00 4.55 2.27 0.00 4.55
102 A.Okulaja GER 118 10.44 13.90 54.8% 2.37 8.81 1.69 2.37 0.00 3.05
103 M.Diouf SEN 68 10.35 16.47 42.6% 2.94 6.47 4.12 2.94 0.00 3.53
104 K.Daley PAN 72 10.22 17.22 48.2% 3.89 6.11 1.11 1.11 0.56 2.78
105 T.Orimo JAP 128 10.22 19.06 62.4% 0.31 2.50 0.94 0.63 0.00 1.88
106 C.Oguchi NIG 58 10.21 17.93 43.3% 3.45 6.90 1.38 2.07 0.00 1.38
107 J.Vogel LEB 158 10.18 16.46 49.7% 2.28 6.84 1.52 0.51 2.03 2.53
108 J.Smith AUS 111 10.16 19.10 74.4% 0.36 5.77 0.36 0.00 0.00 2.88
109 D.Marconato ITA 86 10.09 10.70 44.1% 2.33 12.09 1.40 2.33 1.40 0.47
110 F.DiBella ITA 90 10.00 14.22 54.4% 2.22 7.11 4.44 0.89 0.00 3.11
111 F.Oberto ARG 114 9.96 12.98 50.8% 4.21 10.18 3.16 0.70 1.40 2.81
112 C.Frank NZ 78 9.95 15.90 65.7% 1.54 6.67 1.54 1.03 1.54 4.62
113 '.Garcia BRA 106 9.77 16.60 53.9% 1.89 6.42 3.02 1.89 0.00 2.64
114 M.Ndoye SEN 157 9.73 18.09 48.1% 0.76 4.84 1.27 2.29 0.25 2.29
115 E.Ibekwe NIG 86 9.67 13.95 39.6% 4.65 13.95 1.86 1.86 2.33 2.33
116 P.Jankunas LIT 46 9.65 8.70 38.5% 6.96 12.17 4.35 1.74 0.87 2.61
117 M.Marriaga VEN 68 9.65 11.76 53.1% 4.12 9.41 0.59 2.94 0.59 2.94
118 I.Kutluay TUR 109 9.61 18.72 59.5% 0.37 3.30 2.57 0.37 0.00 2.94
119 R.Rocca ITA 84 9.57 10.95 49.9% 4.76 10.48 1.43 3.33 0.00 1.43
120 U.Slokar SLO 92 9.57 11.74 59.6% 4.35 9.57 1.30 1.30 1.30 3.48
121 D.Gomez PAN 64 9.56 18.75 54.8% 2.50 5.63 0.00 1.88 0.63 3.13
122 A.Jamison USA 51 9.33 15.69 39.3% 1.57 7.84 0.00 3.92 0.00 0.78
123 J.Johnson USA 98 9.22 13.88 48.9% 1.22 2.86 3.67 1.22 0.41 2.45
124 M.SaleemAbdullahQAT 36 9.22 20.00 60.0% 1.11 3.33 3.33 1.11 0.00 4.44
125 G.Fernandez ARG 38 9.16 10.53 55.1% 4.21 6.32 1.05 0.00 2.11 1.05
126 P.Henare NZ 142 9.15 9.86 68.9% 0.28 2.25 3.94 2.25 0.00 2.25
127 E.Pene SEN 99 9.13 14.95 74.4% 0.40 4.04 5.66 0.81 0.00 4.85
128 R.Fahed LEB 128 9.13 20.00 53.7% 0.63 4.06 3.75 0.63 0.00 5.00
129 L.Papadopoulos GRE 108 9.11 18.15 47.3% 2.22 5.93 4.07 1.48 1.48 5.93
130 D.Greene GER 145 8.83 16.83 66.0% 0.55 2.48 1.93 0.28 0.00 2.76
131 R.Lugo VEN 150 8.80 16.53 40.4% 4.27 15.20 2.13 0.27 2.67 5.33
132 A.Bogut AUS 150 8.72 15.20 51.5% 1.33 8.27 3.20 0.80 0.80 4.53
133 D.Barlow AUS 85 8.71 13.65 67.4% 0.94 5.18 1.88 0.47 0.00 2.35
134 J.Yi CHI 84 8.67 13.33 41.9% 4.76 13.81 0.95 0.00 3.81 3.81
135 B.Nachbar SLO 115 8.59 17.39 51.3% 0.35 9.39 2.43 0.35 0.00 3.48
136 M.Gelabale FRA 113 8.57 15.22 51.4% 1.77 6.02 1.06 1.06 0.35 2.48
137 R.Garrett GER 95 8.55 11.79 53.9% 2.11 6.32 1.68 0.84 0.00 1.68
