FIBA Championship round of 16 preview: Win or go home
by Tim C. on Sep 2, 2010 7:17 PM CDT
in Outside the League
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This man is very pesky
Group play at the 2010 FIBA World Championship is finished. The stakes just got raised, because now every game is an elimination game. Let's get it on.
Matchups
The first round matchups look pretty uninspiring on the surface, but let's dig a little deeper. Here's a bracket, shamelessly stolen from the FIBA WC website:
Serbia vs. Croatia
This one should be a yawner, but you never know with the rivalries between these former Yugoslavian countries. Serbia took first place in Group A after a close win over Argentina, while the Croatians were only able to defeat basketball powerhouses Iran and Tunisia in group B, which was good enough for 4th place in group B and a spot in the elimination rounds. The only names I recognize from Croatia are Roko Ukic(of Spurs-killing fame) and Ante Tomic, neither of whom play in the NBA currently. Meanwhile, the Serbs employ Nenad Krstic, as well as one of the best guards in Europe, Milos Teodosic(Olympiacos) and 2010 draft enigma Nemanja Bjelica(6'10" shooting guard). They are well coached, and only lost one game in group play, narrowly falling to Germany in a head-scratcher. Edge: Serbia
Spain vs. Greece
This is a rather unexpected first-round game. One of the heavy favorites heading into the WC is going home very early. The Greeks had a slightly harder group[on paper] than the Spanish and got third place for group C, but more concerning is the fact that only one of their wins was convincing, and that was over Ivory Coast, one of the worst teams in the tournament. As noted in the WC primer post, the Greeks have plenty of NBA-level talent that simply chooses not to play in the league, and the fact that all of their players are used to playing under FIBA rules should help them, but it hasn't really shown so far. Meanwhile, Spain finished second in group D, and had 2 losses despite having the largest point differential in the group. These guys coasted in group play at Eurobasket last year, before ripping up everyone else on the path to the championship. With that in mind, I give them the benefit of the doubt. Edge: Spain
Slovenia vs. Australia
PtR's Aussie contingent has to be fairly happy with their team's fortunes so far. Nearly pulling off a win vs. Argentina is pretty impressive, but they might just be out of their element. Patty Mills has been an effective, if inefficient, leader for the crew from down under, and David Anderson still sucks has been effective as well. A couple of other guys play for some the top Euroleague teams, but I'm not familiar with them. Slovenia, meanwhile, has played very well despite not having their two most familiar players to Spurs fans, Beno Udrih and Rasho Nesterovic. Dragic and Nachbar have been impressive, and there's another Udrih who I'm assuming is related to Beno somehow. These guys jumped all over Brazil early, but nearly choked away the win. The Slovenians' only loss was to the unbeaten USA team, so I'll give then the advantage. Edge: Slovenia
Turkey vs. France
The French started out their tournament 3-0, on the strength of good play from Nic Batum and Ian Mahinmi(oddly enough), but dropped their last 2 games against tougher competition to finish 4th in group C(ouch). Odder still, Spurs pick Nando De Colo was utter crap in the first couple of games, but has put together a pretty decent-looking cumulative statline in group play, shooting over 50% from 3 and comitting only 11 turnovers in 5 games while playing PG. The French only seem to win win he plays badly, though, which isn't encouraging. Meanwhile, Turkey was the most impressive team in group play not from the USA, going undefeated in a group that includes Russia and Greece. Their average margin of victory was over 20 points, helped by great performances from Ersan Ilyasova, new Celtic Semih Erden, new Bull Omer Asik, and former Spur Hedo Turkoglu. OK, I'm lying on that last one - Hedo is shooting just over 30% on the tournament, but he does lead the team in assists. The Turks are an up-and-coming team, and they're playing the entire tournament at home. Edge: Turkey
USA vs. Angola
The Americans have been slightly better than many expected, with a clear leader in Kevin Durant helping to keep things running smoothly. The scare against Brazil was the only game that was even close, and a lot of things had to go right for Brazil(like, say, Tiago owning Odom and Chandler) to make that happen. Judging by group play, the US has to be the clear tournament favorites at this point. But, that's why they play the games. Angola probably feels lucky just to be in the elimination rounds, as they don't have a single player from one of the major Euro leagues or NBA. Barring an epic American meltdown, they'll be going home in a few days. Edge: USA
Russia vs. New Zealand
I think we have at least one Kiwi PtR member, but can't remember who it is. Anyway, Kirk Penney has been kicking some serious ass, averaging over 25 PPG in the tournament so far. This guy has probably earned a nice Euro contract once the tournament is over, so good for him. Russia, meanwhile, won a lot of close games in their group, but didn't dominate anyone. Timofey Mozgov is the lone NBA-er in the bunch, but Sasha Kaun of CSKA has clearly been their best player so far. That's a pretty dominating frontcourt that will be hard to take advantage of. Despite my better instincts, I'm going with the upset in this one. Edge: New Zealand
Lithuania vs. China
