Official FIBA World Championship Thread (and long preview)

[Whateva]

I don’t know what their budget is like, but here’s an idea USA basketball might want to consider-

Instead of college players, why not fly in a group of veteran American players with overseas experience to scrimmage against the national team in preparation for the tournament. The overseas pros could give the national team an early and realistic preview of quality FIBA competition under FIBA rules. It would be great to see Russell Westbrook chasing Trajan Langdon around a screen, Kevin Love getting his shot swiped off the rim by Terrance Morris and Rudy Gay scraping for a board against Mike Batiste. Europe’s best American players might also provide some useful s“inside” information with to scouting director Tony Ronzone and the rest of the staff regarding our opposing players and coaches.

The incentive for the overseas guys would be more exposure (which might lead to a contract down the road) a chance to get better by playing against top competition and an opportunity to help their countries' national team succeed. I know USA basketball brought in the college guys because they want young playres in the "pipeline" but I think overseas veterans could help in a different, more immiedate way.

They already did it with euro-league top american players, and it was a total failure

[joeysicko]

the team im worried about is brazil. Yeah spain is good and a threat too, but brazil's top 3 players are bigs and their guards are extremely quick. They may not have the history of playing well, but this team is a matchup nightmare for the yanks.

[StarsandStripes]

the team im worried about is brazil. Yeah spain is good and a threat too, but brazil's top 3 players are bigs and their guards are extremely quick. They may not have the history of playing well, but this team is a matchup nightmare for the yanks.

How so? Provided we bring Rondo and Westbrook we should be quicker. Maybe Splitter can cause a problem or two but the other two not so much

[Chuck Diesel]

I'm not seeing a bunch of veterans agreeing to be practice fodder for the national team. Thats the sort of thing you can only get bright eyed young'uns to agree to.

Nah, it's all about how you sell it. These veterans of Europe could be “welcomed into the USA basketball family” and given tremendous networking opportunities that probably wouldn’t have been available back overseas. For the more established players, this would be a great teaching opportunity and chance to make contact with coaches and front office people who might be able to hook them up with a job of some kind once their playing careers are done. There might be chance for them to teach and work with the junior national teams, something like that. You have to think that most of the guys with families move back to the States once they retire from playing, so the incentive to land a future job could be a big selling point.

But even way before they start having retirement thoughts there are a lot of there are a lot of veteran guys overseas with Euro’s stacked in the bank but are ok with sacrificing a higher salary and bigger role on their team in order to come back and get started on that NBA pension. . This would be a great avenue to be able to do just that. There comes a point where guys reach a certain age and they have to grow a little tired of dodging Greek flares or digesting Russian meals. Really high level players with big overseas bank accounts come back to the States every summer looking to earn an NBA contract through Mini Camps and summer league. An opportunity with USA basketball would be provide a much higher and more prestigious platform on which players could put their talents on display in front of people who otherwise might not have given them a second look. You can’t tell me that if a guy like If a guy like Drew Nicholas goes nuts and hits a handful of threes n a nationally televised scrimmage against team USA that people won’t take notice. It’s one thing to NBA people if a guy like Pete Mickeal takes some Lithuanian to school in the Euroleague final four. It’s entirely different if he plays well against Kevin Durant and Danny Granger.
Just look at how much Javale McGhee’s stock seemed to go up in only one week. Remember when Jamaal Magliore drooped in his sole All-Star appearance? How about Kyle Korver basically earning his second contract by stroking a bunch of threes in the Rookie-Sophomore game. When a relative unknown plays well against the best, people take notice.

The only obstacles that come to mind for me at the moment are insurance stipulations for any players still under contract with their European teams and the overall health/conditioning level of the guys during the middle of summer.

[AkeemTheDream]

The players being mentioned, Drew Nicholas, Mike Batiste, Terrence Morris, Trajan Langdon would never agree to be practice scrimmage players for Team USA training camp just for some chance to earn a minimum salary NBA contract. These players make huge salaries in Europe and would never agree to anything like that.

They have absolutely zero interest of ever playing in the NBA unless they earn very good contracts. Please get serious.

