FIBA World Cup 2023 part 2 SEMIS (USA vs GERMANY : SERBIA vs CANADA) poll added

[LuDux1]

And before that won Eurobasket in 1937 and 1939. 86 years and counting

Probably the formatting, but I believe that poster was giving the examples in brackets as teams that DO have a long tradition.

yep, my fault... rereading it it's clear enough... maybe I was just tired

No problem.

But I got curious when which country become Eurobasket powerhouse and wrote down positions from all eurobaskets
Best performances by Greece before gold in 1987 was 3rd (in Egypt, 7 participats, only 4 from Europe) and twice 8th places
Yugoslavia until 1961 couldn't get higher than 6th place while Czechoslovakia won 8 medals
Spain won silver in 1935, second medal in 1973 and 1st gold only in 2009
Worst performance by Bulgaria between 1955 and 1977 was 7th
Hungary won gold and silver in mid 50s, Poland 3 medals in mid 60s

[Mirotic12]

No problem.

But I got curious when which country become Eurobasket powerhouse and wrote down positions from all eurobaskets
Best performances by Greece before gold in 1987 was 3rd (in Egypt, 7 participats, only 4 from Europe) and twice 8th places
Yugoslavia until 1961 couldn't get higher than 6th place while Czechoslovakia won 8 medals
Spain won silver in 1935, second medal in 1973 and 1st gold only in 2009
Worst performance by Bulgaria between 1955 and 1977 was 7th
Hungary won gold and silver in mid 50s, Poland 3 medals in mid 60s

Yeah, but you also have club basketball. For example, in the case of Greece - Greek team Panellinios was the best team in Europe in the '50s, back in the original EuroLeague, which is forgotten by most now, since they no longer count the years from before FIBA organized it. Greek team AEK was one of the best teams in Europe in the '60s. In 1968, AEK had 120,000 attendance at a game. Greek clubs Panathinaikos and Olympiacos were already having some good EuroLeague results in the '70s.

And I believe the Greek NT also won the Balkan championship, when it was still a thing, back in the '70s, and I think Mediterranean Games also in the '70s. Back then, such tournaments had some meaning.

[Bob8]

I have no clue what this global rating is, but its funny how Klemen Prepelič plays so well for Slovenia vile always sucking so bad in club play. His entire club career built on fact he looks great in international competitions with Doncic. SLovenian play played him into Real Madrid contract, literally.

What about Tobey? He was nowhere, when Slovenia recruited him and got job in Barca, where he sucked. More or less everyone in NT looks much better with Luka, because he generates that many open shots for his teammates. The same happens in Nba, he's Santa for role players like DFS, THJ, Powell, Kleber...

Take Luka out and Slovenia has 1 of the worst rosters in WC. The only Euroleague player is Tobey, who was bench warmer in Barca. Then you have few Eurocup players and that's it. Zoran Dragic and Bine Prepelic starting tells you all.

[UcanUwill]

I have no clue what this global rating is, but its funny how Klemen Prepelič plays so well for Slovenia vile always sucking so bad in club play. His entire club career built on fact he looks great in international competitions with Doncic. SLovenian play played him into Real Madrid contract, literally.

What about Tobey? He was nowhere, when Slovenia recruited him and got job in Barca, where he sucked. More or less everyone in NT looks much better with Luka, because he generates that many open shots for his teammates. The same happens in Nba, he's Santa for role players like DFS, THJ, Powell, Kleber...

Take Luka out and Slovenia has 1 of the worst rosters in WC. The only Euroleague player is Tobey, who was bench warmer in Barca. Then you have few Eurocup players and that's it. Zoran Dragic and Bine Prepelic starting tells you all.

I agree on Luka effect, that is what i am saying, but Tobey is fine. Yes, he does look so so much better because of Luka, but he is still fine elsewhere, they wouldnt else naturalized him if he was absolute nobody. On Barca he just was who he was, 3/4 th. Center in rotation, and he didnt suck in that role, Barca was just super stacked.

