Semi Final Previews
Spain - Argentina
These are two great teams. For Spain to win, they will need Pau Gasol to be playing like he did in the last game. He opens his scorers up and that means Navarro who I've been told is a wicked shooter, will have lots of open shots. Calderon who can also hit shots is a talented playmaker and should get the ball to his teammates. Apart from that, the bench is also storng. My favourite player off the bench for Spain would be Fernandez.
Manu Ginobili is the key to Argentina. He's fully rested going into this game as he's played little mintues compared to other stars on other teams. He only played 16 minutes in the last win and the most he's played at this torunament was 33. I'd say he's pretty fresh thanks to that! He's their leader and scoring weapon but once you look at how good his teamamtes are; it makes Argentina a very strong team. Scola and Oberto are a great frontcourt while Nocioni does his job. Then you got the bench which is playing well and Herrmann is their star bench dude averaging double figures i think for points.
This is going to be a close one. Spain did beat Argentina impressively before the tournament and that makes them favourites going into this game. However, the game now is different to back then as there is everything to lose. If Spain fall behind early, I don't know how they will go as I don't think they've had that problem all tournament. What Spain needs to do is get ahead first. Argentina on the other hand, need to be shooting at their best especially from behind the arc. If they miss a ton of shots and let Spain get ahead, it will be hard to get back too. However, Argentina have come from behind to win so we do know they can put up a fight.
An intriguing match up and it will be sad that one of them won't be contesting for gold. But whoever wins this matchup deserves to get a shot at gold. And I think whoever wins, will beat the USA.
USA - Greece
Germany was a challenge for a half. Same with Italy. Now Team USA faces Euro Champions Greece who might even challenge the US for three quarters. USA has dominated on both sides of the floor but there has been a trend in their games that is too hard to not miss. They always have a very big run to win the game. To break open the game and build a huge lead. That's how they win their games.
Greece will be tough for them. Greece is playing the best defence at this tournament. They are physical and they have heart. Team USA shouldn't underestimate the Greeks. Team USA has strived off of their full court press and it will be interesting to see if it works on the Greek backcourt. Same with the Greeks who have played a press when appropriate. I wonder how that will affect the USA backcourt.
Team USA has better hope that their shooters are ready. If they are shooting poorly, this game will be closer than what many think it will get. The key player will be Carmelo. We know he likes to hit shots for Team USA and how will he do against the pressure of Greece... That's because I see Greece trying to take Melo out of the game. That then leads me to LeBron James. I wonder if he will finally step up if Melo is failing?
What I said before about not letting the US get into a scoring run leads to my next point. If there's a team that can stop that, it is Greece. If they don't let America get on any rip, they have an outside shot at beating the favourites of this tournament.
However, I see USA pulling away in the fourth (As The X has predicted too). And the reason for that will be Carmelo Anthony.
FIBA World Championship - Thread Retired
by Fresh8 on Thu Aug 31, 2006 9:37 pm
Thanks boys for commenting!!!
Oh yeah... as we wait... I'm letting guys come in here to comment on my FIFA dynasty until Cwebb starts letting me to post it!!!! You guys know who you are... first of all.. wat do u guys think of playing for Bradford City?
EDIT: Dont worry, I'm posting it in the forums! Sorry Cwebb... i just have to... we still cool right?
Oh yeah... as we wait... I'm letting guys come in here to comment on my FIFA dynasty until Cwebb starts letting me to post it!!!! You guys know who you are... first of all.. wat do u guys think of playing for Bradford City?
EDIT: Dont worry, I'm posting it in the forums! Sorry Cwebb... i just have to... we still cool right?
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Fresh8 - The poster formerly known as Sit
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by Fresh8 on Fri Sep 01, 2006 7:43 pm
What An Upset!
Team USA loses to Greece!
Can we call it an upset? Maybe and maybe not. Leading up to this game, people were already (inclduing myself) trying to decide on who out of Argentina and Spain the USA would play.
They still get to play one of them... but in the Bronze medal game.
Congratulations to the Greek team for getting a victory against the mighty Americans. I guess this is what I get for discounting the Greeks all too early. Although I did say they had an outside chance of beating Team USA if they played to my game plan.
