Team USA Basketball Thread

[improbus]

Anyone watching Team USA. It is an interesting bunch. They have no post presence at all. Dwight Howard looks lost and Boozer doesn't play much. Instead, they run the fast break relentlessly.

Defensively, they dare the team to bring the ball up the floor with Paul, LeBron, and Kobe hounding their guards. But, when the other team gets in their half-court set, they usually get a decent look.

This team is very good but very beatable. If they run into a team with a solid PG who can bring the ball up the floor and the team can move the ball around, they could be in trouble.

[Roy Tucker]

The good international teams will choke off that fast break and clog up the middle on the US. Eventually, it will come down to how well they shoot the 3 to unclog the middle. Their downfall in previous years is that they couldn't do that.

Defensively, they have potential but aren't there yet. Good individually, but not good team defense. They need to come together fast. They've gotten pick and rolled to death in the past.

[Michael Young]

The good international teams will choke off that fast break and clog up the middle on the US. Eventually, it will come down to how well they shoot the 3 to unclog the middle. Their downfall in previous years is that they couldn't do that.

Defensively, they have potential but aren't there yet. Good individually, but not good team defense. They need to come together fast. They've gotten pick and rolled to death in the past.

Two words: Michael Redd.

[15fan]

They have no post presence at all.

The hallmark of a K team.

It's too bad that Chris Paul made the team. I really wanted to actively root against the 2008 K squad.

[improbus]

I really wanted to actively root against the 2008 K squad.

Why?

[15fan]

Why?

Have to set a good impression for my soon-to-be 5 year old.

Root against all things Duke, Michigan, and North Carolina.

Always.

I'm hoping K's back goes out on him in Beijing like it did during the 94-95 college season. Then I'll be able to root for the 'Mericans with a clean conscience.

[improbus]

Have to set a good impression for my soon-to-be 5 year old.

Root against all things Duke, Michigan, and North Carolina.

Always.

I'm hoping K's back goes out on him in Beijing like it did during the 94-95 college season. Then I'll be able to root for the 'Mericans with a clean conscience.

But...this team has nothing to do with Duke. Sad...

[Michael Young]

Have to set a good impression for my soon-to-be 5 year old.

Root against all things Duke, Michigan, and North Carolina.

Always.

I'm hoping K's back goes out on him in Beijing like it did during the 94-95 college season. Then I'll be able to root for the 'Mericans with a clean conscience.

That's pathetic. No offense, but what you're doing is setting a horrible example for any child.

We're talking about the National Team for the United States here. Think about it.

[Hoosier Red]

That's pathetic. No offense, but what you're doing is setting a horrible example for any child.

We're talking about the National Team for the United States here. Think about it.

Lighten up Francis. Seriously, it's a game. I'm pretty sure the terrorists don't win if the US loses to Spain.

[cincrazy]

Have to set a good impression for my soon-to-be 5 year old.

Root against all things Duke, Michigan, and North Carolina.

Always.

I'm hoping K's back goes out on him in Beijing like it did during the 94-95 college season. Then I'll be able to root for the 'Mericans with a clean conscience.

Coach K is a great coach. Period. End of discussion. I'm not a Duke fan by any means, but give the man his due. And asking for his back to go out is a bit much

[BuckeyeRed27]

This whole thread is crazy. I mean who roots for the USA to lose in the Olympics? I guess we know a few people now.

We are talking about he name on the front of the jersey not the one on the back.

GO USA!

[IslandRed]

I don't care much for Coach K, but I thought it was a smart move to get a college coach. The international game's rules and prevailing style of play are much closer to college ball than the NBA game. I also thought the roster construction was more intelligently tailored to the international game this time, rather than just taking a generic NBA squad. Like you guys said, though, the key will be team defense. These guys will score but they have to shut down other teams better than recent USA teams have done.

[improbus]

I don't care much for Coach K, but I thought it was a smart move to get a college coach. The international game's rules and prevailing style of play are much closer to college ball than the NBA game. I also thought the roster construction was more intelligently tailored to the international game this time, rather than just taking a generic NBA squad. Like you guys said, though, the key will be team defense. These guys will score but they have to shut down other teams better than recent USA teams have done.

If you watch closely, you can really see Coach K's handy work. They play alot like a Duke team. They play relentless man to man ball pressure with a shot blocker at the rim. In a way, they dare the other team to try and bring the ball up the court. Offensively, they run the break, drive to the basket, or shoot 3's. There is very little post play.

What I really want to see is Kobe and LeBron square off to see who can be the world's greatest player. I want to see LeBron play D with the intensity that Kobe has been showing. I want to see Kobe start to look for the types of passes that make LeBron special. I really hope that there is a "friendly" competition between these two.

[MasonBuzz3]

What I really want to see is Kobe and LeBron square off to see who can be the world's greatest player. I want to see LeBron play D with the intensity that Kobe has been showing. I want to see Kobe start to look for the types of passes that make LeBron special. I really hope that there is a "friendly" competition between these two.

This is Lebron's team...he is the best player in the world, but I am biased I know. Lebron promised a gold and I don't doubt him, at least Coach K will play Lebron at these Olympics unlike L.Brown last time.

[improbus]

This is Lebron's team...he is the best player in the world, but I am biased I know. Lebron promised a gold and I don't doubt him, at least Coach K will play Lebron at these Olympics unlike L.Brown last time.

LeBron can do some things that Kobe will never be able to do because of his size and strength, but I hope he learns from Kobe. LeBron should have a dominant post-up game, but he doesn't really ever bother. LeBron should be a top 5 man defender, but he isn't. I really hope that Kobe's intensity and more well rounded game rub off on LeBron.