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I am surprised that all you USA lovers haven't taken this chance to take some shots at us.

Last night Argentina became the first team to beat a USA team with NBA talent in international competition. I watched most of the game and it was apparent that the US team suffered from not having much practice time together and very poor ball movement. Argentina simply played better team basketball - they made the extra pass and converted on their opportunities.

International basketball has sure come a long way. A US team with time to prepare and the right talent (Kobie, Shaq, Duncan, Kidd, etc.) would still demolish anybody - but there were some decent NBA players on the team that got beat. Ten years ago there was very little legitimate international talent - things have sure changed quickly!

and the us cracked the top ten in world cup standings. ten years ago the us football/soccer program was a joke. things change quickly.

Good point Ned - same kind of situation. I always said that if Michael Jordan or Randy Moss type athletes grew up playing soccer the world cup would be renamed the Americas cup .

I think the rest of the world understands the importance of a team game. The US players (ever since the so-called Dream Team) are very skilled, but have absolutely no concept of team play. Did you see any of that game? Does anyone in the NBA know the meaning of the word Defense? The arrogance that is team USA was deservedly handed its own head. I, for one, am estatic.

**Feels another sports rant coming** In 1984, the Olympic team was coached by Bob Knight. He was (and still is) soundly critized for keeping Barkley and Stockton off the team. His reasoning was he wanted the 12 guys who played best as a team !! The goal of the olympics was to win the team gold medal, which is exactly what they did.

Give me 12 college kids anyday over those over-pampered NBA "stars".

I love the excuse that Team USA didn't have its A players. Too Bad. Why do you think that is? And didn't this team have 7 all-stars on it?

So, although it may sound somewhat unpatriotic of me, Go Argentina!

**I think I got the HLD virus....multiple paragraph posts. I think I need to drink a few beers**

@McBane,
well said.
Regarding the HLD thing: it's becoming an epidemic.

Originally posted by McBane
**I think I got the HLD virus....multiple paragraph posts. I think I need to drink a few beers**

That would be called HLD mode.

Us down here are doing fairly well too. Just beat China last night, did reasonably well (but still lost) to USA and I believe beat Germany and Argentina a few days ago. Not bad considering our basketball team has never really been heard of before.

Originally posted by Mr Flibble


That would be called HLD mode.

Us down here are doing fairly well too. Just beat China last night, did reasonably well (but still lost) to USA and I believe beat Germany and Argentina a few days ago. Not bad considering our basketball team has never really been heard of before.

They play basketball in New Zealand?!

Originally posted by Ned Flanders
@McBane,
well said.
Regarding the HLD thing: it's becoming an epidemic.

**drinks his Harp. Aahhh!!**

Originally posted by Tybaltus

They play basketball in New Zealand?!

Hey, I was just as surprised as you!

Originally posted by Mr Flibble
That would be called HLD mode.

I swear I'm going to get that trademarked . . .

International players also have very sound fundamentals. They move the ball around, they shoot free throws and they dribble. American basketball players dunk.

Team play is the key - Baron Davis looked like he had a labotomy - without a good point guard these guys were lost. Miller made a good offensive showing - but the dude did not exactly distribute the ball.

Team basketball does exist in the NBA - just take a look at Dallas and San Antonio - wait - they have tons of international players on their teams - guess that proves the point about international team play.

All that being said I am certain that the US will win the gold and probably beat its next opponents by 30 or 40 points. My over 30 league team plays a solid team game as well. We could probably beat an unprepared major high school team 1 out of 5 times. The other 4 out of 5 the talent and athleticism will win out.

Didn't the US team beat up on NZ over the weekend.

With regards to basketball: the game is getting worse all the time. Fundamentals are a thing of the past and it began with Jordan. Everyone wants to be the individual superstar and the top scorer now. Most players ego's are so inflated, they feel they don't need their teammates. Some players/teams get it. The Lakers get it and until somebody else does, nobody can beat that team. Two of the best players in the game learned to play unselfish basketball thanks to the help of the zen master, Phil Jackson.

I applaud the concerted effort and noticable improvement of international basketball. I think its' great and it is wonderful to watch teams play fundamental basketball.

Now, all the college go pro so fast, they don't learn how to play fundamental basketball. It just feeds on itself and it is killing the sport here in the US. Personally, I don't care, it's one sport I could live without.

It was bound to happen...

...sooner or later.

As mentioned before, today's NBA basketball (as opposed to college basketball) is all about hi-light-reel showmanships. It's not much anymore about winning games as a team but scoring points and how awesome you execute a basket. Allen Iverson, Vince Carter and Stephon Marbury come to mind.

BTW, Team USA lost again (second in a row), this time to the World Champion Yugoslavia team, thus ensuring 5th place at best. How's that for ego-popping?

I am a Laker fan ever since the Magic-Kareem-Worthy Showtime years but I got turned off with Kobe, Shaq, Van Exel and Eddie Jones-led Lakers of the 90's. If you will really look at that line-up then, you'd see a great deal of potential for a dynasty, but things went ka-poot for LA at that time...

...till the Zen Master showed up, and taught this high-end egos a thing or two about playing as a team...

...and giving the results to stamp his lessons with authority --- three straight "bling-blings"!

My admiration for Kobe finally came when he started to mature and played as a team-player --- which made him even a better basketball player in the eyes of many.

Sadly as I see it, NBA is all about business. If you really want the real feel of the love of the game then go watch college basketball.

If the Americans are truly concerned about their place among being the best in the world then it's about time for the REAL NBA stars to suit up and play cohesive basketball with ample amount of preparation...

...or get a highly-talented team of college players who can read each other's mind like they all belong to the same entity.

Posted by Mar:

If the Americans are truly concerned about their place among being the best in the world then it's about time for the REAL NBA stars to suit up and play cohesive basketball with ample amount of preparation...

That will never happen. As you have stated, its all about business. Also, I don't really see much of a sense of pride for our country from our pro athletes. If there was any, then the best would want to play, and realize it is an honor to be there, not an inconvenience.

New Zealand made the semis.... - I know Mr. Flibble is excited...

I don't know much about basketball, but i think it was about time the americans realized they weren't invincible. Danish basketball will probably never get so international. But it's nice that someone finally poked at the american pedestal.

What's basketball?

Originally posted by Sojourner
What's basketball?

Beats me

*sigh*
NZ lost to Yugoslavia this morning 89-78. Still, top 4 is rather good consdiering no one really knew we even play.

On the up side, Rebel Sports (a major sporting goods chain store here) have sold out of basketballs.

Originally posted by Mr Flibble


On the up side, Rebel Sports (a major sporting goods chain store here) have sold out of basketballs.

Basketballs becoming the new rave in NZ, eh?

To think the sport was originated in my state.

Milwaukee Bucks head coach George Karl says greed is the reason why American basketball blows. It's led to the glorification of the dunk, outlandish stunts to make the "Sports Center" highlight reel and a disregard for fundamentals. Other countries consistently shoot better from the floor, from the free throw line and pass the ball. Can't help but agree with him.