It was a shame to watch the United States go down. A part of me wanted them to win but a part of me knew that if Greece won; I would be just as happy for Greece. I guess it's all a part of life. I think I saw Carmelo Anthony about to cry... at least the United States have heart! So do the Greeks!
It brings me now to just say one thing. Team USA really needed a three point shooter. I see why they chose Brad Miller over Bruce Bowen. Miller is an experienced big man who can hit the outside shot but I would have taken Bowen over Miller. That's just me though.
I'm still wondering what would have happened if Bowen was on the court at the end and made the three that Melo missed with maybe half a minute left. (And anyone who's wondering, Coach K had to decide between Bowen and Miller and not Battier and Bowen).
Team USA will be even more hungry at the Olympics. That's a good thing. In my mind, if Kobe Bryant, Michael Redd, Shawn Marion, Lamar Odom and Gilbert Arenas (Maybe even Amare instead of Brad); Team USA would have posed a much greater challenge.
Especially just having Arenas on the team would have been beneficial for the team. Arenas would have been a much more dependable shooting option than say a LeBron James and D Wade.
But you can't control everything I guess. And no matter how much we look back, it won't change the result.
Congratulations to Greece again! And to Team USA, don't give them shit because they didn't make the gold medal game, I bet you that the competition is tough. They've impressed me thorughout the tournament and the game came right down to which team executed the best. Greece was the better team in that category.
Team USA loses to Greece!
Can we call it an upset? Maybe and maybe not. Leading up to this game, people were already (inclduing myself) trying to decide on who out of Argentina and Spain the USA would play.
They still get to play one of them... but in the Bronze medal game.
Congratulations to the Greek team for getting a victory against the mighty Americans. I guess this is what I get for discounting the Greeks all too early. Although I did say they had an outside chance of beating Team USA if they played to my game plan.
It was a shame to watch the United States go down. A part of me wanted them to win but a part of me knew that if Greece won; I would be just as happy for Greece. I guess it's all a part of life. I think I saw Carmelo Anthony about to cry... at least the United States have heart! So do the Greeks!
It brings me now to just say one thing. Team USA really needed a three point shooter. I see why they chose Brad Miller over Bruce Bowen. Miller is an experienced big man who can hit the outside shot but I would have taken Bowen over Miller. That's just me though.
I'm still wondering what would have happened if Bowen was on the court at the end and made the three that Melo missed with maybe half a minute left. (And anyone who's wondering, Coach K had to decide between Bowen and Miller and not Battier and Bowen).
Team USA will be even more hungry at the Olympics. That's a good thing. In my mind, if Kobe Bryant, Michael Redd, Shawn Marion, Lamar Odom and Gilbert Arenas (Maybe even Amare instead of Brad); Team USA would have posed a much greater challenge.
Especially just having Arenas on the team would have been beneficial for the team. Arenas would have been a much more dependable shooting option than say a LeBron James and D Wade.
But you can't control everything I guess. And no matter how much we look back, it won't change the result.
Congratulations to Greece again! And to Team USA, don't give them shit because they didn't make the gold medal game, I bet you that the competition is tough. They've impressed me thorughout the tournament and the game came right down to which team executed the best. Greece was the better team in that category.
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Fresh8 - The poster formerly known as Sit
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by Jing on Sat Sep 02, 2006 12:32 am
whhahahhahahah usa lost! wahahaha
After China was eliminated by Greece, I was like... Greece better beat USA. and they did. cause at least we can compensate by saying we lost to the team that beat USA...
Congrats to the Greek team, they seriously need to be given more credit
After China was eliminated by Greece, I was like... Greece better beat USA. and they did. cause at least we can compensate by saying we lost to the team that beat USA...
Congrats to the Greek team, they seriously need to be given more credit
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Jing - Posts: 9791
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by Fresh8 on Sat Sep 02, 2006 12:47 am
Finals Previews
USA v Argentina
After a tough loss to the Greeks, I expect the USA to bounce back. However, an even tougher loss for Argentina should get Manu and Co to the Bronze Medal.