Prepelic tho, is just completely different player, he is simply great for Slovenia, and flat out sucks for everyone else these days.

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[durden_tyler]

2nd Round Odds:

Serbia -8 vs Italy
Germany -16 vs Georgia
USA -25.5 vs Montenegro
Spain -10.5 vs Latvia
Dominican Republic -9.5 vs Puerto Rico
Slovenia +6 vs Australia
Lithuania -7 vs Greece
Canada -19.5 vs Brazil

So i guess the "game of the day" is Slovena v Australia, that could go either way. Italy and Greece could pull off those upsets but i think Serbia, Lithuania are the better teams. i think US covers easily (they'd want to put this one away early as they get stronger opponents next rounds). KAT was in foul trouble last game so i think he bounces back and DOM covers vs PUR.

Thoughts on the spread, guys?

[UcanUwill]

I understand people somewhat down on down unders, but if i am betting man, i am placing it all on kangaroos, i dont see how they are underdog here, Luka being god and taking in consideration even.

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[Phreak50]

Slovenia is paying nearly $3 for a win here, as much as I hope Australia win, I’m surprised at those odds since the team isn’t as strong as Tokyo and has had some questionable coaching and rotations.

If I was a gambling man I’d put a chunk on Slovenia.

[Phreak50]

I i dont see how they are underdog here,

They aren’t. All betting odds have them clear favourites.

[UcanUwill]

I i dont see how they are underdog here,

They aren’t. All betting odds have them clear favourites.

Yes, I instantly figured my mistake, but android app is so bad, I couldnt just delete my rambling. So yeah, sorry, I missread +6 there next to Slovenia, they got that one right.

In other mmatters, Serbia should win by more, USA will win by more, dare I say Lithuania too, maybe...?

[links135]

I i dont see how they are underdog here,

They aren’t. All betting odds have them clear favourites.

Remember when France was favorite to win the group

[links135]

Read on Twitter

?s=46

Can't be right. Edwards is 21st with no other American above him. From everything I've read here Edwards is a black hole. Yet I believe he's one of the leaders in assists for the team. Last game his teammates missed a lot of shots he set them up for too. Some of the people that post here need to learn the game.

He's literally like 30th in scoring.

Talent isn't exactly the same as performing relative to your team. Guys like Schroder or Vucevic have way bigger roles so they have better stats.

I wouldn't say he's a black hole, just a ball stopper. SGA is but that's also his role, you don't want Dwight Powell guiding the offense.

[the_other_guy]

2nd Round Odds:

Serbia -8 vs Italy
Germany -16 vs Georgia
USA -25.5 vs Montenegro
Spain -10.5 vs Latvia
Dominican Republic -9.5 vs Puerto Rico
Slovenia +6 vs Australia
Lithuania -7 vs Greece
Canada -19.5 vs Brazil

So i guess the "game of the day" is Slovena v Australia, that could go either way. Italy and Greece could pull off those upsets but i think Serbia, Lithuania are the better teams. i think US covers easily (they'd want to put this one away early as they get stronger opponents next rounds). KAT was in foul trouble last game so i think he bounces back and DOM covers vs PUR.

Thoughts on the spread, guys?

Yeah I think Montenegro will be closer game, around +15.
Slovenia might upset Australia.
Greece hopefully not upset Lithuania

[Knicks365247]

I googled and found info that says the USA vs Montenegro game is going to be on ESPN2 at 4:40am ET. I checked my Verizon Fios schedule on my TV just now and for 4:00-500am ET is Sportscenter and 5:00am-6:00am ET is UFC Unleashed.

So is this just an error on Verizon Fios' part and USA vs Montenegro WILL be on ESPN2, or do I have to find out where it really is going to be for viewing? Thanks in advance.

[durden_tyler]

Italy now +10, jumped on Serbia line before it goes up further.