I've never understood why China can't field a better team. Interest in hoops seems to be fairly high in the world's most populous country, and yet their national team always seems to be pretty terrible. This year is no exception, as the Chinese won only one of their games in group play, relying on Yi Jianlan and Sun Yue for most of their offense. Without Yao(good for him, btw), the Chinese are pretty much done. Lithuania, meanwhile, was the third undefeated team in group play and is one the traditional hoops powerhouse teams. The clear leader on offense is Linas Kleiza, who is having a very good tournament and is the lone NBA player on the squad. But many of the other Lithuanians play at the highest levels of hoops in Europe, including the Spurs' one time love, Robertas Javtokas, who will be joining De Colo in Valencia next season. This game shouldn't be a challenge for them. Edge: Lithuania
Argentina vs. Brazil
Oh, the juicy Spurs-related storylines of this game. First, let's talk about the guy who's easily the MVP of the tournament so far, and a guy for whom Spurs' fans hearts always beat a little harder out of anger about how his situation was handled: Luis Scola is averaging 29 PPG and 8 RPG for the tournament, and has shown himself to be an unstoppable force. Fab Oberto's barely seen any playing time, as the Argentines seem to have played smallball with usually good results most of the time. Enter the man whose task it will be to slow down Scola, and make Spurs fans feel at least a little bit better about their South American big man situation: Tiago Splitter. Tiago has been the leader of the Brazilian team this summer, if not the leading scorer. His scoring, rebounding and defense have contributed greatly to the Brazilians' success, and helped to offset some of the bad things done by a certain former Sun. Speaking of which, Huertas and Vinicius are great team players, while Leandro Barbosa is f5g horrible. It's too bad Barbosa takes so many shots and possessions away from his teammates, because this team might have a chance if not for his selfishness. Edge: Argentina
So, there you have it. Feel free to use this thread as the aggregate game thread for all of the games, and let's talk again before the quarterfinals.
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The Udrih is probably Samo. He’s Beno’s older brother.
We specialize in misinformation around here. Facts and stats just get in the way.
by Wayne Vore (ATS) on Sep 2, 2010 8:16 PM CDT reply actions
damn shame
Brazil and Argentina, plus Spain and Greece are playing so early. I liked what I seen from Brazil’s team when they played U.S.A. and I automatically root for Argentina just because of Manu alone. They also have a decent team and Scola is playing great as usual. Damn shame we traded him for basically nothing. I have enjoyed watching all these games though and I’m so pumped about the NBA regular season.
One thing i can do...................is FINGER ROLL.
FYI
Oberto’s been sick and that’s why he hasn’t been playing. They hope he will recover from his stomach virus/flu by Tuesday’s clash with Brasil.
I would love to root for Tiago but I would rather he get back to San Antonio and start learning how to run some of Pop’s plays
"I've got Tim (Duncan) and you don't. That's the difference." -Gregg Popovich
TBJ
given some serios splitter love
http://video.thescore.com/watch/turkey-talk-mon-aug-30
"I’ve been in the league 14 years and I don’t think I’ve been called for a carry yet. It’s news to me," "I’ve never heard anyone complain about me carrying the ball. The best coach in the league Gregg Popovich didn’t have a problem with it last week."
aussie aussie aus-oh crap i can’t even bring myself to finish that horrible call.
if only bogut wasn’t out…
free malik hairston!
perth wildcats - 2009/2010 nbl champions baby!
by sleep research facility on Sep 2, 2010 11:55 PM CDT reply actions
I think the Spain-Greece and Argentina-Brazil games will be good, even better than some of the eventual match-ups in the next round. I still think Spain not topping their Group is more by design than the actual quality of their team.
Regarding China, it’s been said that their failure in international play is tied to their shortcoming on the defensive end, which is the product of the absence of defense in their league due to cultural beliefs a cutlural thing.
ok, i’m curious – what the hell are you talking about?
"Mr. Gilmore deserves to be in the Basketball Hall of Fame damnit. Highest field goal percentage EVER"
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/gilmoar01.html
by Joe deLarios on Sep 4, 2010 10:21 AM CDT up reply actions
I was wondering the same thing, Artis G.
TD, what makes you attribute China’s lack of defensive prowess to their culture?
I’m trying to rediscover verbosity. - LatinD
Playing excellent defense usually means playing tough physically and mentally. Some of the most accomplished defenders play with some degree of nastiness. Chinese culture frowns on one-upmanship and any overt sign of disrespect. Humility and harmony are part of their culture. CBA games are exciting affairs but the absense of defense is quite noticeable. For their national team to be successful in international play, it’s members, outside of those playing abroad, must play defense. That means their local teams in the CBA must embrace the necessity of physical play in pursuit of winning defense.
interesting. so your argument is:
“Chinese culture frowns on overt signs of disrespect, one-upmanship and humilty/harmony” all make the Chinese unwilling to be tough physically, mentally with some nastiness.
first counter-argument:
Have you ever played a Chinese person in ping-pong? or chess/go? The few that I have were super competitive and more than willing to do whatever necessary to win.