[Chuck Diesel]

The players being mentioned, Drew Nicholas, Mike Batiste, Terrence Morris, Trajan Langdon would never agree to be practice scrimmage players for Team USA training camp just for some chance to earn a minimum salary NBA contract. These players make huge salaries in Europe and would never agree to anything like that.

They have absolutely zero interest of ever playing in the NBA unless they earn very good contracts. Please get serious.

Not saying they would in the market for exclusively minimum deals, just that some of them might take a guaranteed contract even (if it were a pay cut) to play in the NBA. Anthony Parker’s situation comes to mind. Juan Carlos Navarro even took a huge pay-cut for a minimum deal to give the NBA a try. David Anderson did the same. There were reports that Terell MCintyre was ready to give the NBA a try for less money, but couldn’t secure the guarantee he was looking for and ended up signing in Spain. These guys can always go back. Either way there is some great potential for their market value to increase. USA basketball might be a nice vessel to help guys who want to come back from across the pond.

[AkeemTheDream]

The players being mentioned, Drew Nicholas, Mike Batiste, Terrence Morris, Trajan Langdon would never agree to be practice scrimmage players for Team USA training camp just for some chance to earn a minimum salary NBA contract. These players make huge salaries in Europe and would never agree to anything like that.

They have absolutely zero interest of ever playing in the NBA unless they earn very good contracts. Please get serious.

Not saying they would in the market for exclusively minimum deals, just that some of them might take a guaranteed contract even if it were a pay-cut in order to play in the NBA. Anthony Parker’s situation comes to mind. Juan Carlos Navarro even took a huge pay-cut for a minimum deal to give the NBA a try. They can always go back. Either way there is potential for their market value to increase. There were reports that Terell MCintyre was ready to give the NBA a try for less money, but couldn’t secure the guarantee he was looking for and ended up signing in Spain. USA basketball might be a nice vessel to help certain guys come back from across the pond.

The only player you mention that might even consider that is Drew Nicholas. Maybe for one year just so he could say then "I played in the NBA", since it seems to be so important to fans in the USA that you have to have played in the NBA to be considered a professional player.

But the others have all played in the NBA and would have absolutely zero interest in taking a pay cut to play there. They have all said specifically they would not even consider the NBA unless they got paid the same as what they make in Europe. And some of them like Batiste make near the MLE type money.

Terrell McIntyre is a totally different case from those others you mention also like Morris, Langdon, Batiste. He does not command near the salary they do and never has and he has never played in the NBA before so it is probably something that he wants to say he did.

If Team USA wanted these players they would only get them if they had a chance to make the roster. I am 100% sure that not one of them would come to be a practice player for scrimmages. Actually, now that I think about it, I am pretty sure that a guy like Nicholas could make Team USA roster this summer. Langdon could also but I don't think they would take him due to his age and because he does not play the style USA wants.

Batiste would not be of any interest to them because he is not the style of player US likes. Morris they would not take because they would not need him. McIntyre would not be needed at all.

Drew Nicholas would be perfect for this Team USA though. But you would have to actually invite him to make the team, not to be a practice scrimmage player. Regardless of what anyone in the US thinks these guys would have zero reason to be a scrimmage player and would not be interested.

BTW, Anthony Parker made more money in the NBA than he did in Europe, so he did not take a pay cut to come the NBA. I hate to break it to you, but these players don't care if they play in the NBA or not. You make it sound like they sit around every day hoping for a call from some NBA team. The truth is that they don't even care at all.

[Chuck Diesel]

The vast majority of these guys live back home in the US during the summer anyway. I don’t see how it’s some giant insult to be flown to Vegas or NY for a week to take part in a big time basketball event in conjunction with their countries national team. These guys play basketball for a living, so chances are they are still playing wherever they are right now. Only difference is they would be playing against elevated competition under much brighter lights. There is really no downside for them in this proposition. Spending time with the USA basketball program over the summer would not equate to signing an NBA contract. What I'm saying is that it would be a very nice tool and opportunity for these players regardless of where they end up playing professionally. End the week with a nice televised contest and it’s all gravy. Nothing but the potential to boost value/resume/life experience/ future after playing days are over.

