USA NT 2012

[Raze Lupin]

Coach K 904 wins! He gives a lot of credit to Bobby Knight. Durant said if he could play for one coach he hadn't played for it be Bobby Knight.



#903



http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=ezManEu3XKo



Coach K on basketball never stops



http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=XTufX7jw1UI

[Raze Lupin]

Miami HEAT forward Chris Bosh expressed interest in suiting up for Team USA in the London Olympics.



[URL="http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/basketball/nba/wires/11/15/2030.ap.bkn.heat.bosh.0150/"]Bosh takes 'wait and see' attitude for now[/URL]

[skangles]

[quote name='Raze Lupin' timestamp='1322515187' post='36376']

Miami HEAT forward Chris Bosh expressed interest in suiting up for Team USA in the London Olympics.



[URL="http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/basketball/nba/wires/11/15/2030.ap.bkn.heat.bosh.0150/"]Bosh takes 'wait and see' attitude for now[/URL]

[/quote]

Expected but we can do better!

[skangles]

Colangelo is now comparing the 2012 team to the Dream Team. <img src='http://www.talkbasket.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/titanic.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' /> This has Bronze medal written all over it.

Jerry Colangelo expects there will be comparisons next summer between the Dream Team and the 2012 Olympic basketball team.



He says to bring them on.



"I think it will be a fair comparison with the Dream Team," the USA Basketball chairman said in a phone interview Thursday with FOX Sports Florida about what can be expected from his team in London two decades after the Dream Team took gold in Barcelona in 1992. "Look at the progress our players have made since (winning Olympic gold in) 2008. We have some of the greatest players of all time.



"You're hearing Kobe (Bryant) right up there with the greatest of all time. Dwayne Wade and LeBron (James) are right up there. You've got to add up the names, and you look at the young guys like (Kevin) Durant as an example and (Derrick) Rose as an example. There's so many. There's only been one Dream Team, and that's the way I think it should be. But there's no question our team will be much stronger than we had in 2008. They're more mature, more experienced and we've got more talent."



With that in mind, it's the job of Colangelo, with plenty of input from coach Mike Krzyzewski, to decide how to choose from the abundance of talent which 12 players will represent Team USA in London. Colangelo revealed Thursday how the process will unfold.



Colangelo said USA Basketball in the final two weeks of January will select between 18 and 20 players as finalists for Olympic spots. Players on that list will nearly all be veterans of the 2008 Olympics or from the 2010 World Championships team, which won gold in Turkey. But Clippers forward Blake Griffin, who was on neither squad, also is a good bet to be among the players announced late next month.



"For the great immediate impact he has had in the NBA, he certainly deserves great consideration," Colangelo said of Griffin.



The 18-to-20 player list is also likely to include the Miami Heat's Big Three of Wade, James and Chris Bosh, Bryant, Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard, Chris Paul, Deron Williams, all 2008 Olympic holdovers, and Durant, Rose, Russell Westbrook, Eric Gordon, Kevin Love, Tyson Chandler and Lamar Odom off the 2010 World Championships team. That would then leave two to four spots still to be decided.



Colangelo doesn't anticipate there's enough time between now and late January for a player to dramatically change his status. But Colangelo said he and Krzyzewski will be evaluating the 18 to 20 finalists very closely the remainder of the season.



The final 12-man roster must be submitted June 20 in addition to six alternates for the Olympics, which run from July 27-Aug. 12. A player can be replaced until shortly before the start of the Olympics if there is an injury or another good reason.



Training camp will begin July 5 in Las Vegas. In addition to the 12 Olympians, Colangelo said it also could include some alternates and three or four young players that Colangelo said USA Basketball eventually will name to be groomed for future years. But plans for training camp remain fluid.



One thing, though, is for sure. Team USA will have a lot less time to prepare for the Olympics than in years past.



The NBA lockout pushed the NBA Finals back to an end date possibly as late as June 26. That means the final Olympic roster will have to be selected before the season ends and there will only be a little over a month between the end of the Finals and the start of the Olympics. In 2008, the NBA Finals ended June 17 and the Olympics began Aug. 8 in Beijing.



In the past, Team USA could have competition in a training camp for the final roster spots. But that won't be possible in 2012.



"If it was my preference, we wouldn't be faced with it," Colangelo said of the compressed schedule. "But we don't have a choice. ... The challenge with Coach K and the coaching staff is to plan accordingly. We've been very sensitive in the past with how we've used players and we've tried to play a lot of people. We'll be more sensitive to the circumstances (not to overwork players during the summer)."



