[jjgold]

How can they lose with these players? Secondly they are much more motivated and not going to go through the motions.

[dwaechte]

I dont see all that much difference from last time.

[pavyracer]

Originally Posted by jjgold

How can they lose with these players? Secondly they are much more motivated and not going to go through the motions.

Why are they motivated? The only thing that motivates them is money. 100 million dollar deals and Nike contracts is what motivates them.

[SlickFazzer]

For the last 5 years its been the same old song and dance with these clowns. Expect the same in 08.

USA is washed up when it comes to fundamentally sound team basketball.

[bookie]

They're better for sure, but so is the rest of the world. They should be the favorites but they're still a go-against team. Pinnacle has US as -320 favorite to win the gold, wtih a +300 take back. They're like a great ACC team that has to get through a whole tournament of Georgetowns, Penns, and Princetons to win it all.

Plus there's a technical weak spot for the US team. If Dwight Howard gets into foul trouble there are bigs who can hurt the US.

Even assuming there's a one hundred percent chance that they get out of the five games of the qualifying round they still have three games to mess up. You'd have to think that they're opponents only had an eight percent chance in each of those three medal round games in order to price this as it is.

[pavyracer]

Originally Posted by bookie

They're better for sure, but so is the rest of the world. They should be the favorites but they're still a go-against team. Pinnacle has US as -320 favorite to win the gold, wtih a +300 take back. They're like a great ACC team that has to get through a whole tournament of Georgetowns, Penns, and Princetons to win it all.

Plus there's a technical weak spot for the US team. If Dwight Howard gets into foul trouble there are bigs who can hurt the US.

Even assuming there's a one hundred percent chance that they get out of the five games of the qualifying round they still have three games to mess up. You'd have to think that they're opponents only had an eight percent chance in each of those three medal round games in order to price this as it is.

They are taking Tyson Chandler as an alternate. I hope Carmelo gets cut so we can add some depth at the center position. Carmelo is bad for the team. No leadership.

[head_strong]

After some things I've read and seen I truly believe this team is on a mission to win the gold. Coach K will have this team ready and the comparisons to the '92 team will surface after the 1st few games. These players do have gigantic egos but I think the embarrassment the team felt in the last games will be the driving factor.

[armyoflovers]

Originally Posted by head_strong

After some things I've read and seen I truly believe this team is on a mission to win the gold. Coach K will have this team ready and the comparisons to the '92 team will surface after the 1st few games. These players do have gigantic egos but I think the embarrassment the team felt in the last games will be the driving factor.

Coach K is the only diff make that might come into play, but coaxing these big ****ing egos to adapt a team ball concept (which the other teams embrace) and to play D is asking a lot. All these guys care about is seeing this as a marketing opportunity and wondering how much asian snatch they cant hit during the games.

But coach K will be in his hotel room jacking off.

[gummo]

They would be better off using last season's Kansas team.

[armyoflovers]

Originally Posted by gummo

They would be better off using last season's Kansas team.

Theyd be better off using WNBA hos, half of them would dunk on them white honkies.

[jjgold]

Coack K is a huge upgrade
Kobe and Kidd will really help along with Williams

Egos really not bad on this team and if they play D they win every game by 10 or more

[WileOut]

They will not lose a game by less than 15 points in the entire thing. Its the All-NBA team going against the Timberwolves in every game.

Ginobli is the only GREAT international player. And Nowitzki.

Physically it is going to be an obliteration. No team can run with the US. No team can rebound with the US. No team is quick enough to guard our players.

This team will be extremely motivated to win it all, and they will. -330 to win the gold, that says it all.

[armyoflovers]

Originally Posted by WileOut

They will not lose a game by less than 15 points in the entire thing. Its the All-NBA team going against the Timberwolves in every game.

Ginobli is the only GREAT international player. And Nowitzki.

Physically it is going to be an obliteration. No team can run with the US. No team can rebound with the US. No team is quick enough to guard our players.

This team will be extremely motivated to win it all, and they will. -330 to win the gold, that says it all.

Same shit applied in 2006 and look what happened. Stop pumping up the US, we suck as a team and this isnt 1992 anymore, when the opposing teams watched us with mouths agape and didnt try to compete. Now that the puppy love phase is over, were just another team, just another Germany and Turkey trying to get a nut.

[WileOut]

Another Germany and Turkey? There is no other international team in any sport that has dominated the international scene as much as USA basketball has dominated their sport.

Name another team in another sport that is a -330 favorite to win the gold or world cup or whatever before the event even starts. What is Germany's odds? What is Turkeys odds to win? Get serious man.

And basketball is the 2nd most popular sport in the world. I've seen some sources that claim it is the first most popular.

[Sinister Cat]

How is this year any different?

