USA Basketball embarrassed by Italy

[Guest JohnnySwift]

I missed the game again, does anyone have a schedule of upcoming games so I can set the dvr to record them? I don't think ESPN's website had a schedule up.

Thanks

[The Electrifyer 0]

Go to www.nba.com and they have a schedule on the right side of the main page.

[Guest JohnnySwift]

Go to www.nba.com and they have a schedule on the right side of the main page.

*hangs head* The one site I don't check out.

Thanks

[Red Baron 0]

Man, USA looks pathetic in the past two games.

[The Czech Republic 0]

Their next game is against Serbia and Montenegro. Allen Iverson has already prepared a statementstating that it was no suprise they would lose, those America-hating Europeans booked the tournament so that they had to play two countries at once out there.

[Guest Staravenger]

Their next game is against Serbia and Montenegro. Allen Iverson has already prepared a statementstating that it was no suprise they would lose, those America-hating Europeans booked the tournament so that they had to play two countries at once out there.

Why can't people ever take defeat with quiet dignity and grace? Tsk Tsk Tsk...

[Guest Smell the ratings!!!]

since there are so many good Serbian players, is it safe to assume that Serbia's national team kicks ass?

[jimmy no nose 0]

I still think the US has a very good shot at winning gold in the olympics.

I'm going to officially take that back after the Germany game. Officially.

[Bored 0]

since there are so many good Serbian players, is it safe to assume that Serbia's national team kicks ass?

Yup. They and Lithuania are considered the biggest threats to the U.S. in the Olympics.

 

I didn't realize Germany failed to qualify as they had a great showing at the World Championships in 2002, winning the bronze.

[Guest Smell the ratings!!!]

they mentioned during the game that they've had injury problems all year.

 

is Peja on Serbia?

[The Electrifyer 0]

Peja isn't on any team this year. He opted not to join the team because he's too tired. He's been on the national team going to different tournemants every summer for the past 6 or so years, so he wants a rest this summer.

[The Czech Republic 0]

"Now, the republic of Serbia and Montenegro is a very interesting one. You see, they were originally part of...Yugoslavia, I believe, but after Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovenia, Croatia, and Macedonia broke off, remember that? Yeah. Well, these were the only two left. They changed their name from Yugoslavia quite recently, I believe, and now they are two nations, but really just one."

[alfdogg 0]

Excellent.

[The Czech Republic 0]

You know, what I wrote really isn't funny at all, it's quite factual. But when one reads it in a Bill Walton voice it takes on some humor.

[Guest Mindless_Aggression]

On Bill Walton, I was disturbed by the noise he made when IVerson made the winning shot against Germany. It sounded like he had an awkward ejaculation just as his mother opened his bedroom door. "UghghOHHH"

[The Czech Republic 0]

It's funny that you bring that up, Mr. Aggression. Because in October of 1973 I had a "threesome," if you will, involving two very special ladies in my life, Rosey Palm and Mary Jane, as the kids liked to say back then. I had Dark Side Of The Moon playing, and was just thinking about life, as I'm inclined to do. Then I decided to get to know myself, if you know what I mean. There was an intrusion, and the sound you heard was quite like what you heard in the classic USA vs. Germany game. Also, part of that sound was a result of me somehow blowing out my knee amidst the witnessed climax. And it just goes to show you that the Los Angeles Lakers are ready for anything that may come their way.

[Guest Mindless_Aggression]

Well played. Well fucking played.

 

I salute you sir, if you ever form some type of unholy army, I'll gladly be an underling with no mind or will of my own.

 

Granted, you coulda said anything and it woulda been funny because of that damn picture of Walton, but still.

[The Czech Republic 0]

Our first order of business is this. Trust me, it's gonna be great.

 

We sneak out of the Olympics in Athens, because the threats of terrorism are too high. At least that's what we tell them.

 

Then we get into a Volkswagen that I bought, and travel from country to country, spreading the wisdom of the Grateful Dead and John Wooden, magnificently synergized in an applied study I like to call Waltonology. It's too complicated to explain right now. I'll give you the gist of it on the way to Istanbul.