second counter-argument:
basketball is a western game which has not been introduced and played in China by a large % of their population until recent time. Give them time. I am sure when they feel it necessary, they will begin to devote some serious energy to the game.
third and final counter-argument:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHvICtT3foc
though based on a predominant offensive player, you can see there is definitely real defense going on. No one wants to be humiliated – that’s why you try and stop the opposing team from scoring
"Mr. Gilmore deserves to be in the Basketball Hall of Fame damnit. Highest field goal percentage EVER"
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/gilmoar01.html
This isn’t an original impression, it was an answer given earlier in his career when asked why Yao, inspite of towering over everyone else doesn’t dunk and block shots more often. I apologize if I sounded like I watched a lot of CBA games, because I haven’t. Given the statement regarding Yao, when I caught a few CBA games (Star Sports?), I did observe how they seem to play “polite” defense.
When playing against Asian teams, their advantage in height and athleticism does not require them to be physical. When going up against western teams who are equally big and athletic if not bigger and more athletic than they are, they struggle and tend to give up lots of points. As I said these was a few years ago, it may not be the case right now but you cannot improve defensive mentality and play overnight so they have some catching up to do. They are relative newcomers to the sport and may not have reached their potential yet.
The article also mentioned how earlier in the local league, dunks and blocks are considered bad form because they embarasss your opponent. When Chinese players started playing abroad and the national team started employing foreign consultants, it revealed the level of play they have to reach in order to succeed in international competitions.
So because Yao said eight to ten years ago that the reason he doesn’t dunk or block shots more often is because it’s not polite (?)
———- so the Chinese don’t/can’t play defense because their best player made an excuse about not dunking or blocking shots early in his career
So, the Chinese may be able to play better defense today but a few years ago they did not
So, early on Chinese did not play defense because it was considered by form but now they do because of exposure to the rest of the world
summation, the Chinese do play defense now days but didn’t play defense a few years ago -— so it’s not really a cultural thing that the Chinese don’t play defense because they are now playing defense, which would violate some portion of their cultural which dictates how they play team sports - unless they were willing to break with their own culture for the sake of avoiding humiliation, which then would become their new culture – the culture of willingness to play defense to avoid humiliation at the hands of others – which all warrior/athletes seek to avoid, which is why you play defense in the first place. All hail humiliation, the great game changer of ancient cultures!
"Mr. Gilmore deserves to be in the Basketball Hall of Fame damnit. Highest field goal percentage EVER"
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/gilmoar01.html
As I said, what I stated was partly based on an article I read about Yao. It was implied that that was how they (including Yao) played in the Chinese Basketball Association which is composed of Chinese players watched by Chinese spectators. It was implied that unlike in some leagues, most notably the NBA, where dunks and block shots are a common occurence, they were reluctant to do it because they used to see these as acts that are in conflict to some of their beliefs. It was what I understood from the article, not necessarily my point of view because I’m not in China. The truth is it’s far from how basketball is played here. Of course, we were one of the first Asian countries to adopt the sport and learned to play alongside Americans stationed here. For all I know, the real reason they didn’t dunk so much may be the same as why coach Pop doesn’t want the Spurs to do so, too.
It is difficult to argue about cultures because differences in beliefs are based on tradition. There is no right and wrong, it is what it is. It also doesn’t have to be stagnant but in truth are constantly changing and evolving.
- used as evidence for counter-argument of one-upmanship, nastiness and physical/mental toughness (though, yes more mental than physical in these instances)
"Mr. Gilmore deserves to be in the Basketball Hall of Fame damnit. Highest field goal percentage EVER"
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/gilmoar01.html
Fuck we get brazil? Damn serbians.
A very interesting matchup will be Oberto vs Tiago. They are very similar players in a lot of senses, in fact I think Tiago will be exactly like oberto in 10 years.
Prigioni-Huertas is something to keep an eye on.
And Delfino-Barbosa will fight to see who takes more awful jumpers. Hopefully Carlos has an all around game to fall back on.
"Rock and Roll angels bring that HardRock Hallelujah"
LOL
at the Delfino-Barbosa line
One thing i can do...................is FINGER ROLL.
by gunnin' gervin on Sep 3, 2010 7:12 AM CDT up reply actions
Every time Delfino takes a looong 3 instead of driving or giving it back to Scola for a repost, a part of my soul dies. If we are going to beat Brazil, Delfino is going to be the key. Scola will be Scola, Prigioni is going to play Huertas to a draw and the rest of both team’s players are not difference makers. Delfino will have to outplay Leandriho.
As for the bracket, I’m happy we finished 2nd in group play. Brazil is tough, but if we get pass them, Lithuania or China awaits. Serbia will have to play either Spain or Greece in the quarterfinals.
"Deep down we all know that swagger comes hand in hand with insecurity. We strut not to convince competitors of our dominance; we strut to convince ourselves."
Matthew Powell
you guys should be able to punish Brazil’s willingnes to turn the ball over.
