Team USA Qualifiers

[Scott M]

I didn't get to see many of the games with a busy summer schedule and working evenings, but what I did see looked pretty good. I like having hustle guys like Billups and Redd on the team...glue guys that can sacrifice and do the little things. Kidd really makes the team click on offense. Dwight Howard is a manchild in the middle. And if all else goes wrong, James and Kobe can will the ball into the hope from about anywhere.

I see they just beat Argentina to win gold in the qualifiers, but Argentina was without Herrmann, Oberto, Nociones, and Ginobili. Admittedly not the best proving grounds, but at least they didn't have to come from behind like the 04 team or lose games. The coaching staff is much better and the goal of the team isn't to show off streetball in the US, it's to win the gold like it should have been all along.

It'll be interesting to see who makes the final cut.

[PierBridge]

I guess I'm not overly impressed as some are about the

Pre Olympic qualifier Win and the way we played.

Beijing will be a tough test when everyone else brings their best players to the Olympics.

I wouldn't be surprised at all if we didn't win the Gold.

[Flaco651]

Quote:

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I wouldn't be surprised at all if we didn't win the Gold.

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I wouldn't be surprised, but I expect team USA to win after a couple dissapointing squads they put together the last couple times around.

[Scott M]

I'd agree with that. You expect the gold every year you play when you are the country that invented the sport. No other country has athletes like this one, so you expect to win. My $0.02 is that the mentality of players has really decreased so that they dont' understand the team game. I expect better things this year, but when you go up against teams that have played together their whole careers, it gets a little tougher.

The U.S. are the favorites and I think they'll bring home the gold. I would be a little surprised if they didn't, but it wouldn't be the Russian 1980 Lake Placid hockey team or something if they got upset.

[PierBridge]

The world has gotten a lot better in Basketball and it wouldn't be anything like the 80 hockey olympics as far as an upset.

Lets not kid ourselves we have been DESTROYED in the last 4 International basketball Tourneys......or maybe EMMBARRSSED would be a better discription.

[SledNeck]

The only reason we've been losing is we havent been sending our BEST teams. Compare how players from the teams before ranked amongst the league compared to the team that was in the last olympics. If we send OUR a-team all stars then we will win EVERYtime.

[Scott M]

Getting a little nervous with the injury bugs (Wade, Bryant). Not to mention personal drama (Kidd traded). This team needs more guys that can score in the post or do the dirty work (Garnett barking directions and cleaning things up inside would make me a lot less nervous). They can't cut their pure shooters either. FIBA basketball has the triangular lane and there is usually lots of zone. You need good shooters to capitalize cause you aren't getting it inside and you aren't going to drive. If Kobe and Wade aren't hurt that'll make a difference. I think Bryant would be the best all around player in the Olympics.

Right now they have Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard, Amare Stoudemire, Jason Kidd, Deron Williams, Chauncey Billups, Tayshaun Prince, Mike Miller, Michael Redd, Tyson Chandler, Dwayne Wade, Chris Bosh, and Chris Paul. When they go to Beijing they need 12 guys total.

[maros91]

Hard to cut 3 guys off that roster. I only see 4 post players on that list in Howard,Stoudamire,Chandler, and Bosh so you can't cut those guys. I would cut Miller, Prince, and Billups. I am glad I am not the guy making the decisions.

[ozzie]

miller, prince, and chandler would be my cuts......or williams instead of chandler..........with billups paul and kidd then kobe wade and lebron why would you need him........

[CrappiesNCats]

must have 3 point shooters on the team this time around

honestly take Jason Kapono. last time around they were dreadful to watch as they were all flash and no game.

[ozzie]

they have redd..... and miller is supposed to be a 3 point shooter but with the guys on the squad you they should be fine with out another 3 point specialists.....Lebron is getting better and Paul can hit the 3 + you have billups and Kobe!!!!

[Scott M]

The roster was announced.

Carmelo Anthony, Jason Kidd, Carlos Boozer, Chris Paul, Chris Bosh, Tayshaun Prince, Kobe Bryant, Michael Redd, Dwight Howard, Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, and Deron Williams.

I like our chances. Good mix of players, some shooters, defenders, slashers, posts, and good coaching. Not a bunch of me-first guys with missing defense and no midrange shots. Time to beat up on some teams and make sure Argentina, China, and Spain know where the best players on earth are from.

[PierBridge]

Looks good on paper......I still say its 50-50 at best that we Win it all!

Go USA

[Sandmannd]

I agree PierBridge, it seems the other teams play with a ton of heart and pride for their country. That can go a long ways.