Who do you think will win the the FIBA mens title this year?

[Unimane2]

If I remember correctly, couple of months ago after the flotilla incident, the US had stated that they were considering not sending their athletes at all to the championship. Sadly, there are still a lot of dumb hicks who link Israel directly to the States.
I know how diverse American social life is, and how you can find interesting individuals everywhere in the States. And of course, you can find idiots as well. I think everyone at this board feels the same. The rest of the world doesn't. But ok, my opinion stays the same - American players will have a rough time in Turkey.



I'm sure there won't be any hooliganism. At least, I don't think so. You never know. But that's not the point... I said that American players will find it odd and confusing to see the whole crowd cheering so loudly. They are used to getting an applause, and not a rowdy crowd that will be shouting, whistling, and screaming. Shit! What if they bring vuvuzelas?



Ok, so Spanoulis earns 5 million a year. What about Kobe? 25? That's five times more. Serbian players earn 0.1 mil a year. I am disgusted by the fact that some players are paid so high. Especially when it comes to soccer. Ronaldo's transfer is simply... despicable. I'm sure that not all of your players are spoiled. I like that Chauncey & Carmelo are playing. Carmelo has shown that he's a true patriot, and he will definitely be one of the top contenders for MVP of the tournament.


And what of Gasol? He was injured last year before going to the EuroBasket, but he still chose to play. Nowitzki has seen countless injuries, but he has always been there for his national team. Our captain Krstic got wed, and had only a one-week honeymoon because he had to play for Serbia at the EuroBasket. Kobe, Lebron, and the rest have become amazing and famous players, because of the country they are living in. Don't you think they should be ready to play for their team when they're called upon? Actually, I understand Kobe. He's now in his 30s, has a family, and really would have nothing to gain. But Lebron...? He's young, and he should have come to Turkey, I don't believe he's injured. And even if he was injured, I still think he should be there defending the colours of his country.

There are so many things wrong in this post, I don't know where to begin. OK, here goes.....

1. The USA never considered pulling out of the WCs. I don't know where you heard this. I've certainly haven't heard anything remotely suggested about this.

2. Do you really think that these players will crap their pants when everyone isn't cheering for them? They have experienced a lot of crazy arenas where fans hate them and are trying to disrupt them. Unless fans are throwing flares or brandishing knives and guns during the games, trust me, they'll be fine. There's nothing fans at the WC will do that they haven't seen before now. Have you ever seen places like Cameron Indoor?

3. It's funny that you criticize some USA players for not playing and then bring up Pau Gasol and Dirk Nowitzski as shining examples of "defending...his country". Guess who's not playing for Spain or Germany?

All in all, I see no reason why the crowd will have much of any effect on Team USA games unless they play Turkey at some point.

 

[Unimane2]

Look, Im not casting this Team USA aside. IMO, they would be the 4th favorite to win in Turkey. I´m aware of USA players talent and potential, but let be honest it´s very difficult to say that this current mix of young players and veterans is better than 2004´s one (Melo, James, Wade and Amare plus Tim Duncan and Iverson, both in their prime).

It´s hard to believe that guys like Evans, Gay, Gordon, Rose and Granger will learn to play FIBA rules so quickly. They also will have a hard time playing against european zone. Of course Durant is the best player in the team, but he will have to learn to score without the 10/20 fts that refs use to call for him in the NBA.

I have no doubt that USA will destroy every opponent that try to run against them.

BTW, Im very intrigued with Curry´s potential. Aside Billups, he´s the guy that can be the savior against slow paced and good defensive teams.

About Serbia, I liked their perfomance in the Euro, but I dont know how that young team will translate to this bigger competition.

Just to make a point here. I believe all the USA players, or at least most of them, have played in FIBA events as younger players in the youth tournaments. This won't be the first time they've played under international rules. No, they don't normally play under these guidelines, but they won't be completely lost. Also, the USA players haven't been in the NBA for their whole lives. Any "European zone" thrown at them won't be anything new. They've seen zones against them since they were little kids.

As for my prediction, the USA is clearly the most talented team, so I think they stand the best chance of winning. However, other than the Americans, I would go with either Spain or Serbia.

 

[honeybadger2]

1. The USA never considered pulling out of the WCs. I don't know where you heard this. I've certainly haven't heard anything remotely suggested about this.

I will try to find this article, but I think it is in Serbian. I guess that's not much of a reference... But still, the USA is not bringing their best athletes to this world cup.