Team USA also really benefits.

[AkeemTheDream]

The vast majority of these guys live back home in the US during the summer anyway. I don’t see how it’s some giant insult to be flown to Vegas or NY for a week to take part in a big time basketball event in conjunction with their countries national team. These guys play basketball for a living, so chances are they are still playing wherever they are right now. Only difference is they would be playing against elevated competition under much brighter lights. There is really no downside for them in this proposition. Spending time with the USA basketball program over the summer would not equate to signing an NBA contract. What I'm saying is that it would be a very nice tool and opportunity for these players regardless of where they end up playing professionally. End the week with a nice televised contest and it’s all gravy. Nothing but the potential to boost value/resume/life experience/ future after playing days are over.

Team USA also really benefits.

I understand what you are saying but it's just not realistic. You would have to actually invite them to tryout for the team. Not to be practice scrimmage players. Also, these players are all on NBA radar. I do not understand why you think they are not on NBA radar. They simply make way more money in Europe than NBA teams offer them.

The reason they play in Europe is because money is more important to them than playing in the NBA. As far as the idea of exposure, they don't care about having exposure in the US. And these players get lots of exposure in Europe. Especially guys like Batiste and Nicholas. They play in a huge club in Europe that has equal exposure there as an average NBA club would in the US.

Langdon is well known throughout Europe. If they want exposure then they get much more playing in Europe than they ever did playing in the NBA. If Mike Batiste played in the NBA hardly anyone but very hard core and die hard basketball fans would know who he was. In Greece everyone knows who he is just about.

So no, exposure wise they are better off in Europe, if that even matters to them, which it does not. These players simply don't care about playing in the NBA. If Langdon cared about playing in the NBA he would have stayed there and never went to Europe for more money.

[Sedale Threatt]

I don’t know what their budget is like, but here’s an idea USA basketball might want to consider-

Instead of college players, why not fly in a group of veteran American players with overseas experience to scrimmage against the national team in preparation for the tournament. The overseas pros could give the national team an early and realistic preview of quality FIBA competition under FIBA rules. It would be great to see Russell Westbrook chasing Trajan Langdon around a screen, Kevin Love getting his shot swiped off the rim by Terrance Morris and Rudy Gay scraping for a board against Mike Batiste. Europe’s best American players might also provide some useful s“inside” information with to scouting director Tony Ronzone and the rest of the staff regarding our opposing players and coaches.

The incentive for the overseas guys would be more exposure (which might lead to a contract down the road) a chance to get better by playing against top competition and an opportunity to help their countries' national team succeed. I know USA basketball brought in the college guys because they want young playres in the "pipeline" but I think overseas veterans could help in a different, more immiedate way.

I'd also like to see us go with a full-time coach. Gregg Popovich has mentioned numerous times that he's going to retire when Duncan goes. Could be all talk, but if so, who better than him? Knows the international game, stresses defense and teammwork. Could still get his competitive fix and a little pocket change without nearly as much stress as the NBA grind.

[jinxed]

Does anyone know the exhibition schedule for the top teams like Spain and USA? Some teams are already playing friendlies.

[georgejungle3]

I hope Brazil does well because we need a good result to maintain the sport 'alive' in Brazil.

Just to think that basketball was the second more popular sport here until the 80's... sadly it went downhill in less than 1 full generation...

Let's hope because I think this is our best/last opportunity to make some noise.

Always have and always will love the Brazilian monikers. "Vinicius" -- sounds like a Roman general.

Actually Vinicius is his name and it sounds like a Roman general because Portuguese is a Latin language, thus 'Vinicius' have its origins in ancient Roma... '

Vinicius' derived from the Latin word 'vinum' which means wine. So Vinicius = the one that produces wine = winemaker

Not a great name anymore, right?

Btw, I think Marcus Vinicius was indeed a general in Roma. Not sure but at least he was an important person because I remember this name from my school days

[BarbaGrizz]

/\ Marcus Vinicius is much cooler name than Maybner Rodney Hilario lol

I don´t have much faith in Brazil´s NT. We´re like the Clippers of FIBA basketball: we can put very good names on court but in the end something will blow everything. Maybe a Top 8 is a good target to aim.

