Honestly, I can't believe we're not talking about this guy just a little bit more! He's had a pretty strong Olympics so far, and at the moment has Australia in a strong position to upset the unbeaten Lithuanians (52-29 at the half). Newley has 14 points and is playing OUTSTANDING defence on Lukauskus, Kleiza et al. Newley's strength offensively is his 3pt shot, but when that isn't there for him, he is extremely putting the ball on the floor against his man and driving to the hoop to finish with either hand (left handed dunk over Hadadi the other night). But defensively he's been very surprising - playing with great intensity in every game I've seen, and not backing down from anyone. I'm thrilled that we have his rights, thrilled that he's clearly made some progress in his game, and thirlled that he seems to have some confidence in big games. I have every confidence that he can play as our '3rd string SG' in 09/10 behind Tracy and Barry - and perhaps a year under Barry's tutelage might leave us with someone who could contribute valuable minutes in 10/11! (at a VERY cheap salary!) I know Newley's been bashed endlessly by some Aussies around here - but take a look at the product that he's become over the last season in Greece! Much better than the skinny kid who left a year ago...
Lithuania have first place in Group A clinched. Australia are fourth no matter what happens. Lithuania have nothing to play for in this game. Australia are facing USA in the quarteras so it's their last chance to play for some pride.
Agreed with hooroo's point. That said I like seeing the Aussies showing some G and D unlike early in the tournament. And Newley is still not an NBA player, and will not be a factor for the Rockets, which means there's no point discussing him in the GARM.
Here's the question: If you are Greece or China, would you rather face Lithuania or Argentina? I wouldn't be suprised the 2:30 a.m. game wouldn't have a bit of tanking going on.
Greece have had little success against both. Lithuania owns Greece like Spain owns Argentina, ie can't just seem to win aginst them.
http://streamingtheolympics.com/2008/08/beijing-olympic-games-mens-basketball.html embedded player in middle of page
well we still own his draft rights and so he is still (at the very worst) an 'asset' that the Rockets own. So it is absolutely the right forum to be talking about him in. If we renounce his rights, then you might have a point. Since we haven't, you don't.
I'm sure you'll know the answer to this better than I - but I thought the seedings were based on %s? The Aussies will finish with the same record as Croatia, but probably better %s. Or is it based on head to head? I thought that the %s were the first factor? Which would most likely mean the Australians just booked a date with Spain?
Is he really that hopeless? I was impressed the other day by one of his moves. He was able to drive into the paint and dunked the ball. He appeared quite athletic.
Actually, I don't care. They're both too much for CNT. As long as we can play competitively and with great efforts, I'm happy already. Maybe our coach would rather play Lithuania, because he's a Lithuanian himself, and the head coach of Lithuania team now was his assistant back in the old days, he may want to meet his old friends and old team.
Kaman doesn't know how to play the international game, you figured as much from Yao's comments on how he defends him. Nowitzki is like playing 5 vs 1 half the time. There is no excuse for Newley or Bogut. I've watched the Australia team play, since thats the only basketball they put on for the olympics on free to air television. Im not impressed by Newley doing what he does. The better litmus test for me was his game against the USA in the pre games. He was a non factor and thats because he wont be able to do what he does in international game with athletes and speed like that. He just isn't a NBA talent and I stand by it.