2. Do you really think that these players will crap their pants when everyone isn't cheering for them? They have experienced a lot of crazy arenas where fans hate them and are trying to disrupt them. Unless fans are throwing flares or brandishing knives and guns during the games, trust me, they'll be fine. There's nothing fans at the WC will do that they haven't seen before now. Have you ever seen places like Cameron Indoor?

I think both of us can agree than fans from the States and fans in Europe have completely different mentality. NBA is not as nearly as passionate as Eurobasket. I prefer to watch NCAA than NBA as it's more fun and unpredictable. But, coming back to your question, i said that the basketball-mad fans will affect the game of US. At least in the first couple of games. So I would bet on a handicap... You should still win the group, but you will not have it easy. Oh and yes, a couple of them will probably crap their pants in their first game.

3. It's funny that you criticize some USA players for not playing and then bring up Pau Gasol and Dirk Nowitzski as shining examples of "defending...his country". Guess who's not playing for Spain or Germany?

Dirk Nowitzki and Pau Gasol are over 30. In addition to this, Gasol has won everything which is to be won. World Cup, Euro Cup, NBA trophy, multiple MVP awards. He's one of the most accomplished players on Earth. Lebron has never won anything in his life, and he's not responding to your national team. He chose to move to Miami, instead of staying in Cleveland and trying to make a name there. In addition to all of this, he's very young and really has nothing no lose, only to gain. How could you not be pissed off at Lebron or other players like him?

All in all, I see no reason why the crowd will have much of any effect on Team USA games unless they play Turkey at some point.

Well, that's good. At least you admit you'll have some problems against Turkey.

 

[mvblair2]

I will try to find this article, but I think it is in Serbian. I guess that's not much of a reference... But still, the USA is not bringing their best athletes to this world cup.

I think that a couple of reporters tried to make a fake little controversy. Here is a discussion of the security at the WC back when the flotilla thing happened. I think what happened is that a reporter asked Jerry Colangelo (the Team USA manager) "what would happen if....." and Colangelo responded that he wasn't going to put players in dangerous positions but that everything seemed just fine.

I think both of us can agree than fans from the States and fans in Europe have completely different mentality. NBA is not as nearly as passionate as Eurobasket. I prefer to watch NCAA than NBA as it's more fun and unpredictable. But, coming back to your question, i said that the basketball-mad fans will affect the game of US. At least in the first couple of games. So I would bet on a handicap... You should still win the group, but you will not have it easy. Oh and yes, a couple of them will probably crap their pants in their first game.

I have never been in a situation where people are actively cheering against me, so I don't know what the players will feel. But I imagine that yes, the Serbs, the Greeks, the Yanks, and many others will have a few nerves. But players will get over that quickly, as you said. Truthfully, I don't think the crowds will be that bad.

Dirk Nowitzki and Pau Gasol are over 30. In addition to this, Gasol has won everything which is to be won. World Cup, Euro Cup, NBA trophy, multiple MVP awards. He's one of the most accomplished players on Earth. Lebron has never won anything in his life, and he's not responding to your national team. He chose to move to Miami, instead of staying in Cleveland and trying to make a name there. In addition to all of this, he's very young and really has nothing no lose, only to gain. How could you not be pissed off at Lebron or other players like him?

Hey, if LeBron or Wade or Kobe or Howard doesn't want to join the team, that's fine. That's their decision. The US is still going to bring the best team that they can assemble and they're going to bring players who want to be there. I'd rather have them, guys like Durant and Billups and Iguodala who want to play internationally and want to play against the best players in the world. If LeBron would rather make a movie and Kobe is too tired, that's fine. Let them stay home.

Well, that's good. At least you admit you'll have some problems against Turkey.

It's not going to be easy for any team. The team that wins is going to have to "fight tooth and nail" as we say.

 

[Unimane2]

I will try to find this article, but I think it is in Serbian. I guess that's not much of a reference... But still, the USA is not bringing their best athletes to this world cup.

The USA not bringing their best team has nothing to do with politics, though.

I think both of us can agree than fans from the States and fans in Europe have completely different mentality. NBA is not as nearly as passionate as Eurobasket. I prefer to watch NCAA than NBA as it's more fun and unpredictable. But, coming back to your question, i said that the basketball-mad fans will affect the game of US. At least in the first couple of games. So I would bet on a handicap... You should still win the group, but you will not have it easy. Oh and yes, a couple of them will probably crap their pants in their first game.

Have you ever been to a game in the US? There are plenty of places where US crowds are as rowdy and hostile as anything in Europe, even more than Europe. Just because a game with the New Jersey Nets in December is pretty tame doesn't mean that is the case for someone like Lamar Odom playing in Boston during the NBA Finals, mush less some of the nut houses in the college game.