The situation, though, could have been a lot worse had the lockout not been settled and the season lost. Then there might have been insurance issues about players competing in the Olympics and questions about their conditioning.



Then again, perhaps all would not have been lost.



"Does that mean we would have had camp for two or three times during the year (before the summer) and that could have been a refuge for the players to get in some work?" Colangelo said about if the NBA season had been lost. "Might we have started practice after the college season? Honestly, I never gave (that proposal to the players before the lockout was settled late last month).



"Carmelo and Chris Paul stopped by in New York and were with Coach K in the locker room (when the Duke legend became Division I's all-time winningest coach Nov. 15 at Madison Square Garden). And they said that the guys would be happy to get started after the season, when the college season ended (if the NBA season were to have ended up being cancelled)."



For all concerned, that fortunately wasn't needed to become a consideration. Colangelo said he was ecstatic when the lockout finally ended.



During the first two weeks in January, Colangelo said he will check with Olympic candidates to confirm they remain interested in playing. Colangelo said he has not heard from one candidate who doesn't want to play or is even wavering.



Colangelo also will look into unique situations involving players. New York forward Amar'e Stoudemire, for instance, was knocked out of the 2010 World Championships on the eve of training camp due to an insurance issue.



Stoudemire remains on a USA Basketball working list of 34 players for the senior national team. However, Colangelo expects that list soon will be done away with, replaced by the one with 18-to-20 candidates and the one with three-to-four young players.



"Basically, it's going to be a blending of the (rosters from the 2008 Olympics and 2010 World Championships)," Colangelo said of the final roster eventually selected for London. "You can see how difficult it will be when you have to pick 12."



Challenging? Yes. But Colangelo can't wait to see what emerges. It may just be the best Olympic team ever.



"I'm very excited," Colangelo said. "We have a chance to be extremely good."

http://www.foxsportsflorida.com/12/29/11...eedID=3565

[Raze Lupin]

I believe the proverb says "Pride goes before the fall". That being said. I don't believe Colangelo's statement was extremely prideful. This may be the most talented team since those early days of the '92 and '94 seasons. He's got a point! Colangelo did not guarantee gold, or brag about point differential. This wasn't a calling of a shot ala Babe Ruth pointing to the bleachers before the pitch.



Here is something to consider Skangles. No matter what Colangelo says/thinks do you think Coach K, Bryant, Wade, Durant, Love, Rose, Paul, Deron Williams will collectively let their guard down because of foolish pride?? I'd say no way that happens. USA might lose BUT I'd bet the farm that they give all the effort they have at that given moment and then some.



There is reason for pause! Injuries, mental and physical exhaustion, preparation time all could be effected by the brutal 2011-2012 condensed season. I'm worried our guys won't have much left in the tank! If Americans or anyone, are expecting team USA to go undefeated and capture gold they may be disappointed. Good thing is many NT have NBA stars so they will also be effected albeit to a lesser agree. National teams like Lietuva are hardly if at all effected by this NBA season. France, Spain, USA have players who after a harsh season will probably go deep into the playoffs.

[TeoTheGreek13]

A full 2012 USA team will be have the potential to be one of the greatest teams in basketball's history. <img src='http://www.talkbasket.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/thup.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':thup:' />

They can't be so awesome like the '92 team simply because there are not so many superstars these days. <img src='http://www.talkbasket.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/bag.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />



USA can dominate the Olympic tournament, very easy, if every single one of the players check his ego at the door. Just like '92!!! <img src='http://www.talkbasket.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/thup.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':thup:' /> <img src='http://www.talkbasket.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/thup.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':thup:' />

[skangles]

[quote name='Raze Lupin' timestamp='1325310509' post='36937']

I believe the proverb says "Pride goes before the fall". That being said. I don't believe Colangelo's statement was extremely prideful. This may be the most talented team since those early days of the '92 and '94 seasons. He's got a point! Colangelo did not guarantee gold, or brag about point differential. This wasn't a calling of a shot ala Babe Ruth pointing to the bleachers before the pitch.



Here is something to consider Skangles. No matter what Colangelo says/thinks do you think Coach K, Bryant, Wade, Durant, Love, Rose, Paul, Deron Williams will collectively let their guard down because of foolish pride?? I'd say no way that happens. USA might lose BUT I'd bet the farm that they give all the effort they have at that given moment and then some.



