[OFFICIAL ROAD TO GOLD] 2012 USA Basketball

[lmaballa]

Originally Posted by A_3PO Just started watching midway in the 3rd quarter. This team doesn't seem to be coming together like the squad in 2010. Their chemistry is terrible and guys don't know what their roles are on offense.

You're correct. I tuned in near the end of the 3rd quarter and I saw a bunch of turnovers, one-on-one, and no inside game for USA.

[francis 4 prez]

Originally Posted by A_3PO Just started watching midway in the 3rd quarter. This team doesn't seem to be coming together like the squad in 2010. Their chemistry is terrible and guys don't know what their roles are on offense.

yep, one week from the olympics and they still play like it's their first practice together. they can't even run a fastbreak semi-properly. it doesn't help that seemingly every instance of good offense that leads to an open jumper seems to result in a missed jumper. outside of durant, no one has made anything except in that "who cares" game against great britain. you'd think deron williams might just accidentally throw one in every once in a while based on what he does in the nba. and the turnovers are almost inexcusable. with their athletic advantage they should never be putting themselves in a position to force passes or jump in the air with nowhere to go or any number of other things they do. that's how they had several 16-18 point leads against argentina and still let it end up close. the two close games have been a clinic and how to outplay another team and yet always keep the score close by pissing away the easy opportunities to score.

and when things get tight they only go one-on-one, partly because i don't think anyone trusts anyone else to actually make an open jumper (except durant).

[teebone21]

damn luis looked like crap that game. Missing freethrows and not effective in the post at all. He was the MVP of fiba earlier in the year

[A_3PO]

What needs to happen is for Coach K and Team USA players to admit they aren't all created equal. KD needs to become the hired gun, the #1 perimeter option. LeBron needs to become the #1 post option. D-Will, CP3 & WB need to focus on creating for the big 2, with themselves and everyone else becoming secondary options. Melo and Kobe have to give up isolation plays unless they are in the post and/or have clear physical advantages on their defenders. Kobe better not jack up another 28-foot jumper early in the shot clock. In general, the players should count to 2 after receiving the ball and give it up if nothing is available to them.

IMO, they should run a motion offense and use screens and pin-down screens to create offense. Not saying they should forget PnRs.

They should make every effort to avoid settling for 3-point shots unless it's KD or maybe CP3. Melo, Kobe and WB should attack and finish/dish instead of taking outside jumpers. They have to get more shots while going towards the basket. This would make them unstoppable.

[REEKO_HTOWN]

Originally Posted by teebone21 damn luis looked like crap that game. Missing freethrows and not effective in the post at all. He was the MVP of fiba earlier in the year

Morey knows when to drop them

Look at Aaron Brooks.

[insert Morey picture]

[A_3PO]

Through 4 exhibition games, USA is a plus-65 in 76 minutes with James & Durant on the floor together.

— John Schuhmann (@johnschuhmann) July 22, 2012

[francis 4 prez]

Originally Posted by A_3PO Through 4 exhibition games, USA is a plus-65 in 76 minutes with James & Durant on the floor together. — John Schuhmann (@johnschuhmann) July 22, 2012

what's their plus/minus when kobe is hoisting up 28 foot 3's?

[JimRaynor55]

They need to get their **** together before the Olympics. At least they're not losing (yet), but these games are way too close. Totally agree that these stars need to come to terms with the fact that they're not equal. Find the best lineup and use it. This should be LeBron and Durant's team. No more long standstill jumpers from Kobe.

[oelman44]

Originally Posted by teebone21 damn luis looked like crap that game. Missing freethrows and not effective in the post at all. He was the MVP of fiba earlier in the year

Did he really? I didnt see the game but saw he finished with 14 and 6. Looked like an awesome game, couldn't help but root for the underdogs in Argentina.

[Juxtaposed Jolt]

Originally Posted by oelman44 Did he really? I didnt see the game but saw he finished with 14 and 6. Looked like an awesome game, couldn't help but root for the underdogs in Argentina.

Assuming you're American, you're not rooting for your own country?

[Yung-T]

At this point you might think Dream Team would slaughter Team USA by 30+ points.

[DreamShook]

Spain Dominating right now because the USA arrogant enough to think they can really get by using Carmelo and Lebron as post men. Lets hope that shot starts to fall and the transition O starts to click or the USA is in trouble.

[Mr. Space City]

melo is carrying team usa

[Juxtaposed Jolt]

Guys, Carmelo and the fountain are both wet.

Ew.

[RedNation]

LOL at the fountain reference.

[king2440]

Originally Posted by Juxtaposed Jolt Guys, Carmelo and the fountain are both wet. Ew.

Yea, I thought thats what I heard...lol wtf

[roksoer]

ibaka showing dreamlike potential

[DreamShook]

Sergio Llull not playing?

[DreamShook]

Carmello seems to love that light international ball.

[Juxtaposed Jolt]

Originally Posted by RedNation LOL at the fountain reference.

Originally Posted by king2440 Yea, I thought thats what I heard...lol wtf

I hope a member of the USA Women's team won't be compared to a fountain.

Otherwise, a lot of hilarity will ensue.