Sep 15, 2010, 2:08 am
There are rumors that the US might skip the Americas tournament. This seems like a blown opportunity if they do. Why not take a team of guys who want to be considered for 2012 and see what they can do? This seems like an ideal opportunity for guys like Steph Curry and Danny Granger to prove to Coach K that he needs to consider them for the Olympics. The US could add guys who weren't able to make the games in Turkey, Brook Lopez, Tyreke Evans, etc. and toss in a Rookie or two like John Wall. See what these guys can do in a FIBA tournament and then make an educated roster selection for the 2012 games.
I love basketball and international basketball is my favorite part of the game but there is no comparison to the passion involved in international football. Why is it that in football guys do whatever they can to play for their countries? They miss their club games, risk injury all for the honor of putting on the NT jersey. I understand that the basketball season is long, especially for the players in the NBA but for teams playing in the Champions League or UEFA Europa league the schedule can be brutal.
Compare the US football team to the basketball team. Landon Donovan is by far the best US player yet there are other good American players who can play his position just not quite as good. Nevertheless, Donovan plays when the US plays irrespective of the opponent. There are plenty of instances when the US could have easily beaten their opponent without Dononvan but he's still in there. It's a different level of pride. I also love how in football teams are constantly looking for new pieces and trying to build the chemistry that works the best. Your spot in the starting lineup is always on the line for somebody who may fit in a bit better.
I would love if tournament qualification was spread out throughout the year. This will never happen in basketball namely because of the NBA, but it would do wonders for enabling a year round competitive spirit.
I love basketball and international basketball is my favorite part of the game but there is no comparison to the passion involved in international football. Why is it that in football guys do whatever they can to play for their countries? They miss their club games, risk injury all for the honor of putting on the NT jersey. I understand that the basketball season is long, especially for the players in the NBA but for teams playing in the Champions League or UEFA Europa league the schedule can be brutal.
Compare the US football team to the basketball team. Landon Donovan is by far the best US player yet there are other good American players who can play his position just not quite as good. Nevertheless, Donovan plays when the US plays irrespective of the opponent. There are plenty of instances when the US could have easily beaten their opponent without Dononvan but he's still in there. It's a different level of pride. I also love how in football teams are constantly looking for new pieces and trying to build the chemistry that works the best. Your spot in the starting lineup is always on the line for somebody who may fit in a bit better.
I would love if tournament qualification was spread out throughout the year. This will never happen in basketball namely because of the NBA, but it would do wonders for enabling a year round competitive spirit.