[Nico Kolya]

I hope Brazil does well because we need a good result to maintain the sport 'alive' in Brazil.

Just to think that basketball was the second more popular sport here until the 80's... sadly it went downhill in less than 1 full generation...

Let's hope because I think this is our best/last opportunity to make some noise.

Always have and always will love the Brazilian monikers. "Vinicius" -- sounds like a Roman general.

Actually Vinicius is his name and it sounds like a Roman general because Portuguese is a Latin language, thus 'Vinicius' have its origins in ancient Roma... '

Vinicius' derived from the Latin word 'vinum' which means wine. So Vinicius = the one that produces wine = winemaker

Not a great name anymore, right?

Btw, I think Marcus Vinicius was indeed a general in Roma. Not sure but at least he was an important person because I remember this name from my school days

nah, still an awesome name.

as for exhibition schedules...

USA (off the top of my head)

8/15-france (in NYC)
8/23-24-Lithuania and Spain (In Madrid)
Sometime later--greece, in greece.

Right now spain is about to start a 3 team tourney with ivory coast and canada in the canary islands. im pretty sure it starts today or tomorrow. Then they play slovenia and another east europe team (maybe lithuania) in BIlbao on the 7th and 8th. Then of course the lithuania and the usa in another 3 team tourney. i only know this because im in spain right now. im gonna miss the games though :-/

you can find out the full schedules on the USAB website and the site for the Federacion Española de Baloncesto. Ill post a link for that in a sec....

[Nico Kolya]

Does anyone know the exhibition schedule for the top teams like Spain and USA? Some teams are already playing friendlies.

http://www.feb.es/Inicio.aspx?tabid=80& ... ORTADA.htm

this is the link to spains schedule. it should be easy to follow even if you dont speak spanish. click on the yellow box in the top right corner that says "Gira 2010"

http://www.usabasketball.com/mens/natio ... edule.html

heres the link to usa's schedule.

spains is definitely more interesting. ill see if theres any way to see any of those games.

all of USA's games will be broadcast on ESPN 2

[Sedale Threatt]

Not a great name anymore, right?

No, it's still awesome, even more so to find out his first name is Marcus.

And you're right, it turns out his namesake had a decent little career back in the day. Won a triumph, played dice with Augustus. Not bad.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marcus_Vin ... nsul_19_BC)

[alucryts]

i want to see one of two things: rose and durant in the starting lineup playing off each other or durant starting putting up big ppg and rose coming off the bench to destroy benches

Not all benches... In the spanish bench we have Ricky Rubio, I mean, Rose is way better right now, but Ricky can guard him...

hmmm I don't think Rubio will be able to gaurd Rose, you pretty much have to double Rose in order to stop him.

ya. im not sure any single person can guard rose with any effectiveness.

[jolbin]

Goran Dragič with triple double against China today in 23 minutes
http://www.kzs-zveza.si/kzs/slike/statistika_slovenija-kitajska,%2030_07_2010.jpg

[alucryts]

Goran Dragič with triple double against China today in 23 minutes
http://www.kzs-zveza.si/kzs/slike/statistika_slovenija-kitajska,%2030_07_2010.jpg

lmao

[linged]

Hi Akeemthedream,

I've been reading your posts in this thread with great interest, as you seem to be a real connaisseur of the european players that you don't get to see a lot in the USA.

What do you think about a player like Siskauskas once again not playing for Lithuania. He could probably have been a pretty good player in the NBA too.
Actually, he is in my top3 of european players in the Euroleague, together with Diamantidis and Fran Vasquez or Navarro. Rubio is not there yet but in a year or two could be the best european point guard by good margin, leaving Spanoulis, who probably should be seen mostly as a too short SG with some, but mediocre, point guard skills, far behind. I didn't count Splitter as he is leaving for the NBA, and Papaloukas has fallen out due to age.

And I agree that Calathes has a good upside on Papaloukas when it comes to athleticism, which just is a question of age. Papaloukas brings little to the table these days.