138 '.Barbosa BRA 148 8.54 17.84 48.7% 0.27 1.35 3.78 2.43 0.00 4.05
139 M.Dickel NZ 41 8.49 9.76 37.9% 0.98 5.85 3.90 3.90 0.00 0.98
140 K.Peker TUR 93 8.39 17.63 54.1% 2.58 12.90 2.15 1.29 1.72 6.88
141 S.Rodriguez SPA 44 8.36 10.91 55.8% 0.00 2.73 10.91 3.64 0.00 8.18
142 A.Michelori ITA 77 8.36 12.47 56.1% 3.12 9.35 2.08 0.52 0.00 2.08
143 T.Awojobi NIG 90 8.31 12.44 55.8% 0.89 5.33 2.67 0.89 0.44 2.67
144 M.Mordente ITA 111 8.29 11.89 52.1% 1.80 5.05 4.32 0.72 0.36 2.52
145 O.Salem QAT 112 8.29 9.64 45.4% 5.36 10.36 3.57 1.07 0.36 2.86
146 E.Saeed QAT 177 8.16 11.30 51.4% 2.94 5.65 3.39 1.81 0.68 4.29
147 K.Tsartsaris GRE 69 8.06 10.43 53.1% 1.74 5.80 1.74 1.74 2.90 2.90
148 B.Beshara-FeghalLEB 146 8.03 13.42 51.1% 1.37 6.30 2.74 2.74 0.00 3.84
149 M.Demirel GER 83 7.95 10.60 41.9% 1.45 4.34 5.30 0.96 0.00 0.96
150 T.Rampton NZ 46 7.83 16.52 52.5% 1.74 4.35 1.74 0.87 0.00 2.61
151 A.Ali QAT 160 7.83 14.50 55.3% 0.75 5.25 2.00 1.00 0.00 2.75
152 V.Diaz VEN 128 7.75 17.19 53.0% 0.63 1.25 2.19 0.63 0.00 2.81
153 V.Spanoulis GRE 134 7.70 15.82 49.7% 0.90 2.39 2.09 2.69 0.00 4.18
154 C.Cedeno VEN 76 7.68 8.42 55.9% 0.53 1.58 4.21 1.58 0.00 1.58
155 C.Jiménez SPA 111 7.68 9.37 57.8% 2.16 6.13 1.80 1.08 0.00 1.80
156 S.Ozbolt SLO 54 7.56 14.07 56.3% 0.00 0.74 2.22 2.22 0.00 2.22
157 O.Torres VEN 131 7.54 16.18 44.6% 2.75 7.02 2.44 1.53 0.61 4.89
158 L.Garri ITA 68 7.53 15.29 49.8% 2.35 8.24 1.76 0.59 1.18 2.94
159 B.Popovic SM 112 7.50 10.71 52.4% 0.36 4.64 2.86 3.21 0.36 2.86
160 A.Reyes POR 76 7.42 12.63 47.2% 4.74 13.68 0.00 1.58 0.00 3.16
161 R.Sakurai JAP 80 7.40 19.50 46.1% 1.00 4.50 2.00 2.50 0.00 6.00
162 C.Lee POR 57 7.37 10.53 69.7% 1.40 4.21 0.70 2.11 0.70 1.40
163 M.Barros ANG 115 7.34 10.43 46.3% 0.00 5.91 5.57 2.43 0.00 3.13
164 C.Almeida ANG 126 7.27 16.51 46.1% 0.63 3.17 1.59 1.90 0.00 2.54
165 U.Tripkovic SM 84 7.24 14.76 53.9% 1.90 2.86 1.43 0.48 0.00 1.43
166 A.Gigli ITA 67 7.22 13.13 49.3% 2.99 4.78 1.79 0.60 1.79 2.39
167 B.Newley AUS 100 7.20 13.60 59.6% 0.80 5.20 2.80 2.80 1.20 7.20
168 N.Zisis GRE 63 7.17 13.97 52.2% 0.00 3.81 3.17 1.27 0.00 3.17
169 A.Pecile ITA 34 7.06 10.59 57.1% 1.18 3.53 2.35 0.00 0.00 0.00
170 M.Kalnietis LIT 89 7.06 10.34 40.8% 1.35 4.04 6.29 2.70 0.00 4.49
171 W.Helliwell AUS 40 7.00 10.00 74.0% 1.00 9.00 2.00 1.00 0.00 3.00
172 M.Zukauskas LIT 58 6.97 7.59 40.0% 2.76 6.90 6.21 2.76 0.00 3.45
173 J.Abdel-Nour LEB 73 6.96 12.05 70.9% 2.19 7.12 0.00 0.55 0.00 3.84
