World Basketball, US stunned..

[billy p]

and so am I. Although I must admit, I'm beaming as well Why? National pride I guess, I'm Greek.
Still though the US squad on paper is far superior to all those teams. Unfortunately it's a team game, with too many RICH stars that are not hungry enough.

 

[Sheep]

I love how you said "US stunned" as if THEY invented it..

SheepStar

 

[racquetman]

You shouldn't be stunned. The U.S. isn't the basketball powerhouse that they're made out to be - their recent international results in tournaments should tell you that.

U.S. players play basketball like it's an individual sport - international players play it like the team sport it is. The team mentality will win out most of the time (except when you have Jordan, Bird, Johnson, Drexler, etc. . . .).

 

[mikeyj92]

I don't see how much money they make has ANYTHING to do with this upset from Greece (also, they are 8-0 in the event so far).

The U.S. team was built with glaring weaknesses in size (they could have built a much bigger team) and mid-range/long-range shooting.

It is not these players' fault their longer-range shooting is subpar (compared to other professional leagues, around the globe), it is the comittee who put the team together who are to blame for that.

I realize Ray Allen declined, but there are many other great shooters out there that this team NEEDED in order to win the Gold. Michael Redd of my Milwaukee Bucks is one of those such players.

So don't bring the whole "too rich to want to win" arguement this time, it doesn't apply. It is more because of what I've already mentioned and the fact our roster seems to be vastly different everytime our squad is put together and thus no cohesiveness can be built, whereas other countries have the same essential core year after year.

PS-don't be shocked if the U.S. loses in the Bronze medal game, I wouldn't be suprised if the U.S. is underdogs even.

PPS-I think the U.S. woudl do better to just pick 12 no name ex college stars who aren't in the NBA and pay them to be a team and practice and play just in these world tourneys. personally, I would hate to have my NBA teams stud get hurt playing for these games.

 

[billy p]

I don't see how much money they make has ANYTHING to do with this upset from Greece (also, they are 8-0 in the event so far).

The U.S. team was built with glaring weaknesses in size (they could have built a much bigger team) and mid-range/long-range shooting.

It is not these players' fault their longer-range shooting is subpar (compared to other professional leagues, around the globe), it is the comittee who put the team together who are to blame for that.

I realize Ray Allen declined, but there are many other great shooters out there that this team NEEDED in order to win the Gold. Michael Redd of my Milwaukee Bucks is one of those such players.

So don't bring the whole "too rich to want to win" arguement this time, it doesn't apply. It is more because of what I've already mentioned and the fact our roster seems to be vastly different everytime our squad is put together and thus no cohesiveness can be built, whereas other countries have the same essential core year after year.

PS-don't be shocked if the U.S. loses in the Bronze medal game, I wouldn't be suprised if the U.S. is underdogs even.

PPS-I think the U.S. woudl do better to just pick 12 no name ex college stars who aren't in the NBA and pay them to be a team and practice and play just in these world tourneys. personally, I would hate to have my NBA teams stud get hurt playing for these games.

I do agree with a lot of what you said. It must start at the grass roots. Most athletics here develop the skill but not enough is taught to improve the overall game, at least at the pro level. That is when the star factor comes into play.
So yes if I owned the Miami Heat and WADE was injured I'd be pissed. To send a young team from the NCAA would not be fair as well. Besides this is due to the ego trip of the governing body, which rule the NBA & NHL. Whom select the best teams and athletes to win gold, have fallen on their faces, all to often.

 

[mech]

The major issue is that many of our US players are only recruted on physical skill and ability. Most of these guys learn how to play in inner city pick up games. This is half the reason why I don't watch the NBA that much anymore, these guys flat out don't know the game. Would could sure use more team players like Steve Nash, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird....

 

[furrycute]

The whole basketball scene has turned it into go it alone, be your own celebrity, mae the most amount of money, draw the most attention, etc. This is a really sad story.

 

[The Dukester]

U.S. players play basketball like it's an individual sport - international players play it like the team sport it is. The team mentality will win out most of the time (except when you have Jordan, Bird, Johnson, Drexler, etc. . . .).

That's just it; those guys were the franchise players, BUT the dream team knew how to play as a team.

 

[mtrycrafts]

and so am I. Although I must admit, I'm beaming as well Why? National pride I guess, I'm Greek.
Still though the US squad on paper is far superior to all those teams. Unfortunately it's a team game, with too many RICH stars that are not hungry enough.

I don't have these issues


I am not into basketball, or football, or baseball

 

[Rob Babcock]

The "Dream Team" didn't have to play as a team! Individually they were so superior to their opponents that most of them stood slack jawed and watched. Back in those days very few NBA players were foreign, and B-ball was primarily an American game. What's happened since then? The rest of the world caught up. Now there are many big NBA stars that are European, and the rest of the world has really learned the fundamentals. At the same time, we Americans have neglected the fundamentals. No one seems to learn to play defense anymore; I guess it doesn't get you a shoe contract.

I wouldn't call the relatively close loss to a good Greek team "stunning." The USA probably wasn't favored, or at least shouldn't have been. Really, until America wins a World title or an Olympic gold again we'll be the underdogs.

I'm pretty pleased at the US teams performance, actually. Coach K has them playing a lot better than the last national team. It's a work in progress but I think they're getting better.

 

[BMXTRIX]

I'm really not sure who all is on the team... It seems to me that a lot of pro atheletes may turn their back on the honor of representing their country if the pay is only pride. In the land of the almighty dollar, what's the use of pride? So, is it that the guys that are on the team are really the best but couldn't muster what was necessary, or is it that the best of the best prefer to turn their backs on national pride in favor of cold hard cash?

I'm not sure a million+ dollar a year athelete would want to jeopardize his career for national pride. I'm not sure I would blame them. It doesn't make me happy... but with short pro careers, you gotta put your stock in what is best for your life. In other countries, the world tournament may BE their big break and only hope. Not for U.S. pros though. Their big break came the day they signed the contract.

 

[billy p]

Bonze

is better then a kick in the pants. Coach K said losing to Greece was not a black eye the talent pool world wide is very deep. They hope this will build towards better results in the future now that the program is in place. Also DR. K added nobody will dominate World basketball !!
I hope basketball Canada will improve as well .

*sorry title should of read BRONZE*