Well, at the dawn of 20's, it's interesting to track down how we (and I) projected 10's decade ago.
Some projections were completely spot on. I will only name the ones that I really missed with:
- Argentina I think quite surprised and didn't collapse as people expected. Got to semis in OG 2012, snatched medals in 2019 WC.
- Croatia didn't become true contender as projected. Some solid performances as in 2016 OG and else-where, but overall it didn't happen.
- I admit my projection on Lithuania starting to contend at mid 10's was out of hand. I expected too much from prime JV and D-Mo (injury killed his career), also hoped that Kleiza will be a long timer, but specially misinterpreted some of our guard prospects early in 10's who never prevailed.
- Also I think we missed Slovenia as champs, that came as surprise and general trend that such teams as Czech Rep, Belgium, Macedonia will rise (that mid section teams increasing quality) even if those never snatched medals itself.
Spot on projections on USA, Greece, Spain, France.
Heading to 20's, I would make couple points obviously:
- USA likely will suffer from the lack of true superstars, in comparison with Kobe, James, Durant, but will be able to snatch their titles in most if not all tournaments, except maybe some WC.
- Canada rises as basketball farm with funny talent. Medals possibility yet questionable because of ability to gather all pieces.
- Australia also among leading talent farms, should remain among contenders.
- Serbia will have even more complete decade, contending all along.
- France will continue to contend and I think has the best prospects upside from European NTs.
- Spain will remain a contender, yet possibly a bit less almighty (I said exactly the same 10 years ago )
- Lithuania will have wealthier decade talent wise, yet it will be extremely difficult to snatch three medal collections as we usually do in a decade. I expect to realistically contend in at least one of Olympics, as we never did in 10's.
- Greece future, despite Giannis, looks questionable, just as 10 years ago, or even worse, IMO.
- Slovenia won't have enough other than super Doncic most likely.
- Turkey may be a dark horse with good you talent, but generally will still lack discipline and depth to become true contender.
- Latvia might really rise high, as they have tons of talent, even though some of their current EL quality may get old and the depth may be in question.
- I have no idea about Croatia. Big, Saric, Hezonja bunch didn't prevail as expected. They may add couple of pieces to that, but generally have no idea what to expect from them.
Some projections were completely spot on. I will only name the ones that I really missed with:
- Argentina I think quite surprised and didn't collapse as people expected. Got to semis in OG 2012, snatched medals in 2019 WC.
- Croatia didn't become true contender as projected. Some solid performances as in 2016 OG and else-where, but overall it didn't happen.
- I admit my projection on Lithuania starting to contend at mid 10's was out of hand. I expected too much from prime JV and D-Mo (injury killed his career), also hoped that Kleiza will be a long timer, but specially misinterpreted some of our guard prospects early in 10's who never prevailed.
- Also I think we missed Slovenia as champs, that came as surprise and general trend that such teams as Czech Rep, Belgium, Macedonia will rise (that mid section teams increasing quality) even if those never snatched medals itself.
Spot on projections on USA, Greece, Spain, France.
Heading to 20's, I would make couple points obviously:
- USA likely will suffer from the lack of true superstars, in comparison with Kobe, James, Durant, but will be able to snatch their titles in most if not all tournaments, except maybe some WC.
- Canada rises as basketball farm with funny talent. Medals possibility yet questionable because of ability to gather all pieces.
- Australia also among leading talent farms, should remain among contenders.
- Serbia will have even more complete decade, contending all along.
- France will continue to contend and I think has the best prospects upside from European NTs.
- Spain will remain a contender, yet possibly a bit less almighty (I said exactly the same 10 years ago )
- Lithuania will have wealthier decade talent wise, yet it will be extremely difficult to snatch three medal collections as we usually do in a decade. I expect to realistically contend in at least one of Olympics, as we never did in 10's.
- Greece future, despite Giannis, looks questionable, just as 10 years ago, or even worse, IMO.
- Slovenia won't have enough other than super Doncic most likely.
- Turkey may be a dark horse with good you talent, but generally will still lack discipline and depth to become true contender.
- Latvia might really rise high, as they have tons of talent, even though some of their current EL quality may get old and the depth may be in question.
- I have no idea about Croatia. Big, Saric, Hezonja bunch didn't prevail as expected. They may add couple of pieces to that, but generally have no idea what to expect from them.
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