What will we see this afternoon?
Much has been written about the U.S. men's basketball team and its failures until this point. This afternoon, the team plays Greece. Will the United States win?
A larger question: What's wrong with this team? What's wrong with basketball in the United States?
Comments (2)
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The issues that Team USA have were all forseen. We were supposed to expect this remember. Even though we weren't supposed to get exposed by Carlos Arroyo (who isn't a bad point guard by the ay), this "B" team doesn't have a consistent perimeter shooter, too many slashers, not enough true big men, and is simply too slow on defense.
USA Basketball made a noble, but dumb decision on the last spot - which should have gone to either J.J. Redick, Luke Jackson, or a league player like Kareem Rush - that went to an injured, useless Emeka Okafor.
Considering all of the defections of the original team that breezed through qualifying, a replacement team was tough to bring together. Even Chauncey Billups said no to this, folks.
My "B" Team, comprised of players that wanted to go:
Tim Duncan, Lamar Odom, Michael Redd, Jermaine O'Neal, Brent Barry, Kareem Rush, Carmelo Anthony, LeBron James, Allen Iverson, and take your pick on the other spots.
Posted on August 17, 2004 3:21 PM
I think that the current state of U.S. Olympic basketball should cause us all to revisit the decision about whom we want to represent our country overseas. Do we want to be represented by the best amateur athletes that will give 100% and make us proud even in defeat, or continue to send apathetic professionals that don't necessarily inspire in either victory or defeat?
I for one would love to see a TEAM of collegians playing and losing with heart rather than a bunch of pros going through the motions.
Posted on August 18, 2004 10:22 AM