Before I had said I believed either Argentina or Spain could beat the USA. We have it right here and I do believe that the United States will have another tough night against Argentina.
If USA gets on a big scoring run, they will pull out as easy winners. However, if Argentina plays smart, controls the boards/glass, play like they have this tournament; I think they can win bronze.
Team USA is desperate to medal now or else they will be criticised by media in the States which is very unfair. But that's what happens when you are Team USA and you play in a sport people think you should dominate.
My prediction: Argentina 85 USA 79
Spain v Greece
After their win over Team USA, I think that Greece is going into the Finals with a hell lot of confidence. I want Spain to win but Greece is definitely producing rock solid defence and great heart at this tournament.
Pau Gasol was injured but if he can't suit up for the gold medal match, that will only make his team mates play a lot harder. However, Pau is their star player and without him Greece may be able to have an easy time stopping Spain's other inside players.
If Greece plays its hard man on man defence, mix in some zone if Spain is shooting poorly and also manages to score on the other end, Greece could have an easy time with Spain.
Spain on the other hand will be hoping Gasol is fit. With him inside means Greece cannot ignore his presence. Gasol opens the court up for the rest of his teammates and they will need that.
This will be quite an intriguing match up and I seriously can't choose which way I want the game to go. But I guess I will take a stab in the dark and say that Gasol will be missing the biggest game of his international career so far (It's sad since he and bro Marc were crying)...
Actually, I want Pau to play. So with him playing the result will be Spain 92 Greece 96 (OT)
One Last Thought
- It's ridiculous how writers are writing how Team USA isn't good enough and need to find answers. We already know the answers and that's that they needed one more dependable shooter. The team played great in the tournament. It's not a huge low that they didn't make the gold medal match. They just lost to a team who played better in that game.
I can't understand how people are saying that Team USA is not good enough or express shock at losing to a team who is undefeated at this tourney.
Team USA was good and Greece was just better tonight. It's as simple as that!
USA v Argentina
After a tough loss to the Greeks, I expect the USA to bounce back. However, an even tougher loss for Argentina should get Manu and Co to the Bronze Medal.
Before I had said I believed either Argentina or Spain could beat the USA. We have it right here and I do believe that the United States will have another tough night against Argentina.
If USA gets on a big scoring run, they will pull out as easy winners. However, if Argentina plays smart, controls the boards/glass, play like they have this tournament; I think they can win bronze.
Team USA is desperate to medal now or else they will be criticised by media in the States which is very unfair. But that's what happens when you are Team USA and you play in a sport people think you should dominate.
My prediction: Argentina 85 USA 79
Spain v Greece
After their win over Team USA, I think that Greece is going into the Finals with a hell lot of confidence. I want Spain to win but Greece is definitely producing rock solid defence and great heart at this tournament.
Pau Gasol was injured but if he can't suit up for the gold medal match, that will only make his team mates play a lot harder. However, Pau is their star player and without him Greece may be able to have an easy time stopping Spain's other inside players.
If Greece plays its hard man on man defence, mix in some zone if Spain is shooting poorly and also manages to score on the other end, Greece could have an easy time with Spain.
Spain on the other hand will be hoping Gasol is fit. With him inside means Greece cannot ignore his presence. Gasol opens the court up for the rest of his teammates and they will need that.
This will be quite an intriguing match up and I seriously can't choose which way I want the game to go. But I guess I will take a stab in the dark and say that Gasol will be missing the biggest game of his international career so far (It's sad since he and bro Marc were crying)...
Actually, I want Pau to play. So with him playing the result will be Spain 92 Greece 96 (OT)
One Last Thought
- It's ridiculous how writers are writing how Team USA isn't good enough and need to find answers. We already know the answers and that's that they needed one more dependable shooter. The team played great in the tournament. It's not a huge low that they didn't make the gold medal match. They just lost to a team who played better in that game.
I can't understand how people are saying that Team USA is not good enough or express shock at losing to a team who is undefeated at this tourney.
Team USA was good and Greece was just better tonight. It's as simple as that!