174 L.Foirest FRA 65 6.83 11.69 28.8% 1.85 10.46 1.85 4.31 0.62 1.85
175 T.Amino JAP 124 6.81 14.84 50.4% 0.00 4.19 1.61 2.58 0.65 3.87
176 R.Apodaca POR 142 6.79 10.99 52.8% 0.56 5.92 1.97 1.13 0.00 2.54
177 K.Takeuchi JAP 125 6.75 8.64 42.3% 1.28 7.04 0.96 1.60 1.60 0.32
178 R.Garces PAN 121 6.74 16.20 44.2% 3.31 9.26 0.33 0.66 0.99 3.64
179 N.Ndiaye SEN 47 6.72 11.91 42.1% 3.40 7.66 0.85 0.85 2.55 1.70
180 M.Milic SLO 59 6.71 10.17 36.5% 2.71 5.42 5.42 2.03 0.00 2.03
181 '.Varejao BRA 146 6.60 12.33 38.8% 4.38 10.14 1.92 1.10 1.10 3.84
182 F.Zhu CHI 143 6.60 12.31 59.7% 0.28 2.24 2.24 1.12 0.00 2.80
183 E.Arslan TUR 103 6.52 13.20 46.0% 0.00 3.88 3.50 1.55 0.00 3.50
184 A.Latimer POR 110 6.51 8.36 58.0% 1.45 5.82 1.45 1.45 0.73 2.18
185 H.Tawbe LEB 89 6.47 6.74 50.4% 4.94 9.89 0.90 0.45 0.00 1.35
186 J.Takeuchi JAP 102 6.43 12.16 50.9% 2.35 10.20 0.78 1.57 0.00 3.14
187 G.Vallenilla VEN 33 6.42 15.76 37.5% 6.06 10.91 4.85 0.00 0.00 4.85
188 F.Solak TUR 60 6.40 8.00 50.5% 5.33 12.67 0.67 0.00 3.33 3.33
189 M.Ndiaye SEN 78 6.36 10.26 62.5% 0.00 9.23 1.54 1.03 0.51 1.54
190 S.Erden TUR 30 6.27 10.67 69.4% 2.67 2.67 0.00 1.33 1.33 2.67
191 R.Turiaf FRA 39 6.15 7.18 33.9% 8.21 13.33 1.03 1.03 1.03 3.08
192 P.Machado VEN 60 6.13 9.33 36.5% 6.00 12.00 2.67 0.67 0.67 2.67
193 M.Raicevic SM 103 6.10 9.32 50.1% 3.88 8.54 1.55 0.78 0.39 3.11
194 T.Aguilera VEN 100 6.04 15.20 41.9% 3.60 8.80 1.60 2.00 0.00 4.40
195 J.Herber GER 63 5.90 12.70 59.2% 1.27 5.08 1.90 0.00 0.00 2.54
196 A.Jeanneau FRA 84 5.86 6.67 33.7% 0.00 5.71 5.24 2.38 0.48 1.43
197 G.Jurak SLO 85 5.84 10.35 43.5% 1.88 5.65 3.76 1.88 0.00 2.82
198 G.Gustas LIT 121 5.72 9.26 48.9% 0.99 4.30 4.30 0.99 0.33 1.98
199 Y.Bokolo FRA 71 5.46 12.39 41.0% 1.13 2.25 2.82 2.25 0.00 2.25
200 L.Kleiza LIT 115 5.43 15.65 47.4% 1.74 6.61 0.70 2.09 0.35 5.57
201 S.Jasaitis LIT 68 5.41 10.59 45.3% 2.35 7.06 1.76 1.18 0.00 3.53
202 M.Marinovic SM 40 5.30 17.00 53.1% 1.00 2.00 5.00 1.00 0.00 6.00
203 G.Grünheid GER 34 5.06 9.41 58.1% 3.53 9.41 1.18 2.35 0.00 5.88
204 B.Cisse SEN 116 4.97 10.69 39.1% 0.34 3.10 5.86 1.72 0.00 4.83
205 E.Kurtoglu TUR 100 4.80 12.00 41.8% 0.80 5.60 4.00 0.40 0.40 3.20
206 S.Wang CHI 148 4.78 14.32 55.9% 0.00 2.70 1.62 1.08 0.00 4.86
207 D.Yamada JAP 55 4.51 15.27 45.7% 0.73 5.09 1.45 0.00 0.00 3.64
208 '.Huertas BRA 79 4.51 9.62 37.9% 1.01 4.05 4.56 2.03 0.00 3.54
209 P.Prigioni ARG 66 4.36 2.42 13.4% 1.21 4.85 10.30 2.42 0.61 3.64