[Bob8]

I have no clue what this global rating is, but its funny how Klemen Prepelič plays so well for Slovenia vile always sucking so bad in club play. His entire club career built on fact he looks great in international competitions with Doncic. SLovenian play played him into Real Madrid contract, literally.

What about Tobey? He was nowhere, when Slovenia recruited him and got job in Barca, where he sucked. More or less everyone in NT looks much better with Luka, because he generates that many open shots for his teammates. The same happens in Nba, he's Santa for role players like DFS, THJ, Powell, Kleber...

Take Luka out and Slovenia has 1 of the worst rosters in WC. The only Euroleague player is Tobey, who was bench warmer in Barca. Then you have few Eurocup players and that's it. Zoran Dragic and Bine Prepelic starting tells you all.

I agree on Luka effect, that is what i am saying, but Tobey is fine. Yes, he does look so so much better because of Luka, but he is still fine elsewhere, they wouldnt else naturalized him if he was absolute nobody. On Barca he just was who he was, 3/4 th. Center in rotation, and he didnt suck in that role, Barca was just super stacked.

Prepelic tho, is just completely different player, he is simply great for Slovenia, and flat out sucks for everyone else these days.

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Tobey in Barca was 6/3 and in his whole Euroleague career is 8/4 with 9 Eff, which is pretty pedestrian. In NT he's 13/8 with 19 Eff. He's, like Prepelic, totally different player in NT. Tobey's decision to join Slovenian NT made him a lot of money.

Slovenia has far worse roster this year, odds for Australia look pretty fair. Luka needs to have almost perfect game for Slovenia to win and we know that Australia will throw everything on him + others will need to hit those open shots, which is not exactly given.

[jk31]

Slovenia vs Australia is a tough one to pick.

On form, I'd think Slovenia would win fairly comfortably.

Australia has been disappointing and the coaching and rotation has made it worse.

Other than shutting down Lauri, the defense on team's best players has been poor.

On the other hand, they have Thybulle, Green and Exum who will make Luka work for everything and might be the toughest team, d wise, Slovenia has faced.

I really hope it is reffed well. I have not agreed with maybe a third of Luka's million free throw calls so far.

i have only watched australias game against germany (because i can watch all german games for free in germany, while for the others I'd have to pay 20 €...) and australias defense was the best I have ever seen being played against a german team in a long long time, much better than USAs or canadas defense during the (very close) preparation games.

[Bob8]

Slovenia vs Australia is a tough one to pick.

On form, I'd think Slovenia would win fairly comfortably.

Australia has been disappointing and the coaching and rotation has made it worse.

Other than shutting down Lauri, the defense on team's best players has been poor.

On the other hand, they have Thybulle, Green and Exum who will make Luka work for everything and might be the toughest team, d wise, Slovenia has faced.

I really hope it is reffed well. I have not agreed with maybe a third of Luka's million free throw calls so far.

The truth is a bit different, Luka has a target on his back every game. He's fouled nonstop, opponents know that referees can't whistle everything. Team doctor said yesterday that he has a lot of work with Luka after every game, because he's so banged up.

[DaGawd]

excellent timing for spectrum to beef with espn/disney….

[Knicks365247]

excellent timing for spectrum to beef with espn/disney….

I don't think it's even going to be on ESPN2 for me. I think I have to pay for ESPN+ ($9.99/month) as they have no free trial to watch the game this morning.

I know I can do the Disney Bundle for $12.99/month for hulu/disney+/espn+ for like 12.99/month but i already locked into a low rate for a year of Hulu, so i cant even do that. sigh.

[durden_tyler]

Locking in

Slovenia +6, because i trust Luka more than i am scared of Australia (i am still scared of this bet so will add Over 117.5 in what i expect to be a high scoring game)

Latvia +10.5
USA -25.5
Canada -19. 5 to round out my spread bets today. Good luck to everyone betting on today's World Cup games!