Big win for Team USA over Spain last night. I didn't catch last night's game, but they certainly looked better against Czech. I believe coming into the Olympics Spain was considered as the biggest threat, so a good sign to get passed them. I thought the size of the Gasol bros might give us trouble.

(08-03-2021 08:04 AM)bricksnivy Wrote:  Big win for Team USA over Spain last night. I didn't catch last night's game, but they certainly looked better against Czech. I believe coming into the Olympics Spain was considered as the biggest threat, so a good sign to get passed them. I thought the size of the Gasol bros might give us trouble.

They looked similar to how they looked against the Czech. Started slow but ramped up the defense in the 3rd quarter which lead to a big run. Draymond and Jrue were great defensively and KD carried the offense for the most part. Tatum came in and hit some big shots to keep Spain from getting back into it in the 4th. Spain was ranked 2nd in Fiba but they're old. I expect Australia to be a tougher challenge, but they will be without their starting Center Aron Baynes. Also, Luka has been phenomenal for Slovenia on the other side of the bracket.

(08-03-2021 08:04 AM)bricksnivy Wrote:  Big win for Team USA over Spain last night. I didn't catch last night's game, but they certainly looked better against Czech. I believe coming into the Olympics Spain was considered as the biggest threat, so a good sign to get passed them. I thought the size of the Gasol bros might give us trouble.

I saw they won, looked like a solid comeback as well down by 10 early.

(08-03-2021 09:51 AM)Gary Miller Wrote:  

(08-03-2021 08:04 AM)bricksnivy Wrote:  Big win for Team USA over Spain last night. I didn't catch last night's game, but they certainly looked better against Czech. I believe coming into the Olympics Spain was considered as the biggest threat, so a good sign to get passed them. I thought the size of the Gasol bros might give us trouble.

They looked similar to how they looked against the Czech. Started slow but ramped up the defense in the 3rd quarter which lead to a big run. Draymond and Jrue were great defensively and KD carried the offense for the most part. Tatum came in and hit some big shots to keep Spain from getting back into it in the 4th. Spain was ranked 2nd in Fiba but they're old. I expect Australia to be a tougher challenge, but they will be without their starting Center Aron Baynes. Also, Luka has been phenomenal for Slovenia on the other side of the bracket.

Sounded like LaVine had a strong game last night too.

Against Czech, they really picked up the pressure on the perimeter which made it more difficult to them to take advantage of their size. They just weren't catching the ball in the post in position to take advantage of their size.

Team USA should also be able to defend Australia/Mills more effectively than exhibition play with Holiday joining the team.

(08-03-2021 10:01 AM)bricksnivy Wrote:  

(08-03-2021 09:51 AM)Gary Miller Wrote:  

(08-03-2021 08:04 AM)bricksnivy Wrote:  Big win for Team USA over Spain last night. I didn't catch last night's game, but they certainly looked better against Czech. I believe coming into the Olympics Spain was considered as the biggest threat, so a good sign to get passed them. I thought the size of the Gasol bros might give us trouble.

They looked similar to how they looked against the Czech. Started slow but ramped up the defense in the 3rd quarter which lead to a big run. Draymond and Jrue were great defensively and KD carried the offense for the most part. Tatum came in and hit some big shots to keep Spain from getting back into it in the 4th. Spain was ranked 2nd in Fiba but they're old. I expect Australia to be a tougher challenge, but they will be without their starting Center Aron Baynes. Also, Luka has been phenomenal for Slovenia on the other side of the bracket.

Sounded like LaVine had a strong game last night too.

Against Czech, they really picked up the pressure on the perimeter which made it more difficult to them to take advantage of their size. They just weren't catching the ball in the post in position to take advantage of their size.

Team USA should also be able to defend Australia/Mills more effectively than exhibition play with Holiday joining the team.

