Who can stop TEAM USA?

[Player]

Damn that was a beat down !!!!! anyways USA's weakness is their inside position, if teams can slow them down and dominate inside on both offense and defense then I see a big problem for the US, you cant always shoot your way out of trouble.

Trust me, there is no big problem anywhere for the USA. You have to look at what other teams are bringing to the tournament. The only teams with big inside threats are Spain and Argentina, but they will be beaten by nothing less than double figures respectively by TEAM USA -this you can take to the bank.

USA have inside game, they are just going by the coach's tactics -we know the Duke's coach is NOT big on BIGs. With Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, Kevin Love, and Westbrook their inside game can be activated within a milli sec. Remember, USA took Team B to the last FIBA WC still won!

Since when was/is Coach K not "big on Bigs"?
I don't think it's his choice that every quality American big man in the NBA that they could have called on with the exception of Chandler, is injured.
By inside game I believe a post presence is what's meant. Obviously the players can attack the post but against teams with dependable shot blockers(Spain-Ibaka, Gasol brothers) that will be put to the test.

If you think this edition of the US team will beat Spain by double figures then I don't know if you've been watching Spain. Even without Rubio they are loaded at the guard position. Bigs are solid. The US will beat Spain but I won't be saying that it'll be a double figure beatdown.

Inside game and post presence are two different things. USA will be put to test in Every game and I maintain Spain will lose by double figure against this USA team. You do know 10 is a double figure right? I have no doubt in me that Spain will lose by double figure.

I still maintain Coach K is not big on Bigs. He does not like playing inside out so Big guys are mostly going to be useless for his team. You ask for quality big man? What about Chris Kaman?

Anyway, the tourny is about to start and we'll be here to discuss the games.

You probably didnt know that Chris Kaman plans for Germany.....

[kolinzo]

Damn that was a beat down !!!!! anyways USA's weakness is their inside position, if teams can slow them down and dominate inside on both offense and defense then I see a big problem for the US, you cant always shoot your way out of trouble.

Trust me, there is no big problem anywhere for the USA. You have to look at what other teams are bringing to the tournament. The only teams with big inside threats are Spain and Argentina, but they will be beaten by nothing less than double figures respectively by TEAM USA -this you can take to the bank.

USA have inside game, they are just going by the coach's tactics -we know the Duke's coach is NOT big on BIGs. With Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, Kevin Love, and Westbrook their inside game can be activated within a milli sec. Remember, USA took Team B to the last FIBA WC still won!

Since when was/is Coach K not "big on Bigs"?
I don't think it's his choice that every quality American big man in the NBA that they could have called on with the exception of Chandler, is injured.
By inside game I believe a post presence is what's meant. Obviously the players can attack the post but against teams with dependable shot blockers(Spain-Ibaka, Gasol brothers) that will be put to the test.

If you think this edition of the US team will beat Spain by double figures then I don't know if you've been watching Spain. Even without Rubio they are loaded at the guard position. Bigs are solid. The US will beat Spain but I won't be saying that it'll be a double figure beatdown.

Inside game and post presence are two different things. USA will be put to test in Every game and I maintain Spain will lose by double figure against this USA team. You do know 10 is a double figure right? I have no doubt in me that Spain will lose by double figure.

I still maintain Coach K is not big on Bigs. He does not like playing inside out so Big guys are mostly going to be useless for his team. You ask for quality big man? What about Chris Kaman?

Anyway, the tourny is about to start and we'll be here to discuss the games.

You probably didnt know that Chris Kaman plans for Germany.....

I didn't know that! I was wondering why tha hell was this guy not invited?!!

And stupid Bynum opted out going fishing in Alaska!

[F360]

Damn that was a beat down !!!!! anyways USA's weakness is their inside position, if teams can slow them down and dominate inside on both offense and defense then I see a big problem for the US, you cant always shoot your way out of trouble.

Trust me, there is no big problem anywhere for the USA. You have to look at what other teams are bringing to the tournament. The only teams with big inside threats are Spain and Argentina, but they will be beaten by nothing less than double figures respectively by TEAM USA -this you can take to the bank.

