Will the USA Men's Basketball Team Win Gold?

Ethereal · 07-02-08, 08:08 PM

Just watched "Road to Redemption", a show on ESPN which provided an overview of the USA Men's Basketball Team's entry into the 2008 Olympics. It discussed the "Dream Team" and recovering the American legacy of dominance in basketball.

So, do you think the USA Men's Basketball Team will take home the gold in the 2008 Olympics? Personally, I can't wait to watch these guys get out on the court. They are playing as a team and with a chip on their shoulders. I predict they'll bring back the glory of the old days. I'm excited.

partier9 · 07-02-08, 08:13 PM

They better, we actually took time and thought about what kind of team we want to have and its a team this time around instead of a bunch of superstars who thought that they couldn't lose. I think they will, I hope they do, but if they don't they'll be wicked embaressed and we will all be mad.

WI Crippler · 07-02-08, 08:14 PM

I think they will. After their embarrassing show at the last Olympics, and their even worse showing at the world championships I think these guys are taking it seriously. There is no reason they shouldn't. THe other countries have some nice players, and sometimes one or 2 NBA guys on their roster. But we have an entire team of top NBA talent. No reason we shouldn't steamroll our way through. If we don't, I'll blame Kobe.

Gipper · 07-02-08, 09:38 PM

Let's just say that I'm not stupid enough to bet against them.

PeteEU · 07-03-08, 12:14 PM

Depends if they can actually play as a team.. if not, then they don't stand a chance.

Lightdemon · 07-03-08, 01:41 PM

What I keep hearing is that players from other countries stick to the fundamentals of basketball, like position and occupying the right places. Basketball is more fundamental, like when Magic and Kareem was playing. In the NBA, I think we have stepped a little bit away from the fundamentals, as we see a lot of 1-on-1 action between players, and even players that dominate without setting up the plays. Players like Kobe and Dwane. It's more fun to watch, but it's certainly not fundamentals.

Proteus · 07-03-08, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lightdemon

What I keep hearing is that players from other countries stick to the fundamentals of basketball, like position and occupying the right places. Basketball is more fundamental, like when Magic and Kareem was playing. In the NBA, I think we have stepped a little bit away from the fundamentals, as we see a lot of 1-on-1 action between players, and even players that dominate without setting up the plays. Players like Kobe and Dwane. It's more fun to watch, but it's certainly not fundamentals.

This year, the Celtics reminded everyone how fun it can be to watch a bunch of superstars actually play fundamentally sound, team basketball.

ludahai · 07-05-08, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PeteEU

Depends if they can actually play as a team.. if not, then they don't stand a chance.

They will. They have put three years into this program. They WILL win the gold. Bet on it.

Ethereal · 07-15-08, 02:31 AM

Quote:

They will. They have put three years into this program. They WILL win the gold. Bet on it.

I'm really excited to see them play this year. If they can't win this year then I propose we either let the NBA Champs, runner-ups, or NCAA champs play in the Olympics instead of an all-star hodge-podge. I garuntee if the Celtics or Lakers played in the Olympics this year there would be no question of victory, none whatsoever.

Tashah · 07-15-08, 01:50 PM

The problem that NBA superstars have run into in previous rounds is that the Olympic game is played by international rules. This tends to crimp the style of basketball that NBA players are accustomed to. Either the US players will acknowledge this critical difference and adjust accordingly, or the team will once again find itself in constant and debilitating foul trouble. Also, the US team should not depend on flash or the trey. IMO, strong defense, a crisp passing game, and working in the paint are the ultimate keys to their Olympic success.