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Fresh8 - The poster formerly known as Sit
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by A-Sot on Sat Sep 02, 2006 7:14 am
I hope that La Furia Roja will smack Greece! My only fear is that Pau Gasol's injury might be serious, and without him Spain will have problems in the paint with Baby Shaq
"What do you want to be remembered for ? As someone who went out and played basketball just as hard as he could and was a total team player"
Antoine "Flash" Howard 1975 - 2004
Antoine "Flash" Howard 1975 - 2004
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A-Sot - Posts: 228
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by nzspurs on Sat Sep 02, 2006 8:20 am
Don't cry for me Argentina, or Usa for that matter.....
Wow Greece is playing great basketball, their defence is the best in the comp and that Baby Shaq guy reacks havoc in the paint. Plus a good blend of outside shooters makes them a very well balanced team. Greece will win the 2006 Fiba World Champs!!!
Wow Greece is playing great basketball, their defence is the best in the comp and that Baby Shaq guy reacks havoc in the paint. Plus a good blend of outside shooters makes them a very well balanced team. Greece will win the 2006 Fiba World Champs!!!
nets4life thanks for the sig.
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nzspurs - Posts: 116
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by The X on Sat Sep 02, 2006 11:47 am
great win for Greece....this is another great win for team & international basketball 
Finals should be interesting, if Gasol was playing, I'd pick Spain, but I'm not so sure now....it will be a tough game, but I think Greece will edge out Spain....but even without Gasol (Pau, not Marc), Spain can get the win....as for the 3rd place playoff, could go either way, but I'm tipping the US to get the win in this one....
Finals should be interesting, if Gasol was playing, I'd pick Spain, but I'm not so sure now....it will be a tough game, but I think Greece will edge out Spain....but even without Gasol (Pau, not Marc), Spain can get the win....as for the 3rd place playoff, could go either way, but I'm tipping the US to get the win in this one....-
The X - is
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by H Rock on Sat Sep 02, 2006 12:56 pm
Were we really suprised. I still think that the US could and should have won. Just 3 or 4 more free throws made, and they could have won. Lebron was 1-of-4. Real clutch, Lebron. If this were a 7-game series, the USA would have won.
But whatever. The Pistons did it again (or at least their incarnation).
But whatever. The Pistons did it again (or at least their incarnation).
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H Rock - Posts: 864
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by Fresh8 on Sat Sep 02, 2006 1:00 pm
The thing is H Rock... this aint a 7 game series. It's do or die meaning execution, especially in the clutch is even more important. The USA were the worse team on the night and if you want to win, you can't do that.
Constantly going 1 on 5 instead of playign more of a set up motion offence... prime example: Wade v 4 at end of third and letting Greece score at buzzer...
The USA shouldn't have won, they played poorly. Yes, USA could have won but it would have taken a lot more teamwork and a shooter or two.
Coach K better be spewing right now for cutting Arenas.
In an article, Arenas said how his injury was minor, he changed from star to roleplayer and the team didn't pick hi mand used his injuy as an excuse. He's peldged to score 50 points against the teams of McMillan (Sonics) and D'Antoni (Suns)... damn...
Constantly going 1 on 5 instead of playign more of a set up motion offence... prime example: Wade v 4 at end of third and letting Greece score at buzzer...
The USA shouldn't have won, they played poorly. Yes, USA could have won but it would have taken a lot more teamwork and a shooter or two.
Coach K better be spewing right now for cutting Arenas.
In an article, Arenas said how his injury was minor, he changed from star to roleplayer and the team didn't pick hi mand used his injuy as an excuse. He's peldged to score 50 points against the teams of McMillan (Sonics) and D'Antoni (Suns)... damn...
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Fresh8 - The poster formerly known as Sit
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by Fresh8 on Sun Sep 03, 2006 12:53 am
It was the end of the road...
... For the USA who came 3rd in the tourney with their win over Argentina. The team won it in the second half thanks to a huge lift from D Wade. LeBron also played a big game as Melo turned in a modest 13 points.
Well, at least they didn't leave empty handed but I think they will be getting quite a bit of media scrutiny for the next year. I hope they do well in the tournament of the Americas so they can qualify for the Olympics.