210 A.Garcia PAN 86 4.28 6.05 39.6% 5.12 13.95 2.79 1.86 0.00 5.12
211 Y.Sun CHI 66 4.12 2.42 25.8% 1.21 3.64 6.06 1.21 0.00 0.61
212 L.Kendall AUS 68 3.94 10.00 50.0% 1.18 2.35 3.53 0.59 0.00 3.53
213 M.SaleemAbdullahQAT 108 3.93 11.85 41.9% 3.33 10.00 0.74 1.48 0.37 5.19
214 J.Varem NIG 86 3.86 9.30 35.9% 2.79 6.51 0.93 2.33 0.93 2.79
215 S.Hamann GER 120 3.80 7.33 51.6% 0.00 3.33 3.00 1.33 0.33 2.33
216 S.Furuta JAP 108 3.63 3.33 47.9% 1.48 4.81 2.96 1.11 0.00 1.85
217 '.DosSantos BRA 63 3.30 7.62 50.5% 0.63 3.81 4.44 1.90 0.00 3.81
218 M.Ndiaye SEN 96 3.25 11.25 39.8% 2.92 10.00 1.25 1.25 1.25 4.58
219 J.Lloreda PAN 113 3.12 10.27 44.6% 2.48 7.79 2.83 1.42 0.35 6.37
220 S.Kashiwagi JAP 71 2.93 12.96 36.1% 0.00 4.51 3.94 2.25 0.00 3.94
221 M.Hicks PAN 130 2.28 16.31 38.8% 3.38 5.54 0.31 0.62 0.31 4.31
222 E.Cota PAN 107 2.17 6.36 40.9% 0.37 2.62 2.99 0.75 0.00 2.99
223 J.Gomis FRA 57 2.11 11.93 32.3% 0.70 1.40 3.51 0.70 0.00 1.40
224 C.Morris VEN 61 2.10 9.84 52.8% 0.66 4.59 3.28 0.00 0.00 4.59
225 D.Boucher NZ 98 2.08 3.27 29.6% 3.67 6.12 4.90 2.86 0.00 5.31
226 R.Samaha LEB 89 1.89 10.34 39.3% 4.04 8.54 0.90 0.90 1.35 5.39
227 M.Pietrus FRA 93 1.46 11.18 29.8% 0.86 4.73 1.72 2.58 0.00 2.58
228 A.Bruce AUS 43 1.30 17.67 40.9% 2.79 6.51 3.72 1.86 0.00 10.23
229 Y.Mijares VEN 117 1.20 4.79 27.2% 0.68 4.10 1.71 2.74 0.00 2.05
230 N.Hatzivrettas GRE 77 1.04 11.95 48.9% 0.00 1.56 0.52 0.52 0.00 4.16
231 P.Ramos POR 87 0.97 9.66 42.1% 0.92 5.98 0.46 0.46 0.00 2.30
232 C.Akyol TUR 66 0.48 6.06 27.3% 0.61 2.42 1.82 1.82 1.21 1.82
233 T.Kawamura JAP 55 0.36 10.18 36.8% 0.00 2.91 0.00 0.00 0.00 2.18
234 H.Demirel TUR 64 0.31 5.63 45.0% 0.63 3.75 5.63 1.25 0.00 6.25
235 P.Jones NZ 119 -0.10 10.76 29.5% 1.68 7.39 3.36 1.01 0.00 3.70
236 J.Peralta PAN 107 -0.19 6.73 38.3% 1.50 3.36 1.50 1.12 0.00 4.11
237 K.Abdi QAT 71 -0.85 10.70 34.1% 1.13 4.51 2.82 1.13 0.56 7.32
238 A.Mahmoud LEB 60 -1.27 4.00 27.9% 0.67 6.67 2.00 1.33 0.67 4.67
239 H.Zaidan QAT 32 -1.75 5.00 50.0% 1.25 7.50 2.50 2.50 0.00 6.25
240 M.Niang SEN 37 -1.95 6.49 23.1% 0.00 3.24 0.00 1.08 0.00 1.08
241 I.Nwankwo NIG 31 -2.06 3.87 22.2% 2.58 9.03 0.00 0.00 0.00 2.58
242 D.Obasohan NIG 32 -2.13 0.00 0.0% 1.25 2.50 2.50 3.75 0.00 1.25
243 A.Olson NZ 44 -2.27 4.55 22.7% 3.64 4.55 0.91 0.91 0.00 2.73
244 J.Akognon NIG 61 -2.75 8.52 34.4% 0.00 0.66 1.97 0.00 0.00 3.28
245 D.Daoud QAT 133 -3.22 7.82 34.4% 0.60 3.31 2.11 1.20 0.30 6.62
246 C.Cabezas SPA 52 -4.54 5.38 27.4% 0.77 1.54 1.54 0.00 0.00 4.62

