FIBA World Basketball Championships

[Scott M]

Should be fun to watch the US play. They will have to play tough and scrappy like they have in exhibitions...they don't have the overwhelming talent edge. Do they still have the talent edge? Yes, just not overwhelmingly and they don't have the same chemistry as other teams.

Henry Abbott mentions that during the tournament, viewers should also watch Ricky Rubio:

"Although Minnesota general manager David Kahn has been maligned for picking a player who stayed overseas, the truth is that Rubio is developing nicely, and his rights may be the Timberwolves' most important basketball asset.

One of the sad things about this tournament is the great many players who will miss it due to injury, and Spanish point guard Jose Calderon is near the top of those who will be missed.

However, having the young and flashy Rubio as the unquestioned leader of one of the tournament's best teams will make for good viewing, and good basketball. As M. Haubs of The Painted Area points out, "Calderon has a much lower turnover rate than Rubio, which could be key vs. the ball-hawking Americans, yet the Spanish were significantly better with Rubio on the floor Sunday (plus-19 vs. minus-20 by plus/minus)."

[Scott M]

K Love is looking really sharp. A double double in 13 scant minutes...I hope Rambis is watching what the guy can do with some minutes.

[ozzie]

Love is a good player and I couldn't figure out last year what Rambis was trying to do with benching him alot. The guy isn't flashy and you won't run your offense through him but he is a good player.

[koonie]

Loves biggest downfall is his defense. He is horrible in that respect. That's why he rode the pine.

[abcnerdd]

USA 88, Iran 51

Kevin Love played great. 6-8 from the field, 13 points and 6 boards.

[ozzie]

Yeah he isn't great on defense but neither was anyone that replaced him in the Wolves line-up.......Rambis has it out for Love I feel and I wouldn't be suprised to see Love get moved because of friction between him and Rambis

[PierBridge]

I guess I'm out of the loop on Wolves issues but that sounds strange if Rambo and Love are not getting along.

Hope I'm wrong but I don't see the USA winning this one!

[ozzie]

The USA has a good chance to win this I think but it won't be easy and I won't be surprised if they take 2nd or 3rd....

[mrklean]

there looking pretty good so far hope they can win the whole thing i thought i heard they hadnt wont the whole thing since the 90s???

[Scott M]

2 wins away after defeating Russia!

[Scott M]

Bring on Serbia or Turkey in the Finals tomorrow. Very adjustable team while playing small ball. It's worked so often in college and the NBA, it's nice of Coach K to try it in FIBA.

[abcnerdd]

Turkey vs USA for finals tomorrow. USA might bring home gold

[abcnerdd]

USA leads by 10, 42-32. Kevin Love with no minutes yet.

[abcnerdd]

Well, USA won. FIBA Champs= USA!

[Scott M]

Watched the game this afternoon, very nice job defensively by the Americans. Kevin Durant is going to be a special player in the NBA. Now they'll have troubles picking 12 guys from the 2008 and 2010 Olympic/FIBA teams for London 2012. Coach K should be coaching the US every year...they need someone that will motivate millionaire athletes to play with pride, heart, and stubborn defense.

[PierBridge]

Well done and yeah coach K Rocks!

USA!

[ozzie]

Kevin Durant is a special player in the NBA and he is only 21!!!! This was a good group of mainly kids with 2 vets (Odom, Billups). They played hard and disiplined for NBA players and shut teams down with their athletic ability and decent defense. Odom had his best game when we needed him most!! Amazing that they won with Chandler being the only true center and barely playing!!! GO USA way to bring the GOLD back to the USA!!!!!!

I think this is post 3000 for me...wow I have alot of opinions and comments!!HAHA

[Scott M]

Thanks for all the good posts ozzie. Always fun to read your sports and fishing takes.

A clean sweep for the US in FIBA. U16, U17, U18, U19, Men's Senior Team

[ozzie]

Thanks da chise31!! I appreciate that at least someone doesn't hate me and my comments out there!!haha I also like to read your information and comments on sports, fishing and everything in between!!!