Some things Team USA need to improve on:
- Motion Offence... a simple motion offence u learn in high school so that they won't need to go 1-on-5 against teams who are playing a zone defence
- Defence... Was it me or did Greece get multiple baskets off backdoor cuts, screen and rolls and sometimes basically walked into the paint for an easy lay up?
- Shooting... they need shooters or need to improve their shooting. Players have got to be at least sort of automatic... although I'm probably thinking more of player selection than anything else...
- Change their mindset... I read that Lebron said that the team waits for their run and then they're set... I'm just left thinknig about what if the run never happens... then what do they do? Are they really good enough/experienced enough to execute down the stretch?
All in all, this team just needs more time together. They did a lot of good things at least. Their full court presses were effective; they played with energy and a lot more heart than in 2004; and they seemed to treat their opponents much more seriously.
For their tournament in the Americas, I believe that Team USA should select the following players if they want to win:
Centers/Power Forwards
They should have Amare Stoudamire and Dwight Howard back. I'd ditch Brad Miller, Elton Brand and Chris Bosh so that I can take on board other players.
Small Forwards/Shooting Guards
Ok, you've got Melo, Lebron and Wade in already for obvious reasons. Then you add Kobe Bryant; who they could have used, Kobe will give them a shooter/scorer/leader who will probably play All-NBA defence on the international stage. Paul Pierce has had experience playing for team USA and can shoot also. I think he could fit into this team too.
Then it comes down to choosing either Michael Redd and his shooting or Battier and his hustle. In the end though, with Kobe on the team; I don't see the need for either.
Point Guards
Kirk Hinrich should have been cut anyways. Chris Paul is good but on a team you need to make cuts. I think I will need to cut those two and add Billups and Areans. Chancey should be added and should start for Team USA. Billups is a good shooter who is also experienced and is unselfish. Plays good defence and will help lead this team. Arenas isn't really a PG but I have read that he had agreed to change his role to distribute the ball and take shots when they come to him. That impressed me.
Well, I've got 10 players listed so in the end, my team would be as follows:
C: Stoudamire
F: James
F: Anthony
G: Kobe
G: Billups
C: Howard
F: Pierce
F: Marion
G: Wade
G: Arenas
Well, that's my team. What's all of yours?
I'm not saying that this team will be able to win that tournament easily but I think that this team would be better suited to the international game if these players were able to be selected.
Obviously, the team's stars will need to take lesser roles and also learn to be patient and learn the game.
The beauty of the team I selected is that you have players like James, Marion who can play that 4 spot in international compeition just like how Team USA used them in this tournament I believe. You have experienced NBA veterans in Paul Pierce, Kobe Bryant and Chauncey Billups who can all defend and shoot the ball. Oh, I need to say that Kobe Bryant is the best talent in the world of basketball. You've got the core of the 2006 team from this year and adding players who are upgrades in each of their positons and with Coach K back, I think this team would be able to do well at the torunament of the Americas.
I'm sure Team USA will be able to do that!
... For the USA who came 3rd in the tourney with their win over Argentina. The team won it in the second half thanks to a huge lift from D Wade. LeBron also played a big game as Melo turned in a modest 13 points.
Well, at least they didn't leave empty handed but I think they will be getting quite a bit of media scrutiny for the next year. I hope they do well in the tournament of the Americas so they can qualify for the Olympics.
Some things Team USA need to improve on:
- Motion Offence... a simple motion offence u learn in high school so that they won't need to go 1-on-5 against teams who are playing a zone defence
- Defence... Was it me or did Greece get multiple baskets off backdoor cuts, screen and rolls and sometimes basically walked into the paint for an easy lay up?
- Shooting... they need shooters or need to improve their shooting. Players have got to be at least sort of automatic... although I'm probably thinking more of player selection than anything else...
- Change their mindset... I read that Lebron said that the team waits for their run and then they're set... I'm just left thinknig about what if the run never happens... then what do they do? Are they really good enough/experienced enough to execute down the stretch?
All in all, this team just needs more time together. They did a lot of good things at least. Their full court presses were effective; they played with energy and a lot more heart than in 2004; and they seemed to treat their opponents much more seriously.