The Lithu guy has more than 4 blocks per game, impressive

[LonghornFan]

Time to destroy Austalia. W00T!

[aussie rocket]

Great game against us by Battier. He was the only guy I could cheer for on the US team.

His 4 threes were encouraging, he should get plenty of open jumpers next season for us.

[durvasa]

I summarized what all the teams in the tournament have done so far, statistically. I included team rankings as well.

Quick definition of terms:

Overall
Pace: possessions per 48 minutes
ORtg: points scored per 100 possessions
DRtg: points allowed per 100 possessions
Net: point differential per 100 possessions

Offense Four Factors
Shooting: effective field goal % (taking 3's into account)
Turnovers: % of offensive possessions resulting in a committed turnover
Rebounding: % of rebounds grabbed on offensive end
Free throws: free throws made per field goal attempt

Defensive Four Factors
Shooting: effective field goal % (taking 3's into account) allowed
Turnovers: % of defensive possessions resulting in a forced turnover
Rebounding: % of rebounds grabbed on defensive end
Free throws: free throws made per field goal attempt by opponent

Overall

team Gm Pace ORtg DRtg Net
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 ARGENTINA 7 89.7 2 120.1 1 87.3 32.7
2 SPAIN 7 92.6 3 120.1 2 89.0 31.0
3 USA 6 98.8 1 132.5 9 101.8 30.7
4 GREECE 6 87.2 5 112.2 5 94.7 17.4
5 SERBIA & MONTENEGRO 6 89.4 9 109.3 6 97.2 12.1
6 ANGOLA 6 86.1 4 113.1 10 102.7 10.4
7 LITHUANIA 7 93.0 13 100.4 3 91.6 8.9
8 GERMANY 6 83.6 6 111.8 12 104.2 7.7
9 FRANCE 6 84.1 15 99.6 4 93.2 6.3
10 ITALY 6 85.2 11 106.5 11 102.7 3.9
11 BRAZIL 5 94.3 12 101.9 7 99.3 2.6
12 SLOVENIA 6 93.2 7 111.6 18 111.7 -0.1
13 PUERTO RICO 5 91.4 8 110.3 19 112.3 -2.0
14 AUSTRALIA 6 93.1 17 95.1 8 99.4 -4.3
15 NIGERIA 6 89.2 14 99.9 15 106.2 -6.3
16 TURKEY 7 87.7 16 98.4 14 105.6 -7.2
17 NEW ZEALAND 6 87.3 19 93.5 16 107.7 -14.2
18 CHINA 6 87.0 10 108.5 24 124.7 -16.1
19 JAPAN 5 88.6 21 88.0 13 104.8 -16.8
20 VENEZUELA 5 93.2 22 86.9 17 109.0 -22.1
21 SENEGAL 5 91.1 18 93.8 23 118.1 -24.3
22 LEBANON 5 93.3 20 91.4 21 116.3 -24.9
23 PANAMA 5 91.6 23 84.8 20 113.9 -29.1
24 QATAR 5 91.7 24 82.3 22 117.2 -34.9


Offense (Four Factors)