Yeah LaVine did have a solid game. He's been really consistent in his role, which is something some of the other guys have had issues with. His defense has been solid too. Agree on the addition of Holiday in regards to guarding Mills, but he's a player that always turns it up a notch playing for Australia. Joe Ingles will give us problems, he's one of the best shooters in the tournament and will be interesting to see who we throw on him. Also, I expect to see a lot of Thybulle for them, he's a great defender.

Rematch with France! Let's get gold! From the articles I read this morning, the win over Australia came down to which team had Kevin Durant and Holiday was effective against Mills...but mostly Kevin Durant!

(08-05-2021 08:01 AM)bricksnivy Wrote:  Rematch with France! Let's get gold! From the articles I read this morning, the win over Australia came down to which team had Kevin Durant and Holiday was effective against Mills...but mostly Kevin Durant!

Yeah, KD and Holiday have been thge best two players for us this tournament. I don't think there's any argument against that. I will say Lavine and Booker were huge on defense during the run where the US basically went from being down 15 to up 15 in a span of a quarter. Slow starts still concern me. IMO the issue causing those is Dame. Feels like KD tries to let him get into a rhythm early and for whatever reason it just hasn't been working. If he's not hitting on offense, he's a huge liability on defense. Doubt it happens but I'd like to see him replaced in the starting lineup with Lavine.

(08-05-2021 08:46 AM)Gary Miller Wrote:  

(08-05-2021 08:01 AM)bricksnivy Wrote:  Rematch with France! Let's get gold! From the articles I read this morning, the win over Australia came down to which team had Kevin Durant and Holiday was effective against Mills...but mostly Kevin Durant!

Yeah, KD and Holiday have been thge best two players for us this tournament. I don't think there's any argument against that. I will say Lavine and Booker were huge on defense during the run where the US basically went from being down 15 to up 15 in a span of a quarter. Slow starts still concern me. IMO the issue causing those is Dame. Feels like KD tries to let him get into a rhythm early and for whatever reason it just hasn't been working. If he's not hitting on offense, he's a huge liability on defense. Doubt it happens but I'd like to see him replaced in the starting lineup with Lavine.

I'm pretty excited about LaVine's growth the past two years, and he's been really solid for the US. As a Bulls fan, I'm generally pretty happy with professional basketball this week.

(08-05-2021 10:06 AM)bricksnivy Wrote:  

(08-05-2021 08:46 AM)Gary Miller Wrote:  

(08-05-2021 08:01 AM)bricksnivy Wrote:  Rematch with France! Let's get gold! From the articles I read this morning, the win over Australia came down to which team had Kevin Durant and Holiday was effective against Mills...but mostly Kevin Durant!

Yeah, KD and Holiday have been thge best two players for us this tournament. I don't think there's any argument against that. I will say Lavine and Booker were huge on defense during the run where the US basically went from being down 15 to up 15 in a span of a quarter. Slow starts still concern me. IMO the issue causing those is Dame. Feels like KD tries to let him get into a rhythm early and for whatever reason it just hasn't been working. If he's not hitting on offense, he's a huge liability on defense. Doubt it happens but I'd like to see him replaced in the starting lineup with Lavine.

I'm pretty excited about LaVine's growth the past two years, and he's been really solid for the US. As a Bulls fan, I'm generally pretty happy with professional basketball this week.

As you should be. Thought they got a fair price on Ball. Pairing him with Lavine and Vuc makes a lot of sense. A slight overpay for Derozan IMO, but he's still a high level scorer in the mid range and usually doesn't miss many games.

(08-05-2021 11:04 AM)Gary Miller Wrote:  

(08-05-2021 10:06 AM)bricksnivy Wrote:  

(08-05-2021 08:46 AM)Gary Miller Wrote:  

(08-05-2021 08:01 AM)bricksnivy Wrote:  Rematch with France! Let's get gold! From the articles I read this morning, the win over Australia came down to which team had Kevin Durant and Holiday was effective against Mills...but mostly Kevin Durant!