 

And what a town that is. Istanbul. You may or may not know this, but Istanbul is actually the third name the city has had. Yes, that's right. Perhaps even more. It's been Istanbul when run by the Turks, like it is right now, but it was also known as Constantinople, for the great emperor Constantine. But there's more, you know: it was also known as Byzantium too. I'd say that's quite a record! And I thought the Sacramento Kings had a lot of former names. Yeesh.

 

But getting back to Turkey. I never understood how you could be Hungary next to Turkey and Greece. But then a wise scholar, far wiser than I, explained that Hungary was named for the Huns, and Turkey the Turks, so thus there was no connection to hunger or turkey.

 

Anyway, meet me in the parking lot. We've got a long, strange trip coming.

[Krankor 0]

Throw it down Czech, throw it down!

[Guest Jdogfour20]

Thats some funny shit Czech.

[Guest Redhawk]

Jay Mariotti pissed me off on ATH today, saying we should be "embarrassed" that Team USA had the gall to celebrate after beating Germany. Yet if they won the game and acted bored, he'd complain about that, too.

 

Oh, and I noticed that during the Germany game, Walton was trying to basically say the reason other countries are good at basketball now is because we made them that way. It was almost like he was preparing an excuse for if Team USA lost.

[The Czech Republic 0]

Jay Kerryotti can't go a day without changing his opinion on something. Sometimes even in the middle of a point. Then everyone laughs at him, he points his finger up like "give me the points" and I point my middle finger up going "you made Chicago look dumb again, Jay! WOODY PAIGE IS OUTSMARTING YOU!

 

Though the other day when Woody Paige tried to celebrate the birth of the NBA and said "the National Basketball Associan" and everybody lost it, himself included...that was fine television. Almost as good as:

 

"Woody, you win. The 15 seconds are yours. Go."

"Whoa. I didn't think I'd win today. So I didn't write anything."

[Guest Jdogfour20]

Woody Paige is gold. That guys is always makeing me bust up.

[alfdogg 0]

I like when he had the "Phenix" bracket on his dry erase board one day shortly before the NCAA Tourney.

[EVIL~! alkeiper 0]

I too am getting tired of the professional dream teams. Its not a matter of professionalism over amateurism. Its just that these rosters are little different than what we see in our professional sport leagues, except the rosters are re-shuffled.

[alfdogg 0]

I'm just tired of the Dream Team tag. The only "dream" team was the first one, Laettner aside, ALL Hall of famers. This team, I'd say Duncan is the only sure bet right now, and even that's being somewhat generous after only seven years. They mercifully stopped with it (officially) after the 96 team, "Dream Team III" (Because when I think Dream Team, I think Glenn Robinson and Mitch Richmond, dammit.)

[Guest Smell the ratings!!!]

I can't really have a strong opinion on this, because, really, who gives a shit about the Olympics, but why did they decide that for this one sport the rules don't apply?

 

(yeah I know, cash, it was hypothetical)

[Guest Crazy Dan]

Well the lost to Italy was an eye opener for sure. As Italy benefited from playing together for 3 or so years. And Germany was going to be tough due to Dirk being a Superstar who carried his German teammates to tie it at 77-77 with 3.0 seconds left. Fortunately AI was able to get a good prayer off and swish it as time expired. So this was another wake up call for the USA team. The world is catching up to the USA. The USA still has many of the best players in the world, but not all are playing for various reasons. But teams like Germany, Serbia, etc, do send their best players to the games. And with all the time they get to practice together and games they play together, the team is more coehisive and the players know where everyone is going to be.

 

Our team has been basically been playing together for a few weeks. With many never playing on the same team before. So Larry Brown has the task to mold this into a championship team, and if all of his players were Duncan, it would be not too hard, but since Cloned humans are still in ethical debate, we insetead have a the current team. So the possibility of facing some great teams is upon us, and this team has a lot of work to do. But will it be enough? And as Bill Simmons said, this team was put together to sell jerseys and market the gear for sale. This team was not put together to be the best team. Unfortunately some good team players like Bibby and Garnett choose not to play. Jason Kidd, who is the point guard who makes and gets his teammates involved is out with an injury and could not play.

 

But there are some players I am happy are on the team

 

Tim Duncan - can do it all, quiet leader by example, I was happy that Duncan said yes to playing. And he is definately have the chance to hit a triple double for many of the games.