There is reason for pause! Injuries, mental and physical exhaustion, preparation time all could be effected by the brutal 2011-2012 condensed season. I'm worried our guys won't have much left in the tank! If Americans or anyone, are expecting team USA to go undefeated and capture gold they may be disappointed. Good thing is many NT have NBA stars so they will also be effected albeit to a lesser agree. National teams like Lietuva are hardly if at all effected by this NBA season. France, Spain, USA have players who after a harsh season will probably go deep into the playoffs.

[/quote]



I do feel that the US is getting their arrogance back which is strikingly similar to the teams of the early 2000s. The main difference between those teams and this team is continuity. Back then the roster was really a hodge podge with several of the best players turning down the opportunity to represent their country. While the current situation is a massive improvement and players are now itching for the chance to play on Team USA I don't think that the cautious optimism of 2008 and 2010 still exists. Colangelo runs the program and I firmly believe that his attitude will be further exaggerated by the current player pool.



Take a look at Colangelo's comments in Time magazine before the 2010 world championship.



"Before you took over, Team USA was criticized — even ridiculed — for underperforming in international competitions. What caused this losing streak?

After about 1996, we got lackadaisical. At Athens, we really hit rock bottom. The program had dissipated and it wasn't an "in" thing to represent the country. We needed to show respect for the world basketball community. We needed to put together a real program, not an all-star team that shows up and dominates. We had to change the culture of the program.



What is the most important change you'd like to bring to Team USA?

From now on, we will never ever take an international competition for granted. We will win, but it's also about how we win."



On his first comment, he definitely changed the culture but I don't get the impression that the competition is as well respected now as it was prior to 2008 and that's a dangerous position to be in.

[Raze Lupin]

[quote name='skangles' timestamp='1325366652' post='36946']

I do feel that the US is getting their arrogance back which is strikingly similar to the teams of the early 2000s. The main difference between those teams and this team is continuity. Back then the roster was really a hodge podge with several of the best players turning down the opportunity to represent their country. While the current situation is a massive improvement and players are now itching for the chance to play on Team USA I don't think that the cautious optimism of 2008 and 2010 still exists. Colangelo runs the program and I firmly believe that his attitude will be further exaggerated by the current player pool.



Take a look at Colangelo's comments in Time magazine before the 2010 world championship.



"Before you took over, Team USA was criticized — even ridiculed — for underperforming in international competitions. What caused this losing streak?

After about 1996, we got lackadaisical. At Athens, we really hit rock bottom. The program had dissipated and it wasn't an "in" thing to represent the country. We needed to show respect for the world basketball community. We needed to put together a real program, not an all-star team that shows up and dominates. We had to change the culture of the program.



What is the most important change you'd like to bring to Team USA?

From now on, we will never ever take an international competition for granted. We will win, but it's also about how we win."



On his first comment, he definitely changed the culture but I don't get the impression that the competition is as well respected now as it was prior to 2008 and that's a dangerous position to be in.

[/quote]



Point taken. I hope the magnitude of the arrogance effect the players and coaches. I don't see coach K getting cocky. Nor do i see a few of the players losing focus due to arrogance. I'm watching Kobe Bryant play with torn ligaments in his wrist. His hand swells up after every game. Still he gives it his all. Kevin Durant during the lockout didn't slack off but improved his game. Same with Wade, Kevin Love and a few others. These guys are competitors. I'm not saying they will win gold but I'd pick them in a fight.

[skangles]

Andre Iguodala will be one of the 18 finalists for the Team USA roster.

[skangles]

No surprise but NBC is reporting that Redd, Prince, Kidd and Boozer will not make the team. Additionally Griffin is likely the only player to be in consideration who did not participate on either the 2008 or 2010 team.



Made the 18-player cut:



1) Andre Iguodala

2) Blake Griffin (expected)



Players in contention (2008 Squad):



1) LeBron James

2) Deron Williams

3) Dwayne Wade

4) Kobe Bryant

5) Dwight Howard

6) Chris Bosh

7) Chris Paul

8) Carmelo Anthony



Players in contention (2010 Squad):



1) Chauncey Billups

2) Kevin Durant

3) Derrick Rose

4) Russel Westbrook

5) Rudy Gay

6) Eric Gordon

7) Danny Granger

8) Stephen Curry

9) Lamar Odom

10) Kevin Love



That means 2 players in contention will not be part of the 18 man roster. My guess would be Chauncey Billups and Stephen Curry would be the two guys left off the preliminary roster.

[Raze Lupin]

Agreed Billups is old and Curry is injured.

[Raze Lupin]

Team USA 19 man training camp roster "leaked" released. To no major surprise Lamarcus Aldridge is added.