Yeah, KD and Holiday have been thge best two players for us this tournament. I don't think there's any argument against that. I will say Lavine and Booker were huge on defense during the run where the US basically went from being down 15 to up 15 in a span of a quarter. Slow starts still concern me. IMO the issue causing those is Dame. Feels like KD tries to let him get into a rhythm early and for whatever reason it just hasn't been working. If he's not hitting on offense, he's a huge liability on defense. Doubt it happens but I'd like to see him replaced in the starting lineup with Lavine.

I'm pretty excited about LaVine's growth the past two years, and he's been really solid for the US. As a Bulls fan, I'm generally pretty happy with professional basketball this week.

As you should be. Thought they got a fair price on Ball. Pairing him with Lavine and Vuc makes a lot of sense. A slight overpay for Derozan IMO, but he's still a high level scorer in the mid range and usually doesn't miss many games.

I agree with that. I've seen the argument that this doesn't make them contenders, and that is true, obviously. But under GarPax, free agents didn't consider Chicago. While this isn't a core that is going to win a championship, it might the core that attracts a star that can lead them to something more significant. The Bulls competing for 4th-6th in the East is a step in the right direction.

I haven't watched a single minute since the first game Vs. France

(08-05-2021 08:43 PM)Seahawkhoops Wrote:  I haven't watched a single minute since the first game Vs. France

Congratulations!

(08-06-2021 07:09 AM)bricksnivy Wrote:  

(08-05-2021 08:43 PM)Seahawkhoops Wrote:  I haven't watched a single minute since the first game Vs. France

Congratulations!

Thanks, i feel a lot better not watching garbage hoops :)
Glad to see they have manned up and glad to see my boy J -Tate playing well.

(08-06-2021 07:34 AM)Seahawkhoops Wrote:  

(08-06-2021 07:09 AM)bricksnivy Wrote:  

(08-05-2021 08:43 PM)Seahawkhoops Wrote:  I haven't watched a single minute since the first game Vs. France

Congratulations!

Thanks, i feel a lot better not watching garbage hoops :)
Glad to see they have manned up and glad to see my boy J -Tate playing well.

Imagine enjoying college players running a zone defense for 30 years, but calling a Kevin Durant-led team playing for Olympic gold "garbage hoops". I can't...all in fun man, but totally illogical to me.

(08-06-2021 07:40 AM)bricksnivy Wrote:  

(08-06-2021 07:34 AM)Seahawkhoops Wrote:  

(08-06-2021 07:09 AM)bricksnivy Wrote:  

(08-05-2021 08:43 PM)Seahawkhoops Wrote:  I haven't watched a single minute since the first game Vs. France

Congratulations!

Thanks, i feel a lot better not watching garbage hoops :)
Glad to see they have manned up and glad to see my boy J -Tate playing well.

Imagine enjoying college players running a zone defense for 30 years, but calling a Kevin Durant-led team playing for Olympic gold "garbage hoops". I can't...all in fun man, but totally illogical to me.

WTH does zone D have to do with anything? Mixing up defenses is part of the game, and just because Jimmy's zone gives Carolina problems don't hold that against me. And for the record, Jimmy has been there my entire life so it's more than likely 40+ vs. 30.

My issue is the selfish 1 on 1 jacking up 3 after 3 style of today's game. That's the issue i have with today's game. There is zero team ball. And quite honestly, most people that have issue with the NBA today will make similar comments. Coaching youth sports is next to impossible today, because kids watch this, and every kid including your biggest ones want to jack threes one step over 1/2 court.
There is no denying KD is super talented, IMO the best player in the game. But he's made himself very unlikable over the years, and i loved him out of college.