Argentina also seems to lead Brazil in every category (albiet a small amount)
"Mr. Gilmore deserves to be in the Basketball Hall of Fame damnit. Highest field goal percentage EVER"
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/gilmoar01.html
Sometimes a player just doesnt have the ability. Think abour Bowen. We all loved him so much because he maximized his potential. He was a perimeter player who couldnt dribble for christsakes. So he maximed what he could do.
THAT’s what I hate about Delfino. HE HAS THE ABILITY. But he makes poor decisions. He has an wildly inconsistent jumper, but he relies on it too fuckin much. Each time he drives to the paint good things happen….WHY THE FUCK DOESNT HE DO IT MORE OFTEN? And when he does attack the rim, sometimes he gets blocked or has a turnover because he didnt went hard and with confidence. I’ve lost all my faith long time ago, he wont change. And that’s very disappointing, I keep repeating this: he had the potential to be like Manu or almost like him.
"Rock and Roll angels bring that HardRock Hallelujah"
Maybe he just doesn’t like contact. There are a lot of players who have the ability to beat there guy but settle for Jumpers because they don’t like to mix it up. I like Delfino’s game even though I agree he shoots to many bad jumpers
One thing i can do...................is FINGER ROLL.
by gunnin' gervin on Sep 4, 2010 11:15 AM CDT up reply actions
In the coulda-shoulda-woulda category:
It would have been awesome if you’d held that line until Argentina beat Brazil, and then unveiled it as one of the keys to Argentina’s next match-up.
Just sayin…
I’m trying to rediscover verbosity. - LatinD
If there’s a preview for the quarterfinals and Argeninta advances, I don’t see why
Delfino will have to outplay Leandrihocan’t be the equivalent of
Tony must dominate Fisher.
After all, Tony has dominated Fisher in the past and Argentina will always dominate Brasil (putting his fists up and getting ready to fight anyone who disagrees).
"Deep down we all know that swagger comes hand in hand with insecurity. We strut not to convince competitors of our dominance; we strut to convince ourselves."
Matthew Powell
Splitter FTW!!!!!!!
Rim Rockin' Red Rocket -silverandblack_davis
by SpursfanSteve on Sep 6, 2010 2:25 AM CDT up reply actions
After watching each of the preliminary round games, I think my original commentary on team USA all holds up pretty well. Unfortunately, the ball movement seems to be getting worse with each game. I think they’re definitely the favorite, but are clearly beatable. They seem to be pulling their inner Spurs and putting out one or two RQCs per game, due to horrible ball movement. Why did they chase off Rondo again?
I can’t disagree with your predictions, other than maybe NZ over Russia. In the end, I think it will come down to Spain and Turkey and US and the winner of Argentina-Brazil for the final four.
they didn’t chase Rondo off – he left on his own
"Mr. Gilmore deserves to be in the Basketball Hall of Fame damnit. Highest field goal percentage EVER"
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/gilmoar01.html
After he caught wind that we was going to be cut. Chris Sheridan, who’s following the team for ESPN, seems pretty confident the “voluntary” departure was simply done so Rondo could save face.
Whether it was Coach K or Jerry Colangelo who made the controversial cut of Rondo, the bed is made, and they have no choice but to sleep in it.The commentators during the friendlies, when Rondo suddenly wasn’t playing, seemed to imply it was for chemistry issues. What really happened is uncertain.
and the world will never know………
"Mr. Gilmore deserves to be in the Basketball Hall of Fame damnit. Highest field goal percentage EVER"
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/gilmoar01.html
by Joe deLarios on Sep 4, 2010 10:26 AM CDT up reply actions
I don’t think the USA really cared about the last two games. They managed to only give an effort for 10 minutes against Iran and Tunsia and still managed to beat those teams by 30+.
We might see a similar performance until they match up with a top tier team.
That’s true, but when your playing sloppy, no-movement basketball, and then use the two practice games to screw around and do more of the same, that begets a pattern. As far as I’m concerned, they wasted an opportunity to iron out their kinks before the games matter. When the team moves the ball, they’re pretty much unstoppable. When they don’t, they end up with games like the one against Brazil.
You are so right that I can’t stand it.
Does anyone remember what the Stars and Stripes’ last possession of the Brazil game was?
Up 2 points, Billups dribbles around, brushes off a screen, and pulls up for a long two pointer that clanged.
That’s ridiculous.
I’m trying to rediscover verbosity. - LatinD
pulling their inner Spurs
I don’t know what that is exactly but it sounds painful.
Hey if repeating as champions were that easy even the Spurs could do it.
you have no idea.