team Gm Shooting Turnovers Rebounding Freethrows ORtg
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 USA 6 1 59.5% 1 12.5% 3 37.1% 4 31.1% 132.5
2 ARGENTINA 7 3 56.2% 6 17.6% 5 34.8% 9 24.5% 120.1
3 SPAIN 7 2 57.9% 5 16.9% 18 29.8% 2 34.0% 120.1
4 ANGOLA 6 12 51.1% 3 15.9% 9 33.2% 20 20.3% 113.1
5 GREECE 6 5 54.6% 12 19.8% 17 30.1% 1 34.2% 112.2
6 GERMANY 6 9 52.5% 13 19.9% 10 32.8% 7 26.6% 111.8
7 SLOVENIA 6 7 53.5% 15 20.9% 1 37.4% 10 24.1% 111.6
8 PUERTO RICO 5 4 55.5% 9 18.4% 23 22.2% 3 32.1% 110.3
9 SERBIA & MONTENEGRO 6 10 52.5% 8 18.1% 19 29.2% 16 21.4% 109.3
10 CHINA 6 8 52.8% 18 22.7% 13 31.5% 5 30.4% 108.5
11 ITALY 6 14 49.7% 4 16.9% 16 30.3% 14 21.6% 106.5
12 BRAZIL 5 15 48.6% 11 19.2% 12 31.9% 8 25.5% 101.9
13 LITHUANIA 7 11 51.3% 22 25.7% 2 37.4% 11 23.9% 100.4
14 NIGERIA 6 21 44.4% 2 15.6% 8 33.8% 21 20.2% 99.9
15 FRANCE 6 22 43.5% 7 18.0% 7 34.3% 6 27.1% 99.6
16 TURKEY 7 13 51.0% 14 20.7% 21 23.5% 13 21.7% 98.4
17 AUSTRALIA 6 6 53.8% 23 26.6% 22 23.0% 15 21.6% 95.1
18 SENEGAL 5 20 44.7% 16 21.4% 14 30.9% 19 20.4% 93.8
19 NEW ZEALAND 6 17 47.1% 17 22.3% 20 26.2% 12 22.3% 93.5
20 LEBANON 5 19 45.0% 21 24.6% 15 30.4% 17 21.2% 91.4
21 JAPAN 5 18 46.4% 10 19.1% 24 13.5% 22 19.1% 88.0
22 VENEZUELA 5 23 41.6% 19 23.8% 4 34.8% 23 17.7% 86.9
23 PANAMA 5 24 41.4% 20 24.4% 6 34.6% 18 20.6% 84.8
24 QATAR 5 16 47.4% 24 32.6% 11 32.3% 24 10.9% 82.3



Defense (Four Factors)

team Gm Shooting Turnovers Rebounding Freethrows DRtg
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 ARGENTINA 7 1 41.5% 9 20.9% 12 70.1% 4 18.8% 87.3
2 SPAIN 7 4 46.1% 5 22.7% 4 75.2% 1 14.0% 89.0
3 LITHUANIA 7 5 46.8% 8 21.5% 3 75.3% 10 24.0% 91.6
4 FRANCE 6 2 41.8% 15 19.6% 13 68.8% 13 24.7% 93.2
5 GREECE 6 21 55.8% 1 31.9% 17 66.2% 3 18.2% 94.7
6 SERBIA & MONTENEGRO 6 3 44.0% 13 20.4% 14 68.3% 18 27.3% 97.2
7 BRAZIL 5 20 55.7% 2 29.1% 6 71.7% 21 28.6% 99.3
8 AUSTRALIA 6 8 49.6% 7 21.9% 8 70.8% 8 22.7% 99.4
9 USA 6 12 50.9% 3 23.2% 10 70.5% 9 23.2% 101.8
10 ANGOLA 6 9 50.0% 12 20.4% 11 70.1% 12 24.4% 102.7
11 ITALY 6 11 50.1% 10 20.6% 7 71.1% 24 30.8% 102.7
12 GERMANY 6 10 50.0% 23 15.1% 1 79.6% 22 29.9% 104.2
13 JAPAN 5 7 49.0% 4 22.9% 23 59.4% 19 27.5% 104.8
14 TURKEY 7 6 48.9% 18 18.1% 16 67.4% 16 26.8% 105.6
15 NIGERIA 6 17 53.1% 6 22.3% 15 67.7% 6 21.4% 106.2
16 NEW ZEALAND 6 14 51.4% 11 20.5% 19 65.1% 15 25.2% 107.7
17 VENEZUELA 5 15 52.2% 21 17.1% 9 70.7% 5 20.9% 109.0
18 SLOVENIA 6 23 56.3% 19 17.7% 2 76.5% 17 26.9% 111.7
19 PUERTO RICO 5 13 50.9% 16 18.4% 20 64.8% 20 27.6% 112.3
20 PANAMA 5 22 55.9% 22 16.5% 5 75.2% 11 24.1% 113.9
21 LEBANON 5 18 53.6% 17 18.3% 24 58.2% 2 18.1% 116.3
22 QATAR 5 24 57.4% 14 20.0% 21 64.2% 7 22.6% 117.2
23 SENEGAL 5 19 54.2% 20 17.5% 18 65.2% 23 30.5% 118.1
24 CHINA 6 16 52.6% 24 12.0% 22 61.9% 14 25.1% 124.7

While the US might be the favorite, statistically Argentina and Spain have slightly out performed them (due to their far better defense). Germany, our next opponent, is a solid all-around offensive team and a superior defensive rebounding team. They are 13th in committing turnovers, so the US defensive style of converting turnovers into easy points could work well against them.

[AroundTheWorld]

I think Germany will have zero chance to even keep it close against the US.

[GermanRoxFan]

woohoo, are the refs biased or what?

they need to call all those travelling violations (at least two) by the americans.

and what was that bullsh!t with the continuation of dwight howard?

come on, give me a break.


germany probably has no chance to win this game but at least treat the teams equally fair.