(08-06-2021 09:09 AM)Seahawkhoops Wrote:  WTH does zone D have to do with anything? Mixing up defenses is part of the game,

When is the last time Boeheim "mixed defenses"? And it is relevant because it speaks to talent and skill level. Whether or not you like the NBA product is a matter of taste, but the skill level and talent possessed in the NBA is undeniable. In college, junk defenses help neutralize the playing field, so it is ironic that someone who loves watching a junk defense would call professional basketball players garbage. It's not a slam on Cuse, but just a strange take.

(08-06-2021 09:09 AM)Seahawkhoops Wrote:  and just because Jimmy's zone gives Carolina problems don't hold that against me.

LOL, what? Boeheim is 6-11 all-time versus Roy Williams; 4-10 at North Carolina. Carolina has won 8 of the last 10. I think Roy solved the riddle of Jimmy's zone.

(08-06-2021 09:09 AM)Seahawkhoops Wrote:  

(08-06-2021 07:40 AM)bricksnivy Wrote:  

(08-06-2021 07:34 AM)Seahawkhoops Wrote:  

(08-06-2021 07:09 AM)bricksnivy Wrote:  

(08-05-2021 08:43 PM)Seahawkhoops Wrote:  I haven't watched a single minute since the first game Vs. France

Congratulations!

Thanks, i feel a lot better not watching garbage hoops :)
Glad to see they have manned up and glad to see my boy J -Tate playing well.

Imagine enjoying college players running a zone defense for 30 years, but calling a Kevin Durant-led team playing for Olympic gold "garbage hoops". I can't...all in fun man, but totally illogical to me.

WTH does zone D have to do with anything? Mixing up defenses is part of the game, and just because Jimmy's zone gives Carolina problems don't hold that against me. And for the record, Jimmy has been there my entire life so it's more than likely 40+ vs. 30.

My issue is the selfish 1 on 1 jacking up 3 after 3 style of today's game. That's the issue i have with today's game. There is zero team ball. And quite honestly, most people that have issue with the NBA today will make similar comments. Coaching youth sports is next to impossible today, because kids watch this, and every kid including your biggest ones want to jack threes one step over 1/2 court.
There is no denying KD is super talented, IMO the best player in the game. But he's made himself very unlikable over the years, and i loved him out of college.

You labeling isolation ball as selfish is so misguided. NBA front offices want their guys to play isolation and shoot 3s because it's the most efficient offensive style. It's all about analytics when you get to the pros. I understand the frustration that may have when it comes to coaching kids but that style of play has been around for 2 decades now. It's nothing new.

(08-06-2021 09:37 AM)bricksnivy Wrote:  

(08-06-2021 09:09 AM)Seahawkhoops Wrote:  WTH does zone D have to do with anything? Mixing up defenses is part of the game,

When is the last time Boeheim "mixed defenses"? And it is relevant because it speaks to talent and skill level. Whether or not you like the NBA product is a matter of taste, but the skill level and talent possessed in the NBA is undeniable. In college, junk defenses help neutralize the playing field, so it is ironic that someone who loves watching a junk defense would call professional basketball players garbage. It's not a slam on Cuse, but just a strange take.

(08-06-2021 09:09 AM)Seahawkhoops Wrote:  and just because Jimmy's zone gives Carolina problems don't hold that against me.

LOL, what? Boeheim is 6-11 all-time versus Roy Williams; 4-10 at North Carolina. Carolina has won 8 of the last 10. I think Roy solved the riddle of Jimmy's zone.

I spelled out what my issue is with modern NBA basketball, and you chose to ignore that. And it really has nothing do to with watching college hoops or who i follow. Saying that a zone defense is Junk is also an opinion. One you are entitled too. So are you saying KK and Siddle's Zone press is junk, asking for a friend? If my reasoning for not liking the NBA was terrible D, then sure, you might could attempt make that statement. But, it wasn't.
Now let's get back on topic

(07-26-2021 09:58 AM)Seahawkhoops Wrote:  So, i know on various threads we have talked about the state of NBA hoops and how many of us think the new brand of basketball is garbage. Does anything prove our point more than the $hit show happening at the Olympics?