Rim Rockin' Red Rocket -silverandblack_davis
by SpursfanSteve on Sep 4, 2010 4:17 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
I have
USA and Turkey in the Championship Game – Winner: USA
Argentina and Serbia in the Bronze Medal Game – Winner: Argentina
USA – Gold, Turkey – Silver, Argentina – Bronze
"Mr. Gilmore deserves to be in the Basketball Hall of Fame damnit. Highest field goal percentage EVER"
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/gilmoar01.html
Javtokas has been nursing an injured ankle the entire tournament. He sat out the last game entirely, and has only put in a few minutes in each of the other games. I would guess that he’ll rest considerably against China, Lithuania hoping that might win without him, in order to be more ready when they play the winner of the Argentina-Brazil game.
sitting him should’nt be a problem against a gaping-hole of a defense known as China. They are second from the bottom in defense for the tournement…..only surpassed in d-suckiness by Jordan
"Mr. Gilmore deserves to be in the Basketball Hall of Fame damnit. Highest field goal percentage EVER"
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/gilmoar01.html
Hard to believe a whole country would rename itself after a famous basketball player and still not be any good at the game.
by doggydogworld on Sep 3, 2010 5:08 PM CDT up reply actions
i believe i am the new zealand ptr member you were refering to. go tall blacks! my boy kirk penny getting it done.
no kidding – he is doing really well! i like the nickname – the tall blacks! do they get some support from the fans of the all blacks?
"Mr. Gilmore deserves to be in the Basketball Hall of Fame damnit. Highest field goal percentage EVER"
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/gilmoar01.html
by Joe deLarios on Sep 4, 2010 10:23 AM CDT up reply actions
fans of the tall blacks are probably all black fans aswell. the All Blacks are the biggest thing in New Zealand, we all get behind them
yeah – they are always very impressive. I played for three seasons at a local club in Texas – it is a tough choice between rugby and basketball as to which is the best sport to play/watch
"Mr. Gilmore deserves to be in the Basketball Hall of Fame damnit. Highest field goal percentage EVER"
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/gilmoar01.html
I’ve never understand why Rugby isn’t more popular globally than it is. It’s much more entertaining than soccer.
It requires the fluidity and creativity that supposedly defines soccer only combined with the physicality of American football (at least before they started putting a skirt on the QB).
um, yes. I do as well. One major reason is that American Football is the perfect television sport. There is a break every thirty seconds. Juxtaposed with Rugby where there are few stops in action and thus little to no time for advertisements. American companies would never support something that they could not advertise/cash in on. Same goes for soccer.
"Mr. Gilmore deserves to be in the Basketball Hall of Fame damnit. Highest field goal percentage EVER"
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/gilmoar01.html
so the way to make cricket popular in the US would be to pitch it at companies? 5 days, 6 hours each day, breaks every 2-3 minute. advertising gold!
free malik hairston!
perth wildcats - 2009/2010 nbl champions baby!
by sleep research facility on Sep 5, 2010 11:21 PM CDT up reply actions
so americans like watching ads every 30 seconds, because it annoys the hell out of me! , thats a major reason why i prefer rugby to NFL, you get 40 minutes of solid action, a half hour break, then another 40 minutes. i do enjoy some NFL though.
um, i know you are being facetious but i cannot comment because i know next to nothing about cricket – it is a total foreign language
"Mr. Gilmore deserves to be in the Basketball Hall of Fame damnit. Highest field goal percentage EVER"
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/gilmoar01.html
the classic explanation of cricket:
You have two sides, one out in the field and one in. Each man that’s in the side that’s in goes out, and when he’s out he comes in and the next man goes in until he’s out. When they are all out, the side that’s out comes in and the side that’s been in goes out and tries to get those coming in, out. Sometimes you get men still in and not out.
When a man goes out to go in, the men who are out try to get him out, and when he is out he goes in and the next man in goes out and goes in. There are two men called umpires who stay out all the time and they decide when the men who are in are out.
When both sides have been in and all the men have been out, and both sides have been out twice after all the men have been in, including those who are not out, that is the end of the game.
free malik hairston!
perth wildcats - 2009/2010 nbl champions baby!
by sleep research facility on Sep 6, 2010 11:30 PM CDT up reply actions
exaclty
"Mr. Gilmore deserves to be in the Basketball Hall of Fame damnit. Highest field goal percentage EVER"
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/gilmoar01.html
I almost like it better when you use all of the jargon though. I still don’t understand it, but it still makes me smile hearing all of the funny liggety smagits, and googlty grimeys, or whatever. It almost makes me feel like I’m in Hogwarts or something.
by Neuwaldegg on Sep 7, 2010 5:37 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
That makes perfect sense for the United States, and is what’s most agitating about American Football. It’s tolerable for the Superbowl, when they’re airing only new commercials, or at parties when you can discuss the action, fantasy football, etc. But unless your incontinent, the commercial over-saturation does get old quickly otherwise. I’d love to see data on the amount of commercial time in the NFL today compared with 10 years ago, because it seems like it’s gotten progressively worse.
That being said, outside of Oceania, Rugby’s popularity lags well behind soccer or other sports in the rest of the world too. I just find this curious, given how entertaining it is.
only way to watch it is with a DVR or TiVo ability
"Mr. Gilmore deserves to be in the Basketball Hall of Fame damnit. Highest field goal percentage EVER"
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/gilmoar01.html
Are you anywhere near the quake zone? Sounds like everyone survived, but there was a lot of damage.
