USA NT 2012

[TeoTheGreek13]

[quote name='Raze Lupin' timestamp='1326822365' post='37078']

Keep in mind. USA has shown weakness to zone defense. The NBA condense season has already caused injuries to key USA players. More injuries are sure to come. Kobe, Wade, Rose, Chris Paul and a few others may not make the roster because of injuries. Even if they do they could not be at 100%. In my humble opinion. These teams can compete with USA in various ways.:



1.Spain can compete with USA in athleticism, offensive tactics, speed and depth. Spain is weak to USA defensive tactics BUT they have shooters and great transition offense. USA has to play at a top level to beat them.



2. Brazil can compete with USA in front-court athleticism, Nene, Tiago and other Brazilian bigs can bang with the Americans and keep the game close. Brazil also has slashing guards that can hit clutch shots in a close game. Brazil is no Spain but they can cause problems for USA because of there tough style of play.



3. France: Most people underestimate France vs USA match, Here is some reasons why I think France has a chance to win. Athletic front-court with great interior and hi-lo passing. They have bigs that can run and as a team are good in transition.



4.Russia: Russia is lacking in elite guards BUT like Brazil they have the muscle to play physical ball and keep the game close enough to compete. The big problem is they lack the scoring ability needed to be more competitive.



5.LIETUVA: If Lietuva brings the right roster and attitude they can beat anyone. This is hard to predict because I'm not sure who the Liths will bring. The Liths NT has many questions to answer, for example: How will the status of Kleiza be in 7 months? Will the great Shark(Javtokas) mental focus will be at elite standard. Robertas Javtokas mind seems to be else where with Zalgiris this season. How will Jonas Valanciunas develop over the next 7 months? Will lietuva finally trust the younger generation? Should there be more roster spots for the 90, 91. 92 generation?



6.Argentina: has an outside chance. True they are old and injured. Never underestimate the heart of a champion nor the south American fighting spirit. I don't think they will beat USA but stranger things have happen in the past.



7.Greece: I'm unsure of the NT situation but I do know if they are 100%, meaning they bring their best talent they will be competitive.





Here are teams that did not make it yet are strong enough talent wise to compete with USA:



Turkey: has bodies and athleticism etc.. to compete with everyone. They have a weak team mentality and tactics as shown in Eurobasket. Turks need structure and organization.



Serbia: Serbia is only having organizational growing pains. The new KK is headed in the right direction. Serbia has a rich talent pool. I'm sure by 2014 WC Serbia will figure it out. Hopefully....



Italy: Has elite level scoring power. The Italians problems are obvious. They lack defensive structure, team chemistry. When looking at the talent level one can't help to be impressed.





I believe if you consider the volume of talent in global basketball today not only NT organization. This is the most talented and competitive generation of basketball. I think fair observation of basketball talent you will find fast, athletic, skilled players in most regions. It is true that USA has the largest pool of mentioned talents. Today USA is not the exclusive holder of elite talents. The Olympics and World Cup proves there are special talents all over the world.

[/quote]

You got some good points there, about zone defense etc.



I just want to say that you underrate the Greek NT. Ofcourse it's not your fault because the last 2 years we had bad teams in comparizon with our previous rosters.

This summer though, we'll have a full roster with the exception of Diamantidis.



I believe we'll do very good(with full roster ofcourse)!



***Serbia and Turkey won't play in the Olympics.