Here is the article: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/10187...ary-roster

[Raze Lupin]

USA Basketball will announce the team roster today! I CAN"T WAIT FOR THE ANNOUNCEMENT!!!!!! <img src='http://www.talkbasket.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' /> <img src='http://www.talkbasket.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' /> <img src='http://www.talkbasket.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' /> <img src='http://www.talkbasket.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' /> <img src='http://www.talkbasket.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/rolleyes.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />

[Raze Lupin]

ITS OFFICIAL!! http://www.usabasketball.com/mens/nation...lists.html

Twenty Finalists Selected For 2012 U.S. Olympic Men’s Team



After seeing his USA teams win gold at the 2008 Olympics and 2010 World Championship, Coach K in the summer of 2012 will be looking to lead the U.S. to a second consecutive Olympic gold medal.

Garrett Ellwood/NBAE/Getty Images

January 16, 2012 • Colorado Springs, Colo.





• 2012 U.S. Olympic Men's Team Finalists Roster

• 2012 Olympics - Just The Facts

Eight 2008 Olympic gold medalists, 10 members of the 2010 USA World Championship gold medal winning team, one national team player and one newcomer to the USA Basketball National Team were among the 20 finalists named today for the 2012 U.S. Olympic men’s basketball team by USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo. The official 12-man U.S. Olympic team roster will be announced later this year.



Named as a finalist for the 2012 USA team were: LaMarcus Aldridge (Portland Trail Blazers); Carmelo Anthony (New York Knicks); Chauncey Billups (Los Angeles Clippers); Chris Bosh (Miami Heat); Kobe Bryant (Los Angeles Lakers); Tyson Chandler (New York Knicks); Kevin Durant (Oklahoma City Thunder); Rudy Gay (Memphis Grizzlies); Eric Gordon (New Orleans Hornets); Blake Griffin (Los Angeles Clippers); Dwight Howard (Orlando Magic); Andre Iguodala (Philadelphia 76ers); LeBron James (Miami Heat); Kevin Love (Minnesota Timberwolves); Lamar Odom (Dallas Mavericks); Chris Paul (Los Angeles Clippers); Derrick Rose (Chicago Bulls); Dwyane Wade (Miami Heat); Russell Westbrook (Oklahoma City Thunder); and Deron Williams (New Jersey Nets). Griffin was also officially added to the USA Basketball National Team roster.



The 2012 USA coaching staff is led by Duke University’s Hall of Fame coach Mike Krzyzewski, and serving as USA assistant coaches are Syracuse University’s Hall of Fame coach Jim Boeheim, New York Knicks head coach Mike D’Antoni, and Portland Trail Blazers head coach Nate McMillan.



“The USA Basketball Men’s National Team program has come a long way as the elite list of players who are now part of our program shows. The selected finalists are a very, very talented group; the depth of the talent is extraordinary. This selection decision was as difficult of a challenge as I’ve faced since I took on the USA National Team program in 2005,” said Colangelo, who has served as the managing director of the USA Men’s National Team since 2005.



“I feel like we have an outstanding blend of talents from the 2008 Olympic and 2010 World Championship teams that won gold. Reducing to the official roster limit of 12 players will be an even tougher decision, but we’ll evaluate how guys play during the 2011-12 NBA season and as we’ve done with our teams in the past, we’ll attempt to select the very best team we can.”



“Jerry has built an extremely deep and talented USA National Team roster of 35 players and I want to thank each player for their incredible commitment to being part of USA Basketball. Reducing to 20 players was unbelievably difficult,” stated Krzyzewski, who has coached USA National Teams to a sterling 48-1 record since 2006.



“Aside from the obvious special basketball talents that all of these players possess, what struck me most about the finalists was their commitment to USA Basketball and the international basketball experience they have compiled. Among our 20 finalists, we have two players who possess 55 or more games of international experience, two with 40 or more international games under their belts and eight others who have played between 23 and 38 international games – that’s a lot of experience, which is going to be extremely valuable.



“These players have helped restore the winning tradition of USA Basketball while also gaining the respect of people around the world for the manner in which they have done it,” added Krzyzewski.



Three of the finalists are two-time Olympic medalists, including Anthony (2004 bronze and 2008 gold), James (2004 bronze and 2008 gold) and Wade (2004 bronze and 2008 gold).



Eight of the selected finalists were members of the 2008 U.S. Olympic team that compiled an unblemished record of 8-0 and captured gold in Beijing, including Anthony, Bosh, Bryant, Howard, James, Paul, Wade and Williams. Four finalists – Anthony, James, Odom and Wade - were part of the 2004 U.S. Olympic team that earned the bronze medal.