Hell, I have personally been to a game where Kevin Durant played in front of 20,000 hostile fans in college (Tennessee-Texas). Trust me, Durant did just fine.

Dirk Nowitzki and Pau Gasol are over 30. In addition to this, Gasol has won everything which is to be won. World Cup, Euro Cup, NBA trophy, multiple MVP awards. He's one of the most accomplished players on Earth. Lebron has never won anything in his life, and he's not responding to your national team. He chose to move to Miami, instead of staying in Cleveland and trying to make a name there. In addition to all of this, he's very young and really has nothing no lose, only to gain. How could you not be pissed off at Lebron or other players like him?

I believe LeBron has an Olympic gold medal. He's played in two Olympics and a World Championship, so I think he's put his time in. He'll still be around for London 2012.

Well, that's good. At least you admit you'll have some problems against Turkey.

I doubt it. This team would wax Turkey by 20+.

All in all, I think you waayyyyy overrate the European crowd experience in comparison to the US game. If you think that these USA players are going to experience something they've never seen before now, then you are seriously kidding yourself.

 

[Khalid802]

I think both of us can agree than fans from the States and fans in Europe have completely different mentality. NBA is not as nearly as passionate as Eurobasket. I prefer to watch NCAA than NBA as it's more fun and unpredictable. But, coming back to your question, i said that the basketball-mad fans will affect the game of US. At least in the first couple of games. So I would bet on a handicap... You should still win the group, but you will not have it easy. Oh and yes, a couple of them will probably crap their pants in their first game.

Man you talk as if these NBA players have lived rosy lives and have been brought up living in "posh" upperclass neighborhoods and haven't lived through alot of adversities in their lives.
For example:
Tyson Chandler grew up and attended high school in Compton (One of the most dangerous cities to live in in the U.S)
Same goes for Rudy Gay who was born in Baltimore and grew up there.
Gerald Wallace lived his childhood in Childersburg, Alabama (where more than 24% of this population lives below the poverty line and crime rate is also high).
O.J Mayo was born and grew up in Huntington, West Virginia where also more than 25% of the population lives below the poverty line.

I'm sure these guys are not going to mind the adversity coming from the fans.

 

[SheLL2]

To be fair, it is more anti-American than pretty much anywhere else - even in a poll about Americans themselves, rather than the government:

Favorable view of the American people

Kenya 91%
United States 86%
South Korea 82%
Nigeria 81%
Poland 80%
Japan 75%
Britain 73%
France 72%
India 71%
Germany 68%
Lebanon 66%
Russia 64%
China 61%
Brazil 60%
Spain 59%
Indonesia 55%
Mexico 49%
Jordan 44%
Argentina 39%
Egypt 39%
Pakistan 18%
Turkey 16%

http://pewglobal.org/database/?indicator=2

They've been dead last for 5 years, even behind Palestine.

Seriously, this doesn't represent the truth. Maybe about the american government, yes we really dislike how american governments handle the things in our region and all over the world therefor we dislike them but not american citizens. Turkey is attracting millions american trourists and i doubt on any of them are facing any hate in here, if they were to face, why would they keep coming anyway ?
And when it comes to foreign support in turkey, france is the no #1 country (with their anti turkey policy in every political area ) to worry about it, else than america.
I actually think dream team will attract the most turkish supporters than any other country in turkey amongst turks.

 

[g.g2]

Seriously, this doesn't represent the truth. Maybe about the american government, yes we really dislike how american governments handle the things in our region and all over the world therefor we dislike them but not american citizens. Turkey is attracting millions american trourists and i doubt on any of them are facing any hate in here, if they were to face, why would they keep coming anyway ?
And when it comes to foreign support in turkey, france is the no #1 country (with their anti turkey policy in every political area ) to worry about it, else than america.
I actually think dream team will attract the most turkish supporters than any other country in turkey amongst turks.

I agree with you. I cant see any problem for anyone, even greece I hope!

 

[honeybadger2]

Hell, I have personally been to a game where Kevin Durant played in front of 20,000 hostile fans in college (Tennessee-Texas). Trust me, Durant did just fine.

Well, that's good. You have one guy who will not succumb to the pressure. What about the rest?

I believe LeBron has an Olympic gold medal. He's played in two Olympics and a World Championship, so I think he's put his time in. He'll still be around for London 2012.

was he the main man at the US team? how much exactly did he contribute to the team?