USA have inside game, they are just going by the coach's tactics -we know the Duke's coach is NOT big on BIGs. With Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, Kevin Love, and Westbrook their inside game can be activated within a milli sec. Remember, USA took Team B to the last FIBA WC still won!

Since when was/is Coach K not "big on Bigs"?
I don't think it's his choice that every quality American big man in the NBA that they could have called on with the exception of Chandler, is injured.
By inside game I believe a post presence is what's meant. Obviously the players can attack the post but against teams with dependable shot blockers(Spain-Ibaka, Gasol brothers) that will be put to the test.

If you think this edition of the US team will beat Spain by double figures then I don't know if you've been watching Spain. Even without Rubio they are loaded at the guard position. Bigs are solid. The US will beat Spain but I won't be saying that it'll be a double figure beatdown.

Inside game and post presence are two different things. USA will be put to test in Every game and I maintain Spain will lose by double figure against this USA team. You do know 10 is a double figure right? I have no doubt in me that Spain will lose by double figure.

I still maintain Coach K is not big on Bigs. He does not like playing inside out so Big guys are mostly going to be useless for his team. You ask for quality big man? What about Chris Kaman?

Anyway, the tourny is about to start and we'll be here to discuss the games.

Of course Inside game incorporates post presence hence when one talks about inside game, it's not just about the ability to penetrate but the ability to score on the block.
Well when you say double figures, I think most would assume somewhere over the number ten. For someone such as yourself that I believe is letting us know he believes the U.S. will dominate opponents, it's not a stretch to assume you meant winning by 15, 20 or even more points.
Nonetheless, I agree with you that the U.S. probably will beat Spain by at least 10 points.
Coach K doesn't like playing inside out in the ACC/NCAA or in general(with the US team as well)? He is not as averse to post players as you make it seem. He just hasn't recruited any elite type post players in a while. Carlos Boozer, Elton Brand, Shelden Williams(Despite his average to poor NBA career, he was still a very good big man for the Dukies) OTOMYH.
But yeah he doesn't do much with the average big men he recruits-hence the saying that Duke big men just set picks and screens and get rebounds.

I think the mention of Chris Kaman is evidence of the lack of quality big men available (healthy) right now for the U.S. to choose. Kaman has had a relatively decent career but he plays for ze German national team, not the U.S. He is "cap tied" a la Emeka Okafor with the U.S. team.

Andrew Bynum would have been a great addition to the team but he chose not to participate. Then again, he's not better than Tyson C, Bosh, or Lamarcus at running down the court and this U.S. team will run.

Anyway, we'll see how the U.S. fares against the Argies and Spain in the remaining two exhibitions but if the final is anything but USA vs Spain that would be a major surprise.

[kolinzo]

Damn that was a beat down !!!!! anyways USA's weakness is their inside position, if teams can slow them down and dominate inside on both offense and defense then I see a big problem for the US, you cant always shoot your way out of trouble.

Trust me, there is no big problem anywhere for the USA. You have to look at what other teams are bringing to the tournament. The only teams with big inside threats are Spain and Argentina, but they will be beaten by nothing less than double figures respectively by TEAM USA -this you can take to the bank.

USA have inside game, they are just going by the coach's tactics -we know the Duke's coach is NOT big on BIGs. With Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, Kevin Love, and Westbrook their inside game can be activated within a milli sec. Remember, USA took Team B to the last FIBA WC still won!

Since when was/is Coach K not "big on Bigs"?
I don't think it's his choice that every quality American big man in the NBA that they could have called on with the exception of Chandler, is injured.
By inside game I believe a post presence is what's meant. Obviously the players can attack the post but against teams with dependable shot blockers(Spain-Ibaka, Gasol brothers) that will be put to the test.

If you think this edition of the US team will beat Spain by double figures then I don't know if you've been watching Spain. Even without Rubio they are loaded at the guard position. Bigs are solid. The US will beat Spain but I won't be saying that it'll be a double figure beatdown.