[AroundTheWorld]

I agree, GermanRoxFan - that continuation call was the biggest joke ever.

[francis 4 prez]

woohoo, are the refs biased or what?

they need to call all those travelling violations (at least two) by the americans.

and what was that bullsh!t with the continuation of dwight howard?

come on, give me a break.


germany probably has no chance to win this game but at least treat the teams equally fair.


you're ****ing me, right? there have been 2 different travels on germany that weren't called. and carmelo has been hit two different times going to the basket with no call (one time he didn't even get the ball to the rim he was hit so hard). wade just drove in and got bumped with no call.

they just called some travel call on elton brand after he caught a pass from wade and went up for a layup and made it. what the hell was that? he caught it, landed on both feet, then jumped? was he supposed to hop?

and then the best, wade drives baseline, dirk reaches out and slaps the ball out of bounds, and the refs give it to germany. clear as day dirk slaps it and somehow it's out on wade (didn't hit off his knee or anything).

the continuation for howard was a bad call no doubt but this has been all germany so far from the refs.

[francis 4 prez]

I agree, GermanRoxFan - that continuation call was the biggest joke ever.


bigger than dirk slapping the ball from wade with everyone having a clear view of it and the ball going to germany?

[AroundTheWorld]

What was that third foul call on Dirk? Complete joke!

[francis 4 prez]

germany better hope every person on team USA remains cold as ice the rest of the game (and it could definitely happen). 41% 3 point shooting in the tourney and we're 4-17 so far, mostly all open looks.

[francis 4 prez]

What was that third foul call on Dirk? Complete joke!


yeah i can't believe they called him for slapping the guy. team USA should probably never go to the line when they take it inside.


man, now finals mvp's can't even make breakaway layups for us.

[Tauntaun13]

If the Americans play in the semi-final like they're playing in this first half, Greece definitely has a chance :cool:

[francis 4 prez]

man we couldn't beat a girls junior high team the way we're playing right now. hopefully we can't shoot this terribly and miss this many layups two halves in a row.

[francis 4 prez]

If the Americans play in the semi-final like they're playing in this first half, Greece definitely has a chance :cool:


if we even make the semis. we're in serious danger of screwing up all of our hard work with one horrific shooting performance. which is why having a single elimination tournament for basketball is stupid, especially after you spend 5 games to take all of 8 teams out of the tournament in pool play. it's like the ncaa tournament, a stupid (if exciting) format.

[GermanRoxFan]

you're ****ing me, right? there have been 2 different travels on germany that weren't called. and carmelo has been hit two different times going to the basket with no call (one time he didn't even get the ball to the rim he was hit so hard). wade just drove in and got bumped with no call.

you are obviously choking. there was probably not one time where a american player was really hammered and got no call. on the other hand the best players of germany already have 3 fouls each. your telling me that the refs favor germany? give me a break.



they just called some travel call on elton brand after he caught a pass from wade and went up for a layup and made it. what the hell was that? he caught it, landed on both feet, then jumped? was he supposed to hop?

you obsiviously have no clue. they showed the travelling violation clearly on the replay. he caught the pass and took almost 3 steps without dribbling.

get a clue about fiba rules. this is not the nba. :rolleyes:


and then the best, wade drives baseline, dirk reaches out and slaps the ball out of bounds, and the refs give it to germany. clear as day dirk slaps it and somehow it's out on wade (didn't hit off his knee or anything).

on the other hand dirk has two touch fouls with barely contact already.


the continuation for howard was a bad call no doubt but this has been all germany so far from the refs.

wtf? if you can't admit that the americans were favoured early on any further argument is obviously pretty senseless.

[GermanRoxFan]

If the Americans play in the semi-final like they're playing in this first half, Greece definitely has a chance :cool:

definitely. germany's 2 best scorers aren't really in the game and the game is tied. i think the greek team is a lot superior to the german team so they have their chances.

the problem with the american team is that they have no inside presence. dwight howard is a joke. they have no real center with a back to the basket game. and the american perimeter players (the superstars) can't really shoot. they can go one on one but that's it. against a good team that might not be enough.

[francis 4 prez]

wtf? if you can't admit that the americans were favoured early on any further argument is obviously pretty senseless.


and i would say the reverse.

[francis 4 prez]

this is what i mean. carmelo gets the ball on the break, nowitzki reaches in and pokes the ball away, carmelo picks it back up and gets called for double dribbling. what the hell is that?

14 ft's for germany, 9 for USA. yeah germany is getting killed alright.