 

AI - Sure he missed practice, and he is the captain. And his attitude is kinda of a drag and can drive you crazy. But once on the court, no one plays harder than AI. He can steal the ball, and hang with the man he is guarding, as he still is one of the quickest players on the team. And when the USA needed big baskets against Germany, AI delivered. Sure he hates talking about practice, but when he is playing for real, he plays with heart, guts, and drive.

 

Carmelo Anthony - I liked this choice, as getting a chance to learn from some veterns will only help Anthony in the long run. I am concerned that he might have a hard time adjusting to the international rules for a few games. But once he gets into his flow, I see him gliding it to the hole, as one of the smoothest players at the olympics. I just hope he gets a chance to play becuase he likes to make his teammates around him better, and that is what a team like this needs. Sure he will score, but he will look for the past as well. And if he does well here, then see him return for 2008

 

Labron James- Bill Simmons did not like these two on the same team, as they are natural rivals for the next ten years. And having them share minutes could cause friction. But James has proven that he is a team player, who can dish them out as good as anyone. And as a guard he can use his size to post up smaller players to score or look for the open man. So Lebron is not selfish and is on his way to being a great talent in this league. And what ever he is needed for to win the game, he will do it. And he can play multiple positions as well on the court. Another player I see being asked to play on 2008 team.

 

Dwayne Wade - couldblossom into the next great PG in the league, as he has shown signs of willingness to pass, get teammates involved, and make everyone else around him better. Is mature for finishing his rookie year and helping the Heat make the playoffs whith Ron Jeremy as his coach. And in this game a PG like him will be vital, so I hope that he can play undercontrol and penetrate becuase that opens the court up for his teammates. And something tells me he has no problem doing this.

 

Lamar Odom - Hopefully he clears away from Amsterdam this weekend. But serious, Lamor has the talent, just the wrong team to develope that talent. Also, getting arrested or testing postive for greens also tends to have that affect on you. But when Lamar plays up to his talent, he brings speed, quickness, and shooting to the court. He also poses a problem to those slower than him, which is a possiblity of course, as he can take you off the dribble and drive it. I like this choice due to potential matchup problems he could be.

 

Many of the choices that I would make instead of the other players are inspired by Bill Simmons, but I will add my own little twist.

 

Brad Miller - Can pass and has a nice jump shot. Also, this is the player who shows no fear. He wasn't scared when Shaq swung and missed him a few years ago. The man might not be the smartest player but he will throw picks, he will bang with the best of them, and if there is dirty player from each country, let Miller regulate. He is the player that brings toughness all teams need. To bad he was not invited

 

Michael Redd - I agree, you need a pure shooter who can get his shot off quickly while at the same time know how to get open for just that millisecond. And with some teams playing zone, this is a great opportunity to make them pay with a mid range jumper. Those fall in, then it goes back to man to man, which could then give the US an advantage in speed and quickness. To bad he was not invited

 

Rip Hamilton - I love watching this guy play. He constantly moves and moves and moves. He never tires, and has bragged he is the best conditioned athlete in the NBA, and who am I to argue. And he creates his own shot, has great shot selection, and is not afraid of the mid range jumper, which hurts zones. Also, can you imagine the best player of the other team trying to keep up with Rip, chances are this player was up all night drinking and smoking, so he might end up gassing. Too bad he was not invited.

 

Prince, Tayshuan - Not invited. but should have been. Prince long arms makes him very hard to get around or create a shot without those limbs right in your face. Even if he has to catch up to a player who is ready to score, his arms get there first and disrupts the shot (as my playing basketball in pick up games taught me, that the best shooters in the world are crap with a han in their face.) Just ask Kobe how much he loved Prince's defense he played on him. And as Kobe found out, it is way harder to go around someone when their size and length get more in your way, causing frustration and poor shots. So Prince is in to be my defensive expert and chip in a few sick dunks to get the crowd roaring. But what he is there for is to make the star player have fits due not being able to get by or have an open shot.