Inside game and post presence are two different things. USA will be put to test in Every game and I maintain Spain will lose by double figure against this USA team. You do know 10 is a double figure right? I have no doubt in me that Spain will lose by double figure.

I still maintain Coach K is not big on Bigs. He does not like playing inside out so Big guys are mostly going to be useless for his team. You ask for quality big man? What about Chris Kaman?

Anyway, the tourny is about to start and we'll be here to discuss the games.

Of course Inside game incorporates post presence hence when one talks about inside game, it's not just about the ability to penetrate but the ability to score on the block.
Well when you say double figures, I think most would assume somewhere over the number ten. For someone such as yourself that I believe is letting us know he believes the U.S. will dominate opponents, it's not a stretch to assume you meant winning by 15, 20 or even more points.
Nonetheless, I agree with you that the U.S. probably will beat Spain by at least 10 points.
Coach K doesn't like playing inside out in the ACC/NCAA or in general(with the US team as well)? He is not as averse to post players as you make it seem. He just hasn't recruited any elite type post players in a while. Carlos Boozer, Elton Brand, Shelden Williams(Despite his average to poor NBA career, he was still a very good big man for the Dukies) OTOMYH.
But yeah he doesn't do much with the average big men he recruits-hence the saying that Duke big men just set picks and screens and get rebounds.

I think the mention of Chris Kaman is evidence of the lack of quality big men available (healthy) right now for the U.S. to choose. Kaman has had a relatively decent career but he plays for ze German national team, not the U.S. He is "cap tied" a la Emeka Okafor with the U.S. team.

Andrew Bynum would have been a great addition to the team but he chose not to participate. Then again, he's not better than Tyson C, Bosh, or Lamarcus at running down the court and this U.S. team will run.

Anyway, we'll see how the U.S. fares against the Argies and Spain in the remaining two exhibitions but if the final is anything but USA vs Spain that would be a major surprise.

I see what you did there! But watch Kaman with us, Mavs, next season.

Anyway, there is no doubt Bynum would have been a great addition had he opted for Olympics. He is the best center in the NBA. Besides, I don't think Pau Gasol is faster than Bynum and neither is Nene -these two would have been the guys he would be facing if he had gone. Tyson Chandler is good defensively but his overall game can't compare to Bynum.

Anyway, the guy is enjoying Alaska right now.

[phantomjournalist]

This team simply does not require an "inside game" to be successful. They already have defensive interior presence with Chandler. When you put three forwards on the floor at the same time in James, Durant and Melo, the rest is elementary. It turns into lob city on steroids. There is simply no team that is stopping Team USA, unless the rest of the nations somehow were able to band together and form a super-team and even then it would be a task.

[Player]

This team simply does not require an "inside game" to be successful. They already have defensive interior presence with Chandler. When you put three forwards on the floor at the same time in James, Durant and Melo, the rest is elementary. It turns into lob city on steroids. There is simply no team that is stopping Team USA, unless the rest of the nations somehow were able to band together and form a super-team and even then it would be a task.

Oboy as i said, this is not the NBA, this is International ball...you guys will see when the tournament starts....all this lob city will soon turn into brick city...

[phantomjournalist]

USA is punishing Argentina early on. No way is this the number 3 team in the world.

[Jimi]

Team USA has slowed down a little now..Put the foot on the gas, fellas..Durant's going nuts from downtown though..

USA is punishing Argentina early on. No way is this the number 3 team in the world.

[Player]

Damn I thought they were up by like 30 with the way you are going on...

[phantomjournalist]

Damn I thought they were up by like 30 with the way you are going on...

The game started off like 14-1, and US must have been up by 20 at one point. Nice fight back by the Argies.

[kolinzo]

I don't know what Coach K is doing setting up Westbrook for 3's. He is not a three point shooter. And why is he not using Kevin Love? I mean Kevin is the best Power forward/center on this team yet he does not get that much minutes. I told y'all that Coach K ain't big on Bigs!

