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Weakened US is still top dog
By Sun Xiaochen (China Daily)
Updated: 2010-08-26 10:14
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 U.S. national basketball team players (L-R) Lamar Odom, Kevin Durant and Derrick Rose take a break while warming up at Madrid's Caja Magica pavillion prior to a friendly game against Lithuania August 21, 2010. The U.S.A. basketball team is in Madrid to play two friendly games against Lithuania and Spain in preparation for the upcoming Basketball World Championships in Turkey later this month. [Photo/Agencies] |
Despite few big names and little size and experience, the United States is still tipped to win the FIBA World Basketball Championship in Turkey.
Four years ago, a star-studded team that included the likes of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Carmelo Anthony had to settle for bronze in Japan.
This year, the US will be short on star power, inside height and international experience, but greater teamwork and suffocating defense may see it break a 16-year world title drought.
Six youngsters on this year's roster were still in high school the last time the US played at the World Championship four years ago as coach Mike Krzyzewski has five 21-year-olds in his 12-man squad.
"There aren't many big egos here, and we've already told them where to show off their personal egos - on the court," Colangelo told the FIBA website. "Nobody plays a selfish game here."
"They didn't gel together," Derrick Rose, the 21-year-old Chicago Bulls guard, said of the 2006 team. "With the team we have now we are young, but we like playing together. We have the chemistry to make history right now."
A major concern for the US ahead of the tournament is the lack of size in the paint.
However, the reality is size could be a non-issue.
Although Tyson Chandler and Kevin Love are the only two centers on paper, some "big" swing men, like Lamar Odom and Danny Granger, whose athletic abilities offset their lack of size, should protect the boards when needed.
Some pundits have become caught up in the misconception that the US team might be weak inside despite the fact that Coach K's blueprint for Team USA is to go with a small lineup which is equipped for speed and defense.
The full-court approach will be enhanced by defenders such as Stephen Curry, Eric Gordon and Russell Westbrook, while wing men Andre Iguodala and Rudy Gay are reliable blockers.
"We have great attitudes, excellent speed, and I think we can play good defense to overcome our weaknesses," Coach K, who has preached the importance of defense since he was handed the reins to the national team before the 2006 Worlds, told the FIBA website.
It is unlikely the US will face any great adversity before the quarterfinals, where it may meet Greece or host Turkey. If it reaches the semifinals, archrival Spain looms.
While it appears first place in the group will be locked by the US, the runner-up spot in Group B will be up for grabs.
Slovenia, led by the Phoenix Suns' Goran Dragic, Beno Udrih of the Sacramento Kings and Primoz Brezec of the Milwaukee Bucks, is a potentially dangerous team. Don't count out the Brazilians, either.
NBA-based guns Leandro Barbosa, Tiago Splitter and Anderson Varejao lead a team that could give the Americans to ruble.
However, Brazil was dealt a huge blow on Monday as Nene had to leave the squad due to injury.
Croatia, Iran and Tunisia will fight it out for the fourth spot to reach the knockout stage.
Croatia, which finished sixth at the 2008 Olympic Games and 2009 European Championship, is favored to claim that berth.