Ten finalists were members of the 2010 USA World Championship squad that went 9-0 and captured gold in Istanbul, Turkey. Billups, Chandler, World Championship MVP Durant, Gay, Gordon, Iguodala, Love, Odom, Rose and Westbrook were all members of the USA World Championship Team.



The finalists represent 14 different NBA teams, with the Miami Heat and Los Angeles Clippers leading the way with three players each; while the New York Knicks and Oklahoma City Thunder each have two players among the 20; and the Chicago Bulls, Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Lakers, Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, New Jersey Nets, New Orleans Hornets, Orlando Magic, Philadelphia 76ers and Portland Trail Blazers each are represented by one player.



Eighteen of the finalists possess impressive international experience with Anthony leading the way with 59 games of international experience. He is followed by James (55), Williams (47), Wade (40), Howard (38), Paul (37), Bosh (32), Billups (30), Odom (28), Chandler (25), Bryant (24), Gay (23), Durant (17), Iguodala (16), Rose (16), Gordon (15), Love (15) and Westbrook (15). Aldridge, who was a member of the 2008 USA Select Team that trained against the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team, and Griffin, who is the youngest finalist at 22-years-old, have not played in an international game.



The USA’s complete training schedule will be released at a later date.



2012 London Olympic Games

The 2012 Summer Olympic Games will be held July 27-Aug. 12 in London, England. Twelve teams will compete in the 2012 Olympic men’s basketball competition. Nations currently qualified for the Olympic competition include Great Britain, the host country; the United States, which earned its berth by virtue of claiming the gold medal at the 2010 FIBA World Championship; Africa zone champ Tunisia; Americas zone champion Argentina and runner-up Brazil; Asia zone winner China; European zone gold medalist Spain and silver medalist France; and Oceania zone champion Australia.



The remaining three Olympic qualifying spots will be determined through the 2012 FIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament that will be held July 2-8, 2012, in Caracas, Venezuela. The Olympic qualifier will feature 12 nations from each of the five 2011 FIBA zone qualifying tournaments including: Angola and Nigeria from FIBA Africa; the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and Venezuela from FIBA Americas (bronze medalist through fifth-place finishers); Jordan and South Korea from FIBA Asia (silver and bronze medalists); Russia, F.Y.R. of Macedonia, Lithuania and Greece from FIBA Europe (bronze medalists through sixth place finishers); and New Zealand from FIBA Oceania.



Preliminary play at the ’12 Olympics will be held July 29-Aug. 6, with quarterfinals play scheduled for Aug. 8, semifinals on Aug. 10 and the finals is slated for Aug. 12.



The U.S. men have collected a medal in all 16 Olympics in which they have competed, including 13 golds, one silver and two bronze. The Americans own an impressive 122-5 overall win-loss record (.961 winning percentage) in Olympic action, and since NBA players began representing the United States in 1992, the USA is 37-3 in the five Olympics they have participated in, capturing four gold medals and one bronze medal.

COME AT ME BRO!!!!

[Raze Lupin]

The most exciting thing about the 2012 Olympics is that Team USA has one of the best teams ever yet can be beat by Spain and a few other teams! Global basketball is at its strongest point! I love the competition level!

[Black Urum]

What other teams? There are many teams who are not in their strongest point, like Greece.

[straight forward]

Agreed with Black Urum. Even Spain probably isn't at the same level of 08. Surprises are possible, but very unlikely.

[TeoTheGreek13]

In my opinion, Spaniards will be in a higher level than they were in 2008, BUT USA will be in a MUCH higher level than 2008!

They will be simply unbeattable.



USA will win the gold, Spain, unfortuanately <img src='http://www.talkbasket.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/bag.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' /> , will win the silver and who knows about the bronze...?

[Raze Lupin]

[quote name='Black Urum' timestamp='1326806723' post='37075']

What other teams? There are many teams who are not in their strongest point, like Greece.

[/quote]



[quote name='straight forward' timestamp='1326810034' post='37076']

Agreed with Black Urum. Even Spain probably isn't at the same level of 08. Surprises are possible, but very unlikely.

[/quote]



[quote name='TeoTheGreek13' timestamp='1326810612' post='37077']

In my opinion, Spaniards will be in a higher level than they were in 2008, BUT USA will be in a MUCH higher level than 2008!

They will be simply unbeattable.

USA will win the gold, Spain, unfortuanately <img src='http://www.talkbasket.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/bag.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' /> , will win the silver and who knows about the bronze...?

[/quote]







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.

[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.

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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.