[phantomjournalist]

I don't know what Coach K is doing setting up Westbrook for 3's. He is not a three point shooter. And why is he not using Kevin Love? I mean Kevin is the best Power forward/center on this team yet he does not get that much minutes. I told y'all that Coach K ain't big on Bigs!

He likes his 2 guard - 3 forward lineup, and the USA is at a disadvantage on the boards because of it. It gives them 5 shooters on the floor at any given time though when Chandler is off of it.

[Jimi]

Kevin Love ain't getting much burn because he is frankly a defensive liability!

[Jimi]

Just can't put em' away..I think Coach K now knows his most effective line up combos..Definitely gotta have Kobe, Lebron or Durant on the floor at all times or the scoring grinds to a halt..CP3 just doesn't look right to me..It's been a while since I've seen him have to dribble the ball with his back to the defender so many times..His quickness looks iffy..Maybe a lingering injury..

[kolinzo]

They say this team is fast and I don't see how fast. Ginobli was just by himself right there for easy layup. There goes the speed they're talking about!

[Jimi]

Team USA will be fine..and I think will win the gold medal quite comfortably. Right now Durant is shooting lights out, but Kobe and Lebron have not engaged that killer instinct cos these are all just exhibition games. Look for Kobe and Lebron to step it up when the real games start. Westbrook needs to screw his head on right though..Attack the rim and stop shooting those threes..

[Player]

I dey tell una say lack of height will mess up this USA team, una no hear, shooting cannot bail you out all the time, and this is International ball, all that driving Lebron and co are used too in the NBA aint gona work here, they will still do very well, but I have a feeling Spain might might be a real test for them....

[kash n' karry]

I dey tell una say lack of height will mess up this USA team, una no hear, shooting cannot bail you out all the time, and this is International ball, all that driving Lebron and co are used too in the NBA aint gona work here, they will still do very well, but I have a feeling Spain might might be a real test for them....

Height really makes the U.S.A. team quite vulnerable. The NBA is less physical than international ball, and these players ain't used to that. The absence of players like Wade and Howard will make the U.S. quite beatable come the Olympics infact as of now, I still don't see them winning gold !!

[kolinzo]

I dey tell una say lack of height will mess up this USA team, una no hear, shooting cannot bail you out all the time, and this is International ball, all that driving Lebron and co are used too in the NBA aint gona work here, they will still do very well, but I have a feeling Spain might might be a real test for them....

Height really makes the U.S.A. team quite vulnerable. The NBA is less physical than international ball, and these players ain't used to that. The absence of players like Wade and Howard will make the U.S. quite beatable come the Olympics infact as of now, I still don't see them winning gold !!

Do you by chance also live in London? I dey ask because you dey yarn like London bloke!

[kash n' karry]

I dey tell una say lack of height will mess up this USA team, una no hear, shooting cannot bail you out all the time, and this is International ball, all that driving Lebron and co are used too in the NBA aint gona work here, they will still do very well, but I have a feeling Spain might might be a real test for them....

Height really makes the U.S.A. team quite vulnerable. The NBA is less physical than international ball, and these players ain't used to that. The absence of players like Wade and Howard will make the U.S. quite beatable come the Olympics infact as of now, I still don't see them winning gold !!

Do you by chance also live in London? I dey ask because you dey yarn like London bloke!

Da Kashizzle says fvckkk da london bloke.. . aaaaahhhhh gaaaadddammmmnnnn ittt !!

[Player]

Naija need to fix up o, I expect to the team to beat one of France , Argentina or Lithuania

[airwolex]

Naija need to fix up o, I expect to the team to beat one of France , Argentina or Lithuania

I actually think we have a shot against Argentina simply because they are aging and we can impose ourselves with our athletism.

[Player]

Naija need to fix up o, I expect to the team to beat one of France , Argentina or Lithuania

I actually think we have a shot against Argentina simply because they are aging and we can impose ourselves with our athletism.

USA beat Argentina by only six points o.