Tony apologist since 2010.
as an australian, i feel i should make some joke about sheep here.
(yes, i know you make the same jokes about us)
free malik hairston!
perth wildcats - 2009/2010 nbl champions baby!
by sleep research facility on Sep 4, 2010 11:28 PM CDT up reply actions
I thought I was the only Kiwi here, awesome! And he was talking about ME! Jokes.
I’m praying we beat Russia only to rub it in Hollingers face for all the smack talk he’s been laying down.
"Are you gunna bite all day little doggie, or are you gunna bite?"
by Joseph Parkes on Sep 5, 2010 4:03 AM CDT up reply actions
Results from the first 2 games of the elimination rounds:
Serbia beat Croatia by one point
Spain sent Greece packing, 80-72
Slovenia – Australia and Turkey – France games are tomorrow.
Tony apologist since 2010.
watching the Turks play – they are my fave to meet USA in the championship game – their defense is stellar very good for international play
"Mr. Gilmore deserves to be in the Basketball Hall of Fame damnit. Highest field goal percentage EVER"
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/gilmoar01.html
Nando has 7 points, 3boards, and 3 steals. France is losing in the second quarter. The disturbing trend continues.
PS – Yawn just picked up his third foul, so nothing new there.
Tony apologist since 2010.
Crushing
Angola! Still not a lot of good offensive ball movement for USA
One thing i can do...................is FINGER ROLL.
by gunnin' gervin on Sep 6, 2010 11:36 AM CDT up reply actions
Russia vs. New Zealand – David Blatt coached his team to play inspired team basketball on both sides of the floor. Clearly the Russians lack individual skills and athleticism, but their defense, offensive rebounding and hustle was impressive. This weekend I also saw a glimpse of the Spurs-Suns game 3 also known as The Goran Dragic Show. It keeps impressing me just how the Spurs had done absolutely nothing in that infamous game to stop the Suns. They clearly could use couple of lessons from Blatt.
"We lost so many games that we shouldn't have lost," - Ginobili, May 2010
I guess I should have just picked all the favorites, instead of going for one upset. Pretty boring first round so far.
Tony apologist since 2010.
still
some games left right? There is nothing wrong with looking for a few upsets because there usually is a few.
One thing i can do...................is FINGER ROLL.
by gunnin' gervin on Sep 6, 2010 8:06 PM CDT up reply actions
I like Brazil against Argentina. Varaclown has only played twice and will be extremely rested.
The Spurs = Not your granddaddies 7th seed !
Scola looks like MVP of this tournament so far. I cannot believe we gave that guy away for nothing.
"We lost so many games that we shouldn't have lost," - Ginobili, May 2010
Scola keeps rubbing it with his play. I wish that guy would be as good as Ian Mahinmi.
"We lost so many games that we shouldn't have lost," - Ginobili, May 2010
Well, we can always choose to hate him for his hair, can’t we?
I’m trying to rediscover verbosity. - LatinD
just got sent home from work due to the weather and made it home …will see the end of the first half and all of the second….so awesome
Splitter on the bench and hasn’t done much looking at the box score
he’s been a good support player. he’s not commanding the offense by any means, but he’s helping Brazil immensely
Biggest coach Pop/Tiago Splitter homer on the internet™
by Josh Guyer (completely deck) on Sep 7, 2010 1:46 PM CDT up reply actions
Who else thinks this game could have had a different ending if Splitter had played Varejao’s 34 minutes, and Varejao had played Tiago’s 25?
I’m trying to rediscover verbosity. - LatinD
I read some where Splitter had a thigh bruise or something and that is why he didn’t start and play a boat load of minutes against Argentina. I don’t know how true the story was but I read it some where. Of course the injury wasn’t bad enough for him not to play but that might have been the real reason why he didn’t get as much run as usual
One thing i can do...................is FINGER ROLL.
by gunnin' gervin on Sep 8, 2010 7:45 PM CDT up reply actions
my thoughts exactly. he’s been playing nonstop basketball for nearly a year now
Biggest coach Pop/Tiago Splitter homer on the internet™
by Josh Guyer (completely deck) on Sep 7, 2010 3:02 PM CDT up reply actions
Anyone wish to re-visit how we drafted Scola but he ended up a Rocket?
"Mr. Gilmore deserves to be in the Basketball Hall of Fame damnit. Highest field goal percentage EVER"
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/gilmoar01.html
The Spurs got Houston to take Jackie Butler in exchange for taking Luis Scola. Butler was later released by Houston and hasn’t played in the NBA since. Besides that benefit, the Spurs received Vassilis Spanoulis, but he wanted to return to Greece. The Spurs obliged him by letting him buying out his contract, While they technically do not have his NBA rights, he apparently has indicated that if he ever goes back to the NBA he’d want to go to the Spurs. Whether this nicety on the part of the Spurs (he felt the Rockets were treating him like a slave) might influence other Greek players to consider the Spurs or not, who knows. The other piece still a possibility for the Spurs is that they received the Rockets 2nd round draft choice in 2009 that they used on Nando de Colo.