For their tournament in the Americas, I believe that Team USA should select the following players if they want to win:
Centers/Power Forwards
They should have Amare Stoudamire and Dwight Howard back. I'd ditch Brad Miller, Elton Brand and Chris Bosh so that I can take on board other players.
Small Forwards/Shooting Guards
Ok, you've got Melo, Lebron and Wade in already for obvious reasons. Then you add Kobe Bryant; who they could have used, Kobe will give them a shooter/scorer/leader who will probably play All-NBA defence on the international stage. Paul Pierce has had experience playing for team USA and can shoot also. I think he could fit into this team too.
Then it comes down to choosing either Michael Redd and his shooting or Battier and his hustle. In the end though, with Kobe on the team; I don't see the need for either.
Point Guards
Kirk Hinrich should have been cut anyways. Chris Paul is good but on a team you need to make cuts. I think I will need to cut those two and add Billups and Areans. Chancey should be added and should start for Team USA. Billups is a good shooter who is also experienced and is unselfish. Plays good defence and will help lead this team. Arenas isn't really a PG but I have read that he had agreed to change his role to distribute the ball and take shots when they come to him. That impressed me.
Well, I've got 10 players listed so in the end, my team would be as follows:
C: Stoudamire
F: James
F: Anthony
G: Kobe
G: Billups
C: Howard
F: Pierce
F: Marion
G: Wade
G: Arenas
Well, that's my team. What's all of yours?
I'm not saying that this team will be able to win that tournament easily but I think that this team would be better suited to the international game if these players were able to be selected.
Obviously, the team's stars will need to take lesser roles and also learn to be patient and learn the game.
The beauty of the team I selected is that you have players like James, Marion who can play that 4 spot in international compeition just like how Team USA used them in this tournament I believe. You have experienced NBA veterans in Paul Pierce, Kobe Bryant and Chauncey Billups who can all defend and shoot the ball. Oh, I need to say that Kobe Bryant is the best talent in the world of basketball. You've got the core of the 2006 team from this year and adding players who are upgrades in each of their positons and with Coach K back, I think this team would be able to do well at the torunament of the Americas.
I'm sure Team USA will be able to do that!
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Fresh8 - The poster formerly known as Sit
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by Fresh8 on Sun Sep 03, 2006 8:43 pm
Gold Medal Match Rant
Some more random rambling from me!
I really want Spain to win this game. Gasol didn't deserve to get injured but you can't stop an injury. I really hope Spain wins the gold for him! Greece will be a tough team to beat but I think a team without their star plays a lot harder.
I don't know why but I think Marc Gasol is going to turn in a big performance.... tuning into game now! <-- if he gets minutes that is!
Ok, let the game begin! (its already begun lol)
EDIT: Spain has really come out firing. I'm impressed with their defensive intensity and the guys are really playign very well on offence. Execution is key in a big game like this and Spain is playing great. I love Navarro and Calderon. Those two are doing a great job in my opinion. I'd be weary of Greece though because they should come out in the next quarter a bit more settled.
EDIT2: Sort of a big lead now... will see more as we go. I'm just saying how much of a bullshit call that was on Navarro... ref called a charge??? wtf
EDIT3: Wow, Spain is really playing heaps better than what I thought they would be without Gasol... looks like these guys are focused on winning the gold medal. I won't count a comeback by Greece out of the books. There's still another half and a bit to go after all. But great great first half so far by the Spain players! I love their hustle and defence. And they are getting it done on the other end too.
EDIT4: Altight! Mini Gasol vs Baby Shaq. A few thoughts, Marc looks like a fat version of his older bro... not cool lol... looks like he could lay off whatever he's eating! And Baby Shaq is just.... huuuugee.... damn... I know he got drafted by a team a few years ago... if only he was in the NBA! lol (Remidns me of my fascintation with discovering a Shaq-type player. There was James Lang, Baby Shaq and now the dude in college that I can't think of his name.... argh... someone help me... Wheres X when u need him????)
EDIT5: And I was wondering.... does the PA man announce the greek names??? How is it possible lol
EDIT6: Three points at the buzzer caps a 25-11 second quarter. Nice work by Spain.
Halftime EDIT: All I can say is Wow.
