These folks need lessons, but when will they learn them, if ever? Despite the fact that the world's arena is much smaller than the US NBA's, financially speaking, losing is simply that, losing. Where is the drive? The determination? The collaboration? A Detroit Pistons would win. The bling-bling ballers who go into this wanting to put on a show, will always walk out hanging their heads.
"The U.S. has dazzling skill; the Greeks are a dazzling team."The fact that we already know (repeatedly) the above statement is true only makes matter worse. Teamwork, learn it. And while you're at it, pass the damn ball. And coach, don't tiptoe around the stars. Yes, listen to the soothing words from your groupies and your 12-person care unit after the defeat. It'll make you feel better inside.
First I was mad at myself for missing the Saitama games. For 100 bucks you can watch two games back to back. Now this. I thought our excuse was we didn't care about soccer.
3 comments:
The worst thing is that you keep hearing the talking heads on ESPN make excuses like "they aren't used to playing the international style" ... the Greeks beat the US with the PICK-AND-ROLL. That's the most fundamental play in basketball. I'll admit, it's not the easiest play to defend ... the Cavs repeatedly burned the Pistons in their series using it with a guy named Anderson Varejao (who won't be mistaken for Karl Malone anytime soon). But let's not call the pick-and-roll "international style".
Let's give the international players some credit--they're damn good players. It's not about "international rules" it's about international players. They may not be as gifted physically as the Americans, but they can stick the open jumper (imagine that!). But you know what, personally it excites me a bit. Basketball is no longer an American game. It's a world game. I loved those pickup games we had in Niihama ... when we were on the court we weren't "Americans" or "Japanese" ... we were all ballers. And that was kinda cool.
scary typhoon
I'll be checking in, when is it supposed to hit?
alison
Charlie,
I agree with you that world basketball has caught up with the US. They are damn good and make shots on a very consistent basis.
I miss playing bball with you guys too. Do you still play?
Alison,
The super typhoon has left us, see here:
http://typhoon.yahoo.co.jp/weather/jp/typhoon/typha.html
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