When all is said and done, the Spurs might be regretting that they let Scola “go”, but then they never actually quite had him to begin with.
Can someone remind me why the Spurs couldn’t sign Scola that year, and the Rockets could? I’m not being facetious, I really don’t remember.
I smell death... everywhere.
Because the ownership group decided that they didn’t want to spend luxury tax money until June 2009.
Tony apologist since 2010.
But was there a buyout at that point?
(I could Google. Sorry for being lazy and reopening old wounds.)
I smell death... everywhere.
There was a buyout, but the Spurs could have contributed just as much to it as the Rockets(see: Splitter, Tiago).
Tony apologist since 2010.
This likely costed us all the 5th ring.
"We lost so many games that we shouldn't have lost," - Ginobili, May 2010
This likely costed us all the 5th ring.
You woulda had to pry that ring off of ol’ Kobe’s broken finger.
Or as I always like to say:
Lakers = Dynasty;
Spurs = just nasty
Hey if repeating as champions were that easy even the Spurs could do it.
It’s quite understandable for the Lakers’ fan to talk about Kobe in these terms, but it’s also quite evident that he would had two less rings by now without Gasol. This is a difference a good big man can make. Scola is clearly better than any big man Duncan had by his side after Robinson.
"We lost so many games that we shouldn't have lost," - Ginobili, May 2010
Oh I only used Kobe’s finger because it seemed to go with the ring theme. Of course it takes a whole team to win it all (I feel I should add “again and again”).
And feel free to entertain any fanciful thoughts or “Ferry Tales” (see what I did there Jolly?) dreaming of glorious championships if only Scola had been a Spur. I feel certain the Lakers would have still put up a good fight.
I ain’t a big Scola fan. He’s pesky and scrappy but he’s undersized just like Lou Admunsen(?), Big Baby, Boozer, Verajao, etc. But it would be just as much fun to beat his ass if he was wearing Silver & Black.
Hey if repeating as champions were that easy even the Spurs could do it.
by olf on Sep 8, 2010 1:48 AM CDT up reply actions
But it would be just as much fun to beat his ass give him a cheap-shot elbow if he was wearing Silver & Black.
Oh don’t worry I already know your Spur-colored-glasses make you incapable of seeing any of what Scola was doing as cheap. I mean Scola wasn’t trying to pull Lamar into the photographers or anything like that. Odom shouldn’t have been up in the air or had his Jersey in Scola’s hand. Scola was just being friendly. Well at least Fisher took care of the problem.
It’s kinda like in the Finals this year when that idiot Rondo was pushing Artest around after a play. I think Rondo caught an elbow next time he charged down the lane. Oops. Somehow Rondo wasn’t quite as pushy after that.
Hey if repeating as champions were that easy even the Spurs could do it.
by olf on Sep 8, 2010 3:10 PM CDT up reply actions
I did notice that the always classy Rondo didn’t grab any Lakers and pull them into the scorers table like he did to Heinrich when they met the Bulls in round one the year before.
The Lakers are not a physical / defense oriented team and teams like the Celtics or Pistons, etc. are always trying to punk them. If teams do crap like Rondo did to Heinrich, you got to let them know you won’t put up with it. And a strongly worded memo to David Stern sometimes isn’t enough.
Hey if repeating as champions were that easy even the Spurs could do it.
by olf on Sep 8, 2010 7:15 PM CDT up reply actions
The Lakers are not a physical / defense oriented team
You should give the Lakers at least some credit, olf. They were the best western defensive team last season, and just became stronger in the offseason. In the playoffs, only Boston could match their defense and physicality, and probably would win the series if Perkins won’t get down.
"We lost so many games that we shouldn't have lost," - Ginobili, May 2010
Oh the Lakers can certainly play defense and even get physical. However, they would much prefer to outscore and out-finesse you (and out-talent and out-tall you too).
But here’s the thing, the Lakers are really damn versatile. Most teams try to force you to play their preferred style so they can beat you. The Lakers can often play their opponents preferred style and still beat them.
For example they outscored the high octane Phx offense in high scoring games. And they out physicaled Boston in a “swallow the whistles and let them play” ugly low-scoring slugfest in Finals game 7. In game 6 when they “called it close” the Lakers blew ’em out.
By contrast there is no way Phx wins a critical playoff game where they don’t score over 100. And if Boston lets you score over 110 there is no way they beat you.
So the Lakes can do physical & defense if they have to but they would much rather just be taller & faster than you and execute their offense all over you.
PS. Just read Matt Barnes was arrested for felony spousal abuse. No excuse for doing that kind of crap if he’s guilty. But that can’t be great for the team a month before camp.
Hey if repeating as champions were that easy even the Spurs could do it.
by olf on Sep 9, 2010 2:49 AM CDT up reply actions
Sounds like Barnes could use some mentoring. I hear Artest has a lot of free time.
