I'm more shocked that all four current heavyweight boxing titleholders are Eastern European. I think it is because the would-be Muhammad Alis and Joe Fraziers of today are playing middle linebacker. Impoverished Eastern Europeans see boxing and basketball as their ticket out, like it used to be in the U.S.
cassell? cassell? the last person he reminds me of is cassell. he drives, plays tough, plays defense, doesn't shoot great, didn't use the midrange game really. he's like the polar opposite. not that that's bad, but not even remotely the same.
Dude played a great game. His isn't Speedy Claxton end to end, but as has been mentioned, is a great ballhandler who seems to have a great first step - both before the dribble and from a dribblign position - which seems to be something a lot of successful foreign guards have (the ability to make one solid move from the dribble to get into the lane, as oppossed to a series of cross-over, juke type moves than don't always get you anywhere). That said, some of you guys are over-reacting a bit here. John Stockton!! Seriously, I understand he is a very slick passer from watching this game - heck, the whole Greece team is - but seriously. The guy he actually reminds me the most of right now is a healthy, younger David Wesley...offensively limited (but in a good way) to the long-range bomb or the crafty ability to get into the lane. Solid defender (though post defense has yet to be seen). This is a compliment, btw - from 96 through his first year with the Rockets, Wesley was about as solid a role player as you can find in the league. -------------------------- Side note: Is it me, or was there only one US player actually playing like he wanted to be there. I'll still question his shot selection and his somewhat selfish play on the court at times, but Carmelo earned a lot of respect from me this summer. It's hard to tell if Lebron just didn't care for most of the game, didn't know how to attack a professional, good zone, or was just running the system...whatever the case, at the end of the game he decided to just outquick and outjump Greece for layups, it seemed like he could have done that all game long. Oh...and Kryjewski - c'mon, coach....how long do you play one style of defense before changing? For the life of me, I can't figure out why they didn't jump the pick more often (i.e. double-team the guard with the ball), or start switching sooner.
yeah, carmelo is the only guy i felt sorry for in this lose damn he almost burst into tears and he really wants to win this game but oh well.
He possesses SOME qualities that Stock had. great courtvision the ability to convert the great pass VS has that same kind of fiery competitiveness that drives players to take him and his team to another level He is a gymrat that is fundamentally sound The guy is fearless and will give up his body Also,I believe VSpan can get in the lane almost at will,breaking down the defense. Whether he is a 1 or a hybrid 1/2,it doesn't matter,during what minutes he did get this guy played on another level for the whole WC.... VS is a clutch player And his shooting is much better than many think Remember this guy would just be leaving college,becoming a rookie in the NBA,but he already has experience playing tougher competition. Johnnyboy came out of little Gonzaga and VS is coming over from Greece....Somewhat unkown NBA commodities with BIG upside. I'm n ot saying he will be in Stockton's stratosphere,but there are elements of his game that are reminicient of Jazzman.
Like I said, I see KB having some Sarunas in him too. While perhaps not a "pure" PG,he has those qualities in addition to those of a scorer...and he will play defense.
I think your the extreme optimist.The glass isn't only half full - its overflowing. we'll be ok, but we've got a lot of work to do with so many additions to the line up. Hopefully stay healthy and all come together around the All star weekend. then make a serious run in the home stretch. championship, no. I'd be THRILLED with second round, at least for now.
After one good game, I think we should probably sign him to a 5 year $30M contract! Wait. Didn't we already do that before with some other scrub? It's great that he played a good game, but a single performance does not mean he'll be able to bring that night in and night out. Why don't we wait and see, optimistic, yet realistic.
I lumped VSpan in with the "scrub-club," but I may have to reconsider. If JVG doesn't screw with his mind, he might be a difference maker. Makes training camp a bit more interesting. Still, too many unproven players on the roster. If one or two don't pan out, the "talent" problem will bite the Rockets again. Nevertheless, I think this kid is going to be a crowd favorite. If he can just be our new "Sura," I'll be happy.
U.S.A really shot themselves in the foot with 20/34 (58.8%) FT shooting. They didn't defend the pick and roll untill late in the 3rd QT when coack K finally had them switching on everything. VSpan was the game changer, drawing charges, and 3 PT-line fouls (twice), and great penetration...
Vspan had a good game but I still have no idea what he'll bring to the table with the rockets. Hell even Carlos Arroyo looks like an all star when he plays for the Puerto Rican team.
one lucky game doesn't make a career. you are right. So look at his career. he's been improving each year in europe and is one of the top guards there. Hell even Carlos Arroyo looks like an all star when he plays for the Puerto Rican team. carlos is a good player, he just doesnt play within the team and has a bad attitude
Sorry but you are quite wrong. I wanted the Rox to get him but I stated that he would never come over here for what we would pay him enough. I did correct and say I was sorry. I had been misinformed and misled as to the amount if money he was being paid in Europe. So my conclusion was wrong!! I am very glad that he is coming to the Rox.
Oh look what we have here folks, it's a VSPAN-ONLY-HATER......or VOH. To all y'all haters, you better get your avian water bottle handy because VSPAN responds with DEEZZZZZ salty NUUUUUTZZZZZZZ.