I doubt it. This team would wax Turkey by 20+.

that's a pretty arrogant statement. What, you think other teams cannot parlay with the US? And that you will just waltz in and take the gold?

All in all, I think you waayyyyy overrate the European crowd experience in comparison to the US game. If you think that these USA players are going to experience something they've never seen before now, then you are seriously kidding yourself.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GseDLqbycYU&feature=PlayList&p=0360DE26876A4024&playnext_from=PL&index=0&playnext=1
here's a clip on youtube (and no, it's not just a video of fans cheering). bear in mind that the football hooligans in the video are the same fans which go to basketball games (which I believe they mention at one point in the video).

 

[honeybadger2]

Hey, if LeBron or Wade or Kobe or Howard doesn't want to join the team, that's fine. That's their decision. The US is still going to bring the best team that they can assemble and they're going to bring players who want to be there. I'd rather have them, guys like Durant and Billups and Iguodala who want to play internationally and want to play against the best players in the world. If LeBron would rather make a movie and Kobe is too tired, that's fine. Let them stay home.

The fact is that the best players of the world will not be at this tournament. Basketball fans from all around the world would love to see them play live. I have to stay up all night to watch a live NBA game. What do you think, that we can just fly to the States whenever we want and watch them? Why can't they come somewhere closer to us? I also believe that their appearance at this world cup would greatly improve the game, and bring a lot of quality. Also, players from other national teams would definitely learn something by playing against them.

 

[Unimane2]

Well, that's good. You have one guy who will not succumb to the pressure. What about the rest?

That was just an example. Do I really have to go through all 13 guys?

was he the main man at the US team? how much exactly did he contribute to the team?

Did you watch the Olympics? If you did, you wouldn't ask this question about LeBron.

that's a pretty arrogant statement. What, you think other teams cannot parlay with the US? And that you will just waltz in and take the gold?


No, but the USA is 20+ points better than Turkey, an average team.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GseDLqbycYU&feature=PlayList&p=0360DE26876A4024&playnext_from=PL&index=0&playnext=1
here's a clip on youtube (and no, it's not just a video of fans cheering). bear in mind that the football hooligans in the video are the same fans which go to basketball games (which I believe they mention at one point in the video).

Big deal. Hooligans are more dangerous to other fans than intimidating to the opposing team. The World Championships will be less crazed than those for Olympiakos-Panathaniakos or in Belgrade, anyway.

I think you are seeing more issues than actually exist.

 

[honeybadger2]

No, but the USA is 20+ points better than Turkey, an average team.

Ok then, can you please tell us your predictions for the games you will play against Spain, Greece, Argentina, Brazil, Serbia and so on... Who do you think will be your toughest opponent, and how much do you think you will beat them?

 

[haydenlaw2]

Angola?

Angola?

Who forgot to include Angola in this poll? They were , I believe, 9th in the worlds last time, and might be better this year.

 

[Unimane2]

Ok then, can you please tell us your predictions for the games you will play against Spain, Greece, Argentina, Brazil, Serbia and so on... Who do you think will be your toughest opponent, and how much do you think you will beat them?

It isn't that hard to pick out a team that is pretty solidly better than another team.

Although, I guess I should be more "sensitive" and give teams like Tunisia their proper due by saying I don't know if they'll win against the USA.

 

[obe312]

The fact is that the best players of the world will not be at this tournament. Basketball fans from all around the world would love to see them play live. I have to stay up all night to watch a live NBA game. What do you think, that we can just fly to the States whenever we want and watch them? Why can't they come somewhere closer to us? I also believe that their appearance at this world cup would greatly improve the game, and bring a lot of quality. Also, players from other national teams would definitely learn something by playing against them.

I totally agree! One week before USA NT annouced the team I went ahead and bought 4 VIP tickets for the friendly match of Greece V USA on the 25th of August! I paid 100 euros (133 USD) per ticket. If I knew the final USA roster beforehand I would have never bought VIP tickets. I would just get average price seats or even not attend at all...

 

[BrutalDlx2]

Who forgot to include Angola in this poll? They were , I believe, 9th in the worlds last time, and might be better this year.

http://sports.williamhill.com/bet/en-gb/betting/e/1232042/Men-s-World-Championships-2010.html

 

[Perseus2]

Greece and Spain are great bets.

 

[Gyroscope2]

I would have liked to say "Greece", but the Spaniards, blast them, are the favorites. Unless something extraordinary happens, I think they have this one (as well).

 

[Perseus2]

i don't know ,it is an old team the super whiner is out ,some time they will run out of luck .

 

[honeybadger2]

Greeks are favourites. If they don't win now, they never will.