Tony apologist since 2010.
Oh well we won without Barnes, a couple of times, in a row, over & over, again & again, etc, etc. (sorry I just like how that sounds) so hopefully we’ll be OK. But he would have helped especially against Bos or Mia or wherever Mello lands, perhaps even against the Spurs.
Hey if repeating as champions were that easy even the Spurs could do it.
In my best Rick James voices
COLDBLOODED!
One thing i can do...................is FINGER ROLL.
by gunnin' gervin on Sep 9, 2010 7:30 PM CDT up reply actions
JRW
you do know when Kidd and his wife got a divorce he said she was abusing him. Barnes is saying he was the victim also so maybe you are right if you mean talking to Kidd in that regard.
One thing i can do...................is FINGER ROLL.
by gunnin' gervin on Sep 9, 2010 7:32 PM CDT up reply actions
You know Ron did a great job for us last season. At certain scary times he was the most focused on the team (besides Kobe). I hate to say it but now that he has a ring I could see him not being as focused this year. Plus L A has lots of distractions for a celebrity. And there are no bigger celebrities in L A after they win a ring. But I don’t want to think about that.
Hey if repeating as champions were that easy even the Spurs could do it.
And there are no bigger celebrities in L A after they win a ring.
I know you just said it, but is that an absolute truth? That’s awesome if so.
Oh yeah I’ve heard that numerous times. Supposedly the summer after is intoxicating. I forgot who was telling the story (maybe like Magic or Lamar describing what it is like) but for several weeks they would often get standing ovations when they walk in a restaurant or club – even if it is packed with celebrities.
Supposedly it is a hard transition to get back to focusing on training camp and the regular season. And I bet there are more potential distractions in L A than in most places.
Hey if repeating as champions were that easy even the Spurs could do it.
by olf on Sep 9, 2010 1:58 PM CDT up reply actions
definitely on the distractions although having a city that players actually want to live in is a huge plus…..not saying Spurs don’t want to live here, but MYSA.com just had an article about how a coach/trainer has been chasing Tony, Blair, Hill, and RJ all over the country this summer….it would be nice if they could stay in SA more
By contrast there is no way Phx wins a critical playoff game where they don’t score over 100.
That’s why if you said that Phx was not a defense oriented team, nobody would argue with you. But saying that Bynum/Gasol/Artest/Kobe/Fisher are not physical is just funny.
However, they would much prefer to outscore and out-finesse youAre you talking about the Warriors here? The Lakers – 2010 are mean, physical and play the best D in the west. That’s why they are the champs. The Championship Spurs used to outscore Phoenix as well, scoring 100+ against them in the playoffs. Still, they were tough, defensive oriented team. So are the Lakers now.
"We lost so many games that we shouldn't have lost," - Ginobili, May 2010
I didn’t say the Lakers are not physical.
I said they “can certainly play defense and even get physical. However, they would much prefer to outscore and out-finesse you”
And the defensive oriented Spurs scored 100+ against Phx. back in the 7-seconds-or-less days. The offensive oriented Lakers dropped 128 & 124 on them in the first 2 of the conference finals. And that was on the new look Suns who now supposedly play some defense.
To me just because the Lakers can play good defense or can play physically doesn’t make them defensive or physically oriented team. But you can call them that if you want.
Hey if repeating as champions were that easy even the Spurs could do it.
olf, Sep 8:
The Lakers are not a physical / defense oriented teamolf, Sep 10:
I didn’t say the Lakers are not physical.I guess, if logic and consistency were that easy even the Lakers fans could do it.
"We lost so many games that we shouldn't have lost," - Ginobili, May 2010
Ooh, where can we buy those Spur-colored glasses? I want one.
If you liked it, then you shoulda put a fifth ring on it.
by day_late_friend on Sep 8, 2010 7:45 PM CDT up reply actions
He was just trying to help Odom get his ice cold drink, with that five buck box
One thing i can do...................is FINGER ROLL.
by gunnin' gervin on Sep 8, 2010 7:47 PM CDT up reply actions
Anyone wish to re-visit how we drafted Scola but he ended up a Rocket?
It was a highly technical process requiring lots of gift wrap and a huge bow.
by doggydogworld on Sep 7, 2010 5:03 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
How much do I love Scola? A lot. He’s second only to Manu now, in my heart.
Sigh. So many dreams of Manu-Scola P&Ring for the Spurs.
I smell death... everywhere.
Some players I really wish would play with the spurs:
1. Luis Scola
2. Nicolas Batum
3. Marc Gasol
4. Jeff Green
5. Shane Battier
sighs
Excellent list, but I think of Tiago as similar to Gasol. I’d probably go with Okur, since Pop loves stretching the floor so much.
Tony apologist since 2010.
True, Okur is probably on Pop’s dream list, perhaps alongside some other savy vets and of course Mike Finley.
For some reason I think Chancey Billups would make an excellent Spur.
"We lost so many games that we shouldn't have lost," - Ginobili, May 2010
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