The Redeem Team

[Groundhog]

Anyone watch the Aussies-Team USA game last night? Wow. From an Aussie perspective, there was lots to be happy about (Pat Mills especially, who made Chris Paul look slow, but also some strong team D) - especially considering Bogut didn't suit up, but I can't believe that, even after all those years of preparing, Team USA still can't run any offense outside of 'one guy dribbles the ball for a bit and tries to drive' play that they run 9 possessions out of 10.

The idea to get a college coach was a great one, but I really feel that they picked the wrong guy. Coach K's record speaks for itself in the college world, but his offense has more in common with an NBA team than it does an international basketball team, even when he's at Duke. Wade/Kobe etc. have enough athleticism to make it work more often than not against the guys they've been going up against in these pre-olympic games, but I'm just not convinced that's going to cut it as far as the Gold medal goes.

If Spain and Greece can play D like the Aussies did (and I don't doubt that they can do that and a whole lot more), it might once again look like the Olympics/world championships that we've seen over the last half-decade or so.

[Chief Rum]

Originally Posted by Groundhog

Anyone watch the Aussies-Team USA game last night? Wow. From an Aussie perspective, there was lots to be happy about (Pat Mills especially, who made Chris Paul look slow, but also some strong team D) - especially considering Bogut didn't suit up, but I can't believe that, even after all those years of preparing, Team USA still can't run any offense outside of 'one guy dribbles the ball for a bit and tries to drive' play that they run 9 possessions out of 10.

The idea to get a college coach was a great one, but I really feel that they picked the wrong guy. Coach K's record speaks for itself in the college world, but his offense has more in common with an NBA team than it does an international basketball team, even when he's at Duke. Wade/Kobe etc. have enough athleticism to make it work more often than not against the guys they've been going up against in these pre-olympic games, but I'm just not convinced that's going to cut it as far as the Gold medal goes.

If Spain and Greece can play D like the Aussies did (and I don't doubt that they can do that and a whole lot more), it might once again look like the Olympics/world championships that we've seen over the last half-decade or so.

I agree. It's amazing to me that after all the teeth gnashing and hand wringing, that we still managed to put together a team without a true center, without a big man with the versatility to play out and in, and without any serious shooters. It's as if no one even watched what happened in the past competitions.

Right now, my only hope rests on the singular greatness of Kobe and LeBron. In them, I trust (I hope).