Official Eurobasket 2013 Thread

[SportsGuy8]

Wow didn't think a few days ago Italy wouldn't be getting into the Worlds.

Somebody had to lose 3 in row.

That's what happens when Belinelli is your 1st option. You're going to live and die with his wildly inconsistent hero-ball.
I like him very much in the type of role he's going to have with the Spurs, but he just shouldn't and can't be your main guy.

Also, they were emotionally drained & very tired these past couple of games.

I hope they get a wild card. I really want to see this team with Gallo & Bargs. A tall lineup with Bargs playing PF next to Cusin could actually work:
C - Cusin
PF - Bargnani
SF - Datome
SG - Gallo
PG - Belinelli
Would be very interesting to watch, to say the least. Gallo even often guards best NBA PGs, quite successfully. He shouldn't have problems guarding most international PGs (provided he gets healthy). Also, both Gallo & Datome are very team-oriented players, which makes up for Belinelli not really being a point.

Not going to happen, though. Coaches don't exactly like doing things like that. Bargnani would just start at C, creating lots of problems for the Italians.

[Chalk1]

Wow didn't think a few days ago Italy wouldn't be getting into the Worlds.

Somebody had to lose 3 in row.

Dissapointing, because they could have brought a really good team to Spain next year. They might get a wildcard though, who knows.

4 wildcards and we have a number of quality teams on the outside looking in:

Italy, Russia, Greece, Turkey, Brazil, China

China and Brazil would seem to be in good shape since FIBA appears to want to put teams from varying zones into the tourney in the wildcard draw. Lebanon got in in 2010.

So, between the 4 European teams 2 get in would be my guess. Which ones? I don't know, although I'd tend to think Russia and Greece, but who knows what politics will play out.

[Mass Rig]

Wow didn't think a few days ago Italy wouldn't be getting into the Worlds.

Somebody had to lose 3 in row.

That's what happens when Belinelli is your 1st option. You're going to live and die with his wildly inconsistent hero-ball.
I like him very much in the type of role he's going to have with the Spurs, but he just shouldn't and can't be your main guy.

Also, they were emotionally drained & very tired these past couple of games.

I hope they get a wild card. I really want to see this team with Gallo & Bargs. A tall lineup with Bargs playing PF next to Cusin could actually work:
C - Cusin
PF - Bargnani
SF - Datome
SG - Gallo
PG - Belinelli
Would be very interesting to watch, to say the least. Gallo even often guards best NBA PGs, quite successfully. He shouldn't have problems guarding most international PGs (provided he gets healthy). Also, both Gallo & Datome are very team-oriented players, which makes up for Belinelli not really being a point.

Not going to happen, though. Coaches don't exactly like doing things like that. Bargnani would just start at C, creating lots of problems for the Italians.

I think that lineup would be really really really bad in terms of spacing. And would not give enough minutes to Hackett, Aradori and Gentile.

[Heat fan06]

Can't help but feel Lithuania team play will be too much for France.

[Virtuoso]

Lithuania year in and year out is one of the most competitive basketball teams I have ever seen (like those Jerry Sloan Jazz teams) it doesn't matter the players they have. I feel like they could take 5 random people off the streets of Vilnius and compete. My head says Lithuania should win but I really want Parker to get the title. In the first game between these teams Parker didn't look into the game and the french offense was terrible. I can't imagine Mantas Kelnetis as Eurobasket MVP what a shame for basket that would be.

[Ganji]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHcP4Kiuub8[/youtube]

[Euro77]

Just watched the ESP-FRA game...man what a nailbiter.
France is still outrageously inconsistent outside of Parker, which might be fatal against the model of reliability that is the lithuanian team bball.
Also any word on Gelabale's injury? They would really miss his outside shooting if he's out.

[Laure]

Both teams have upped their form significantly, both were struggling in the earlier stage, but I think both are worth being in the final.

Obviously, I am gonna root for Lithuania, but I wouldn't mind if France wins it aswell. TP deserves it for many summers he has dedicated to the national team. Parker won't win by himself though, he must get more support on offense by his teammates.

[BlackFalconGSW]

My prediction -> Lithuania 77-71 France , Kleiza for MVP. Yes i said it.

[JV4MVP]

My prediction -> Lithuania 77-71 France , Kleiza for MVP. Yes i said it.

The betting line favors France, bet $11 to win $8.

Kalneitis is the MVP for Lithuania. He's averaging 11.4 pts, 4.8 rbs, and 5.3 asts. For Euro ball that is an impressive all around statline. I think he will be the key to the game.

I'm hoping Parker will be tired by the 2nd half. He played 35+ minutes in the last two games. Lithuania's deep roster benefited them in the 4th quarter against Italy and in the 3rd against Croatia. Then again it's the championship and adrenaline may overcome fatigue.

Batum has had a mixed tournament. Hopefully this will not be his breakout game

[Laure]

Man, Bojan Bogdanovic is legit. Can't wait to see him in the NBA. He keeps improving with every passing offseason, it's good to see.

[JV4MVP]

Man, Bojan Bogdanovic is legit. Can't wait to see him in the NBA. He keeps improving with every passing offseason, it's good to see.

The contract with the Nets was voided right? Where will he play next season?

Props to Croatia for keeping it close. Best chance is to strike late.

[WhateverBro]

Man, Bojan Bogdanovic is legit. Can't wait to see him in the NBA. He keeps improving with every passing offseason, it's good to see.

The contract with the Nets was voided right? Where will he play next season?

Props to Croatia for keeping it close. Best chance is to strike late.

Nets will most likely bring him over next off-season. The contract wasn't voided, I think they weren't able to work a buy out with his team.

[pylb]

Happy to see other people than Parker scoring for France.

[suckfish]

Not sure who I want to win this more.. Tony Parker or the basketball mad nation of Lithuania?

[GreenRiddler]

Batum is playing with alot of energy on off and Def. Very aggressive.

[Chocobanana]

Everyone on France is making shots

[Laure]

Parker looks like the worst player on the France roster and that says something. Literally everyone is making shots. Our defence suddenly doesn't look so good. LTU need a miracle now, because Parker will eventually take over if things get grim.

[pylb]

Parker looks like the worst player on the France roster and that says something. Literally everyone is making shots. Our defence suddenly doesn't look so good. LTU need a miracle now, because Parker will eventually take over if things get grim.

Parker can have bad games too.

Obviously LTU is in a small hole right now, but bball is a game of runs. Still plenty of time to come back.

[suckfish]

Officially rooting for a Lithuania come back.

LIE-TU-VA! LIE-TU-VA! LIE-TU-VA!