I did not get a chance to watch the game today, how did our boy Brad do? Did he do enough to get a invite to camp or does he still look no where close to Nba ready.
That's exactly my point. This team, while better than the last Olympic squad, is no where near the talent level the US has to offer, like the original Dream Team. And international basketball has gotten much better since then (despite the denial of certain posters here). I don't think any of the teams since Dream Team II should be called "dream" team at all. And I don't buy the argument that you need to assemble a "team" to win. You assemble the best talent and you blow everyone else away.
watched the game in full, Newley's 3 pter has certainly been getting better, he attempted some real nice drives in the half court with mixed results, most of his scoring drives were from transition where he looked outstanding, what more impressed me was he ability to play 1on1 D, against some very athletic 2s like Kobe and Wade, he started the game on Kobe and whilst they called him for two fouls on two of Kobe's jumpshots, his ability to contest the jumpshot was impressive, particularly the first one, in the first minute of the game, which one first view (there was no replay) actually looked like a clean block.... also if you get the chance check out Patrick Mills (currently St Mary's sophmore), although he is only 5-11, his speed is amazing, should see the quote from Chris Sheridan on espn.com...... he compared his speed to Iverson as a rookie, he blew by Kidd and Williams a couple of times it made them look like they were standing still, even more impressive was a pull up and turn around later in the game, especially for someone of his height.... also gotta hope the US shoot FREE throws and 3 pters better or they could have big trouble with Spain, Argentina and Greece.....however when the play intense physical D, they look almost impossible to score on while i think the stats were 10 fast break points for this game for the US, it seemed like more and if the big 3 (Spain, Arg and V-Span land) can keep this to a minimum the half court offense still doesn't seem very smooth, a fit and explosive Wade seemed to save them alot, whilst i don't think they should have gone down the korver path it is still clear outside of Redd and Kobe, teams are going to take their chances with everyone else from the 3 pt line and this makes it tougher to score off the drive and/or in the paint..... what fran raised a few times was not so much about shooting contest perimeter shots, but they were after 2/3 dribbles on the spot them contested jumpshot, with the other 4 watching... the US will win if they dominate on the defensive end and on the boards at both ends and this squad is certainly built to do that also how and why is Jason Kidd a good fit for the US team, his inclusion is made worse by Paul poor play so far and reluctance to shoot the 3, having 2 of 3 PGs useless from 3pt land, makes the Kidd selection a little strange, and maybe just to keep the Kidd idolising LBJ and Kobe happy, also not sure about Boozers non role.... Howard's offense is still very stilted and the FTs a liability, Boozer's offensive arsenal would seem to be a good fit v international ball re argentina, the loss of Pepe Sanchez is certainly a big change but the chemistry and craftiness of Manu, Orberto, Delfino, Nocioni and Scola make them a handful..... personally i hope the aussie's can scramble in the quarter finals... but I am really pumped for the Argentina, Spain, Greece and US match-up, the clash of styles, techniques and scheme is going to enthralling
If carmelo anthony keeps playing like he's thinks he's the only superstar on the team, and forgets the concept of team, he's going to hurt the US. Why is J-kidd playing? Why is Boozer on the team? The only three on the team are Lebron, Wade, Kobe. If the US cant make open jumpshots, and free-throws they're bound to lose in the future.
agreed with most part of your recap, except for Kidd's comment. Seems to me, US intends to play small/quick balls with desperate defense in OG(good for them), then a veteran guard like Kidd can be a good fit other than relative young wade. As for this game, I think it has less scout value than Aus vs argentina matchup in Diamond Ball. The coach(Goorjian) benched Bogut, mostly to test offense around perimeter, outside to inside or moving ball around then ending with shot 3s. Seems he relies on this for much of the team's offence so far(unsure if he tried to hide real tactics or something), but from what I watched, this team is lacking in real gunners. The positive side, compared with the boomers in 2004-2006, this team have a few impressive young guys like Joe Ingles(No.7 jersey), Patrick Mills... have been playing more physical than before with progressive toughness, especially on D end. But they still need the guards to get hot from outside to free Bogut, instead of shooting 3s by big guys, imo. then to knock off the big dogs in the Olympic Games like Argentina, Spain, Greece and US, the secret will lie in your D - pressuring full court!
way to get into their heads... perhaps next time callout the FT% or perhaps the stats from the 2004 Olympic Semi-Finals
Those damn Aussies and their crazy tactics. <object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/yx7W2Qc__uo&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/yx7W2Qc__uo&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>
His teammates should stand near him, stretching arms to get ready or he used to cheer for FT that way? lol
Vlahov put the 'power' in power forward - that guy was built. Wonder if Mourning and Kemp were scared by his 6' wide chest?
Yes, pretty impressed on him when I was a kid. I remember reading some interviews about him around 04-05; got to know him more about his personality off court - a good husband and daddy with 3 children, and his passion for the sport, understanding of bball, it's amazing. You know that as Aussie's geatest basketball player, playing in four Olympic Games for his motherland, plus 350 NBL games averaging 16 points/game, is so unbelievable!
Andrew Gaze is Australia greatest basketballer. Not necessarily talent wise, but certainly in terms of contributions to the sport in Australia. And he was a freak player aswell. Got the absolute best out of himself. A Champion in every sense of the word.