I honestly didn't think Spain would be leading by 20 at half time.
Spain is really playing oh so well. I want them to win but I thought Greece would be holding them down but Spain's backcourt is really playing very well and the frontcourt players are hustling and making sure they grab those boards, make it tough for anyone who drives and then make the buckets when they get the ball down low. Great effort by Spain.
Now we will really get to see how much heart Greece has. I'm sure that they won't be phased by the 20 point margin and will slowly chip away at the lead. We will get to see how hard they play.
Spain is playing pretty good but I think half of it is just them playing hot. So in hope for Greek fans and guys wanting them to win, I think that Spain won't be able to maintain this momentum. (I hope I'm worng, Marquis hopes I'm right!)
So as the third quarter is about to begin, I just wanna say one last thing. Colangelo had better find a way of getting Navarro to Toronto. Damn right he should. I mean, they already got Garbjosa and Calderon there... bring Navarro lol
Anyways... third quarter will begin soon! Back to the game folks!
EDIT7: Greece looks to me like they are trying a bit harder out there and taking Spain out of its rhythm but I just wanna tell the Greeks to stop taking the three if they aren't dropping. Oh well, I think Greece is good enough to stop Spain from scoring but they just aren't doing it on offence. And it's a bit tough seeing how big the margin is. Time's running out too.
EDIT8: As much heart Greece has, Spain is playing with a hell lot more. Just brings a smile to my face
And Greece is really killing me here... they just can't grab any boards... whats with that??? Spain is getting so many second chances on attack...
EDIT9: Will be tough for Greece to come back now... only 2 minutes left in the third. I guess this really is showing how Spain has been all tourney. They've cruised in all their games up until Argentina. And yes, I will make this bold statement. If Pau didn't get injured, they wouldn't be crusing in this game. That's a bold statement lol... but I think it's true in a way! I know many will say if Pau was here, they'd be killing even more...
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Congrats to Spain. They deserved to win and Pau Gasol deserved to win!
The new World Champions of basketball! Spain!
Some more random rambling from me!
I really want Spain to win this game. Gasol didn't deserve to get injured but you can't stop an injury. I really hope Spain wins the gold for him! Greece will be a tough team to beat but I think a team without their star plays a lot harder.
I don't know why but I think Marc Gasol is going to turn in a big performance.... tuning into game now! <-- if he gets minutes that is!
Ok, let the game begin! (its already begun lol)
EDIT: Spain has really come out firing. I'm impressed with their defensive intensity and the guys are really playign very well on offence. Execution is key in a big game like this and Spain is playing great. I love Navarro and Calderon. Those two are doing a great job in my opinion. I'd be weary of Greece though because they should come out in the next quarter a bit more settled.
EDIT2: Sort of a big lead now... will see more as we go. I'm just saying how much of a bullshit call that was on Navarro... ref called a charge??? wtf
EDIT3: Wow, Spain is really playing heaps better than what I thought they would be without Gasol... looks like these guys are focused on winning the gold medal. I won't count a comeback by Greece out of the books. There's still another half and a bit to go after all. But great great first half so far by the Spain players! I love their hustle and defence. And they are getting it done on the other end too.
EDIT4: Altight! Mini Gasol vs Baby Shaq. A few thoughts, Marc looks like a fat version of his older bro... not cool lol... looks like he could lay off whatever he's eating! And Baby Shaq is just.... huuuugee.... damn... I know he got drafted by a team a few years ago... if only he was in the NBA! lol (Remidns me of my fascintation with discovering a Shaq-type player. There was James Lang, Baby Shaq and now the dude in college that I can't think of his name.... argh... someone help me... Wheres X when u need him????)
EDIT5: And I was wondering.... does the PA man announce the greek names??? How is it possible lol
EDIT6: Three points at the buzzer caps a 25-11 second quarter. Nice work by Spain.
Halftime EDIT: All I can say is Wow.
I honestly didn't think Spain would be leading by 20 at half time.
Spain is really playing oh so well. I want them to win but I thought Greece would be holding them down but Spain's backcourt is really playing very well and the frontcourt players are hustling and making sure they grab those boards, make it tough for anyone who drives and then make the buckets when they get the ball down low. Great effort by Spain.
