Since there was no similar thread yet, and (IMHO) it is always fun to speculate before the preparation games begun, let's take a look on upcoming Eurobasket 2011. How would you rank team's chances?
Top contenders
1. Spain. P. Gasol! I think he'll be there and other teams won't have too much to offer. Basically it's the most fundamental team in Europe currently even if Pau won't be there and they are motivated now.
2. Lithuania. Kemzura's team is motivated, communicative, functional and hard working. We'll miss Kleiza a lot, but the addition of proven players to WC roster and home court support would mean Lithuania can pursue for the highest goals.
3. Serbia. I was about to put them in the second position, but wait a minute, Lithuania beat them in the WC small final. Another disadvantage - horrible season for the most of widely hyped young Serbian talents. Despite all that, I think they come red hot and hungry again. Ivkovič should find the way to mobilise this talented team.
4. Turkey. They are solid team! Too solid to leave them out of top 4 after 2010. I know most of people asking - can they do it outside their homeland and it's a fair question that will be answered. But they do have a very solid team.
5. France. The best possible roster with their NBA stars look too impressive. I know they tend to struggle as a team, but Parker, Batum, Noah, Turiaf, Beubois and others should make something really competitive.
6. Greece. Naturally I would put them in the top 3, but only with DD and Papaloukas on the roster. Greece is still fundamental and traditional European team, so they will have quality and more passion than last summer I guess. Some young talents are expected to make a step forward.
7. Croatia. The only reason why I'm not putting them over France and Greece is that Croatia has almost the some "mentality" as Slovenia. They come up solid and talented in every tournament, but tend to lose important games and usually in clutch time. Anyway, the progress of Bogdanovic and the fact that M. Popovič is playing the best BB in his career is really refreshing. Croatia is a dark horse of the tournament.
8. Slovenia. Everyone knows how much talent this country has. But even if they get the best possible roster, I think it's a right place for Slovenia. They need to prove some things
9. Russia. I have a feeling I'm underrating them if they can get Kirilenko, Mazgov, Khriapa and others, but I don't see this team on the podium or somewhere not too far. Sorry, pacani
10. Germany. The team that usually playing well despite "no name" roster. If they'll have Dirk and Kaman, they should be competitve, but I don't see them going to Olympics. It will be fun to see Dirk though
11. Italy Another dark horse, IMO. They have talent and they have smart coach this time! I'm looking forward to see what happens. On the paper they are a threat.
12. Great Britain. Err...it will be amazingly tough to go further their group. Even with their NBA players.
Top contenders
1. Spain. P. Gasol! I think he'll be there and other teams won't have too much to offer. Basically it's the most fundamental team in Europe currently even if Pau won't be there and they are motivated now.
2. Lithuania. Kemzura's team is motivated, communicative, functional and hard working. We'll miss Kleiza a lot, but the addition of proven players to WC roster and home court support would mean Lithuania can pursue for the highest goals.
3. Serbia. I was about to put them in the second position, but wait a minute, Lithuania beat them in the WC small final. Another disadvantage - horrible season for the most of widely hyped young Serbian talents. Despite all that, I think they come red hot and hungry again. Ivkovič should find the way to mobilise this talented team.
4. Turkey. They are solid team! Too solid to leave them out of top 4 after 2010. I know most of people asking - can they do it outside their homeland and it's a fair question that will be answered. But they do have a very solid team.
5. France. The best possible roster with their NBA stars look too impressive. I know they tend to struggle as a team, but Parker, Batum, Noah, Turiaf, Beubois and others should make something really competitive.
6. Greece. Naturally I would put them in the top 3, but only with DD and Papaloukas on the roster. Greece is still fundamental and traditional European team, so they will have quality and more passion than last summer I guess. Some young talents are expected to make a step forward.
7. Croatia. The only reason why I'm not putting them over France and Greece is that Croatia has almost the some "mentality" as Slovenia. They come up solid and talented in every tournament, but tend to lose important games and usually in clutch time. Anyway, the progress of Bogdanovic and the fact that M. Popovič is playing the best BB in his career is really refreshing. Croatia is a dark horse of the tournament.
8. Slovenia. Everyone knows how much talent this country has. But even if they get the best possible roster, I think it's a right place for Slovenia. They need to prove some things

9. Russia. I have a feeling I'm underrating them if they can get Kirilenko, Mazgov, Khriapa and others, but I don't see this team on the podium or somewhere not too far. Sorry, pacani

10. Germany. The team that usually playing well despite "no name" roster. If they'll have Dirk and Kaman, they should be competitve, but I don't see them going to Olympics. It will be fun to see Dirk though

11. Italy Another dark horse, IMO. They have talent and they have smart coach this time! I'm looking forward to see what happens. On the paper they are a threat.
12. Great Britain. Err...it will be amazingly tough to go further their group. Even with their NBA players.
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