Jzh wrote:JonFromVA wrote:kosmonauts wrote:This tournament was another great example that the world has caught up (to some extent) with US. It can be argued that rules are different, but, let's be honest, starter level + 6-8th guys are not good enough to win and/or get a medal at Fiba. That is great for news for sport of basketball and I have to say, I enjoyed the balance between how balanced offense/defense is called. This rough type of Fiba basketball is exciting to watch.
Also, NBA bench guys (6-8) are better than top Euro guys, but the real difference is becoming marginal, especially in the short tournament format. About 9-12th guy on NBA roster - often it is the question of context, fit with the team, potential/age and other factors than only the skill.
Fiba just had to get their **** together - this stupid qualification system did not allow to see some truly good European teams.
We'd already seen a slapdash team of NBA players lose back in 2004. The only thing we've learned from this is that FIBA is out of control.
Whoever wins this tournament will likely celebrate it like it actually meant something, but you really can't claim to be the best unless you beat the best - and FIBA made that impossible.
Exactly this. i'm French and I couldn't careless we won that game. It will be meaningful if they score the gold but the world cup miss too much talent to mean anything.
The only upside is the direct spot to the Olympics where hopefully we'll face real team USA like in 2000.
This loss pretty much guarantees that we will see US super-star team forTokio and hopefully next WC as well.