Now we will really get to see how much heart Greece has. I'm sure that they won't be phased by the 20 point margin and will slowly chip away at the lead. We will get to see how hard they play.
Spain is playing pretty good but I think half of it is just them playing hot. So in hope for Greek fans and guys wanting them to win, I think that Spain won't be able to maintain this momentum. (I hope I'm worng, Marquis hopes I'm right!)
So as the third quarter is about to begin, I just wanna say one last thing. Colangelo had better find a way of getting Navarro to Toronto. Damn right he should. I mean, they already got Garbjosa and Calderon there... bring Navarro lol
Anyways... third quarter will begin soon! Back to the game folks!
EDIT7: Greece looks to me like they are trying a bit harder out there and taking Spain out of its rhythm but I just wanna tell the Greeks to stop taking the three if they aren't dropping. Oh well, I think Greece is good enough to stop Spain from scoring but they just aren't doing it on offence. And it's a bit tough seeing how big the margin is. Time's running out too.
EDIT8: As much heart Greece has, Spain is playing with a hell lot more. Just brings a smile to my face
And Greece is really killing me here... they just can't grab any boards... whats with that??? Spain is getting so many second chances on attack...
EDIT9: Will be tough for Greece to come back now... only 2 minutes left in the third. I guess this really is showing how Spain has been all tourney. They've cruised in all their games up until Argentina. And yes, I will make this bold statement. If Pau didn't get injured, they wouldn't be crusing in this game. That's a bold statement lol... but I think it's true in a way! I know many will say if Pau was here, they'd be killing even more...
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Congrats to Spain. They deserved to win and Pau Gasol deserved to win!
The new World Champions of basketball! Spain!
Last edited by Fresh8 on Sun Sep 03, 2006 10:34 pm, edited 8 times in total.
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Fresh8 - The poster formerly known as Sit
- Posts: 14872
- Joined: Mon Nov 11, 2002 5:19 pm
by Fresh8 on Sun Sep 03, 2006 9:08 pm
Hey nzspurs, how u watching the game?
And yeh, I just noticed a lot of the Greek's shots aren't falling. Credit the Spainish defence. Really doing well to cut off their options! As a result Greece needs to drive and dish... and they're rushing shots.
And yeh, I just noticed a lot of the Greek's shots aren't falling. Credit the Spainish defence. Really doing well to cut off their options! As a result Greece needs to drive and dish... and they're rushing shots.
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Fresh8 - The poster formerly known as Sit
- Posts: 14872
- Joined: Mon Nov 11, 2002 5:19 pm
by nzspurs on Sun Sep 03, 2006 9:21 pm
Im watching on tv, sky nz has LIVE coverage (been very happy with their coverage of this tourney).
Spain has come out and is OWNING greece. More determination, greece looks lost on offence...
Spain has come out and is OWNING greece. More determination, greece looks lost on offence...
nets4life thanks for the sig.
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nzspurs - Posts: 116
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- Location: Auckland, NZ
by Fresh8 on Sun Sep 03, 2006 9:25 pm
Spain is playing a great zone with lots of pressure. Forcing the Greeks to drive in but when they're inside, I like how the bigs are rotating onto the man quickly. Forcing them to pass out and rushing a shot from three. Perfect team play and perfect help defence.
This is what Team USA need to do.
This is what Team USA need to do.
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Fresh8 - The poster formerly known as Sit
- Posts: 14872
- Joined: Mon Nov 11, 2002 5:19 pm
by The X on Sun Sep 03, 2006 9:50 pm
good to see Spain win it or about to, they are best team in world....
and Sit, Baby Shaq for Greece got drafted by Clippers....as for other big guy, you might be thinking of Glen "Big Baby" Davis from LSU, who's apparently slimmed down & is closer to a Corliss Williamson-like body now....
and Sit, Baby Shaq for Greece got drafted by Clippers....as for other big guy, you might be thinking of Glen "Big Baby" Davis from LSU, who's apparently slimmed down & is closer to a Corliss Williamson-like body now....
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The X - is
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