(08-06-2021 09:54 AM)Seahawkhoops Wrote:  

(08-06-2021 09:37 AM)bricksnivy Wrote:  

(08-06-2021 09:09 AM)Seahawkhoops Wrote:  WTH does zone D have to do with anything? Mixing up defenses is part of the game,

When is the last time Boeheim "mixed defenses"? And it is relevant because it speaks to talent and skill level. Whether or not you like the NBA product is a matter of taste, but the skill level and talent possessed in the NBA is undeniable. In college, junk defenses help neutralize the playing field, so it is ironic that someone who loves watching a junk defense would call professional basketball players garbage. It's not a slam on Cuse, but just a strange take.

(08-06-2021 09:09 AM)Seahawkhoops Wrote:  and just because Jimmy's zone gives Carolina problems don't hold that against me.

LOL, what? Boeheim is 6-11 all-time versus Roy Williams; 4-10 at North Carolina. Carolina has won 8 of the last 10. I think Roy solved the riddle of Jimmy's zone.

I spelled out what my issue is with modern NBA basketball, and you chose to ignore that. And it really has nothing do to with watching college hoops or who i follow. Saying that a zone defense is Junk is also an opinion. One you are entitled too. So are you saying KK and Siddle's Zone press is junk, asking for a friend? If my reasoning for not liking the NBA was terrible D, then sure, you might could attempt make that statement. But, it wasn't.
Now let's get back on topic

I'm not trying to convince you to like the NBA. I prefer college basketball myself, but I don't understand how you can watch the NBA, or professional basketball players, and call it garbage. They're obviously more skilled and gifted than the college guys.

If you like the pageantry of CBB, historic rivalries, tradition, etc (I do), that is great, but to deny the gap in skill is naive. Teams don't play junk defenses because they have better talent than their competition, and that includes UNCW. There is appeal in beating a team schematically, I'm not denying that, but I took exception to Team USA being called "garbage hoops." If you want to get back on topic, it was you calling Team USA garbage and you referenced them as a "$hit show". The fact that you only watched or wanted to comment on their loss speaks to the point that your argument is narrative based.

Now, they can still lose tomorrow. I'm not celebrating anything, but you wanted the players to figure something out and play for their country. They seem to have pride in what they're doing over there, so I don't know why you're sticking to your initial take that they're selfish or garbage. Then again, you're not watching the games so I don't know how you'd know if it is beautiful or trash.

(08-05-2021 11:04 AM)Gary Miller Wrote:  

(08-05-2021 10:06 AM)bricksnivy Wrote:  

(08-05-2021 08:46 AM)Gary Miller Wrote:  

(08-05-2021 08:01 AM)bricksnivy Wrote:  Rematch with France! Let's get gold! From the articles I read this morning, the win over Australia came down to which team had Kevin Durant and Holiday was effective against Mills...but mostly Kevin Durant!

Yeah, KD and Holiday have been thge best two players for us this tournament. I don't think there's any argument against that. I will say Lavine and Booker were huge on defense during the run where the US basically went from being down 15 to up 15 in a span of a quarter. Slow starts still concern me. IMO the issue causing those is Dame. Feels like KD tries to let him get into a rhythm early and for whatever reason it just hasn't been working. If he's not hitting on offense, he's a huge liability on defense. Doubt it happens but I'd like to see him replaced in the starting lineup with Lavine.

I'm pretty excited about LaVine's growth the past two years, and he's been really solid for the US. As a Bulls fan, I'm generally pretty happy with professional basketball this week.

As you should be. Thought they got a fair price on Ball. Pairing him with Lavine and Vuc makes a lot of sense. A slight overpay for Derozan IMO, but he's still a high level scorer in the mid range and usually doesn't miss many games.

Sorry, but I still don't think a backcourt of Ball and LaVine is enough to move the needle in the EC. They're both poor shooters and that puts too much pressure on their frontcourt players to make shots.