 

Stoudimire, Amare - Well we need a back up PF, and Amare is more than able. Still a man child, he has gotten better every year he has played. Can be the bruiser with his size and grab rebounds. Very athletic and has the body of a man, when he was still in college. Also can be counted to score on put backs as well.=. Just no more hanging with AI before the teammeeting.

 

The high energy guy to come off the bench - Not the most athletic, but will out hustle you if you are slacking. If the team is struggling will get the rebound needed, or score 4pts, or block a shot. So I am thinking, who would be a good player, once again I will go with Simmons choice of Brian Cardinal. I saw him play some great games for the Warriors last season. With him you get a guy who gives it his all. He will dive for loose balls, hustle after each miss or loose ball. Can shoot threes, and make you pay when teams leave him open whil they double team another player. And he is a player who is happy to help his team win through playing hard.

 

 

I think that for the next team selection there needs to be some changes in philosophy in choosing the teamd. First no more All Star Teams so that you can sell more jerseys. Not that there won't be any All Stars on the team, but there need be a good percentage of roll players who can do one or two things good, and not care if they score 20 or 0 points. There should be a player like Duncan who will rebound, score, pass, and play defense. And this player lets his playing do his talking. We need another scorer, so getting a shooting guard who can create off the dribble, but also know when to pass and when to see the opening for a shot. A point guard like Kidd, who loves to pass and get his teammates involved. And can play solid defense as well and he is the player who makes everyone better through unselfish play, so Stephen Marbury would not get through the front door.

 

Power Forward - Rebounder, Solid Defense, finds ways to score. Maybe a little off the wall, but will work hard and can give you that thunderous dunk to get you emotionally back into the game. And will throw nasty picks to free his teammate for a score.

 

Small Forward - Shooter, rebounds, and can pass. A player who can play different positions, so must be a good ball handler as well. And a solid Defender.

 

Center- Well Shaq will be past his prime, or even retired by 2008, so chances of adominating Center like that available to play is not going to be a reality. So with more and more Centers comming from other Countries, Like Mao, the US needs to pick a center who will block shots, rebound, and get some low post points when needed. Also being able to pass is a big plus. Also, having a little nasty streak to would also be a added bonus as well

 

PG - Can pass, penetrate, and create havoc in the middle. Must be quick but able to play undercontrol. I am looking for the PG in the Kidd mold. Kidd makes everyone around him better by finding the open man and getting the pass to him for an easy duece.

 

SG - Scorer, finds his shot. Good at defense. Can play point if needed, but more comfortable playing with out the ball and looking to get his shot by out running his opponent. Three point shooter as well but will take it to basket if opportunity is there.

 

 

Bench - At least one accurate jump shooter, 2-3 energy guys, a defensive specialist, and anyone else who rather win than score all the points.

 

So that would be my criteria when putting a team together. I would try to get three superstars at least, but these are the players who make their teammates better, but can score when called upon. there would be some lesser known players, but they are your guys who can help spark a comeback by out hussling everyone. I also would make sure I bring some great shooters, who can hit that mid range jumper with ease. Also, I would make sure I had a stopper or two on defense, who will challenge all jump shots and not let many wide open ones go in.

 

 

Or who about you take the World Champions in NBA, remove their foreign players, add a Duncan and what else is needed, and go from there. Now that is a crazy idea that has no way in hell of becomming a reality, but I can dream can I?

[EVIL~! alkeiper 0]

I can't really have a strong opinion on this, because, really, who gives a shit about the Olympics, but why did they decide that for this one sport the rules don't apply?

 

(yeah I know, cash, it was hypothetical)

I believe eligibility is determined by each country's individual athletic departments. For example, we have USA Basketball, which determines which players we'll send. USA Baseball has their own department, and so on. Obviously, the Olympics not clashing with the NBA's schedule helps greatly in thie regard. We'll never see MLB players in the Olympics because of schedule disputes.

[Hogan Made Wrestling 0]

I can't really have a strong opinion on this, because, really, who gives a shit about the Olympics, but why did they decide that for this one sport the rules don't apply?

If you think basketball is the only sport in the Olympics in which professionals are allowed, then you are very wrong. Just off the top of my head:

 

-ice hockey

-cycling

-downhill skiing

-soccer (although they limit it to under 23 players)

-tennis

-curling

 

There are probably other events that I'm forgetting.