[AroundTheWorld]

I'm looking forward to seeing Battier on the Rockets!

[francis 4 prez]

not that germany is good, but i suppose it's encouraging that a team can go 20/21 at the line while you miss 30 three pointers (30 three pointers!) and you still win by 20. at least the D was good.

hopefully this was just an aberration as the 3's we took today were as open as any we've taken all tourney while shooting 41%.

and man i hope spain beats argentina. even if the USA can't win, i don't wanna see ginobili win, especially if it's over us.

[A-Train]

Well, you couldn't ask for a better final four with all four undefeated teams.

Greece vs. United States will be an awesome matchup...the unstoppable force (USA) vs. the immovable object (Greece). Plus, my wife's dad is from Greece, so there will be a little family rivalry going on.

I actually saw (gasp!) some perimeter defense for the USA in the few minutes I saw of the Germany game. Our guards were going 4-5 feet beyond the arc and putting pressure on the ball. Hopefully, the US got their bad shooting night out of the way. One thing is for sure is that they're gonna get their asses kicked if Wade and Bosh go 5-22 again.

[rrj_gamz]

The semi's should be great...A tough next couple of games, but I think we can do it...

USA, USA, USA!!!

[Champ06]

Wins by 20 pts against Germany. So, when is the next game against Greece? Another Rocket vs Rocket match.

[Flamescreen]

Hm, I was working and thus couldn't see any of the first half of the game, but what I saw of the second didn't impress me.

The Germans did a splendid job in keeping the score low, thus having their chances, and the USA team just couldn't succesfully shoot the ball--sadly enough I think it's too difficult for them to play so badly in consecutive games, we're up for a difficult Friday game(We hoped their really bad game would be vs us but you never know, we'll have to wait). The German team made a lot of mistakes, probably from excaustion or excitement in that they actually had a chance to win.

The game was open till the end of third quarter. I saw for the first time a game of USA in this WCOB and I have to say I really liked what I saw from Battier. Cannot understand why people say he's a bad trade for the Rockets.

[compucomp]

This is the moment of truth for Greece. They have completely shut down everyone they've played so far, now it's time to see if they can do it to the USA. It's also an important test for the USA before they go against Spain or Argentina, they really haven't faced any sort of legitimate defense yet.

[freemaniam]

I don't know why there isn't a thread here for the bronze medal game. No more supporters for Team USA?

Oh well, perhaps I am the only one here care about your team then.
:rolleyes:
35 - 32 USA narrows the lead to 3. Used to be 8 points led by Argentina. 5'30 minutes to go in 2nd qtr.

[freemaniam]

Wow! Carmelo a 3 and Brand tied it up. 46-46, 1 min to go.

[freemaniam]

Carmelo with another 3. USA first time lead in the game, 50:49, 6 secs to go. Man, I am having fun here. :D

[freemaniam]

Okay, 1st half finished. 50-49, USA led by 1 point. Thanks to the consecutive 3s by Carmelo.

I tend to support the underdog so I hope USA win this game. :p

Too bad I cannot watch this on TV. It seems that USA was not able to follow Argentina's paces but the 3 consecutive trey by LBJ and Carmelo narrowed the gap and then gain the leading position just before 1st half ended.

Another bad thing is I have to leave now and cannot "watch" the rest of the game.

I root for USA in this game but predict Argentina wins, since I always wrong. :D

And it is so much fun to "own" the entire forum, although it was just 15 minutes.

[Champ06]

Look at the FTs; USA 10-22; Argentina 8-11

[francis 4 prez]

did lebron just get leveled to the floor on a layup with no call? damn.

why is argentina going to lose this game? is it because they're so selfish and unfundamental? maybe it's because they have a lot of nba level players and they've been infected by the big bad nba and now they can't play a team game. so much talent, not even a medal. i blame eva peron.



and what a dunk by lebron.

[dragon167]

LMAO. Sore loser could be very bitter. :D

[francis 4 prez]

LMAO. Sore loser could be very bitter. :D


yes i can. :D

[SamFisher]

did lebron just get leveled to the floor on a layup with no call? damn.

why is argentina going to lose this game? is it because they're so selfish and unfundamental? maybe it's because they have a lot of nba level players and they've been infected by the big bad nba and now they can't play a team game. so much talent, not even a medal. i blame eva peron.



and what a dunk by lebron.

LOL, Francis 4 Prez, you need to realize that the Rule of the Cliche is that it is ONLY applied to the US. No matter that Carlos Arroyo went to college and plays professionally in the US - it is because he plays pure TRUE BASKETBALL in Mayaguez Puerto Rico, which is untainted by American influences completely - that he is able to excel.