2002 World Championship: finished 6th among 16 teams
Reggie Miller, Paul Pierce, Ben Wallace, Jermaine O'Neal, Shawn Marion, Baron Davis, Antonio Davis, Michael Finley, Andre Miller, Jay Williams, Elton Brand, Raef LaFrentz (Coach: George Karl)

2004 Olympic Games: finished 3rd among 12 teams
Tim Duncan, Allen Iverson, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Amare Stoudemire, Shawn Marion, Carlos Boozer, Carmelo Anthony, Stephon Marbury, Richard Jefferson, Lamar Odom, Emeka Okafor (Coach: Larry Brown)

2006 World Championship: finished 3rd among 24 teams
LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony, Antawn Jamison, Brad Miller, Dwight Howard, Chris Bosh, Elton Brand, Shane Battier, Kirk Hinrich, Chris Paul, Joe Johnson (Coach: Mike Krzyzewski)

Is this domination? I'll take the field +250.

[ZBOIZ]

This USA Olympic team will be much improved!! All I have to say is KOBE, CHRIS PAUL!!!!!!

AND COACH K!!!

[flyingillini]

I have them winning the gold..... bet it last week... $2,650 to win 1,000

[head_strong]

Originally Posted by Sinister Cat

How is this year any different?

2002 World Championship: finished 6th among 16 teams
Reggie Miller, Paul Pierce, Ben Wallace, Jermaine O'Neal, Shawn Marion, Baron Davis, Antonio Davis, Michael Finley, Andre Miller, Jay Williams, Elton Brand, Raef LaFrentz (Coach: George Karl)

2004 Olympic Games: finished 3rd among 12 teams
Tim Duncan, Allen Iverson, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Amare Stoudemire, Shawn Marion, Carlos Boozer, Carmelo Anthony, Stephon Marbury, Richard Jefferson, Lamar Odom, Emeka Okafor (Coach: Larry Brown)

2006 World Championship: finished 3rd among 24 teams
LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony, Antawn Jamison, Brad Miller, Dwight Howard, Chris Bosh, Elton Brand, Shane Battier, Kirk Hinrich, Chris Paul, Joe Johnson (Coach: Mike Krzyzewski)

Is this domination? I'll take the field +250.

How this team is any different it's simple KOBE BRYANT aka MVP aka Best Player in the World. Put him on the court with the 2nd best player in the world LEBRON JAMES, name another PG that you would rather have in the world right now than CHRIS PAUL, ect. ect. ect. also I don't see names like: Ben Wallace, Lamar Odom, Brad Miller, Richard Jefferson, Stephon Marbury, Raef LaFrentz, Andre Miller, Antonio Davis, Michael Finley, Jay Williams, Kirk Hinrich, and Allen Iverson on the roster that is also different. When having to play team ball like what will be required to win the Gold, who would you rather have running your team @ PG Allen Iverson, Stephon Marbury, and Jay Williams or Chris Paul, Deron Williams, and Jason Kidd. Kobe won't let this team slip, before the 1st game of the NBA Finals everyone thought Kobe wouldn't let his team lose that series, and in the eyes of the public he may have took at hit as far as his legacy goes. But after reflecting on those games sometimes it looked like 2 vs 5, the Celtics TEAM flat out out played them in every facet. Now show me a roster that can out play this team in any facet.
PG: Chris Paul
SG: Kobe Bryant
SF: LeBron James
PF: Chris Bosh
C: Dwight Howard

[ZBOIZ]

Originally Posted by head_strong

How this team is any different it's simple KOBE BRYANT aka MVP aka Best Player in the World. Put him on the court with the 2nd best player in the world LEBRON JAMES, name another PG that you would rather have in the world right now than CHRIS PAUL, ect. ect. ect. also I don't see names like: Ben Wallace, Lamar Odom, Brad Miller, Richard Jefferson, Stephon Marbury, Raef LaFrentz, Andre Miller, Antonio Davis, Michael Finley, Jay Williams, Kirk Hinrich, and Allen Iverson on the roster that is also different. When having to play team ball like what will be required to win the Gold, who would you rather have running your team @ PG Allen Iverson, Stephon Marbury, and Jay Williams or Chris Paul, Deron Williams, and Jason Kidd. Kobe won't let this team slip, before the 1st game of the NBA Finals everyone thought Kobe wouldn't let his team lose that series, and in the eyes of the public he may have took at hit as far as his legacy goes. But after reflecting on those games sometimes it looked like 2 vs 5, the Celtics TEAM flat out out played them in every facet. Now show me a roster that can out play this team in any facet.
PG: Chris Paul
SG: Kobe Bryant
SF: LeBron James
PF: Chris Bosh
C: Dwight Howard

My point exactly this team will win gold!!

[head_strong]

One more thing....everyone keeps talking about the USA will have to play defense which I agree with, but don't forget these teams also have to figure out how to stop us. Good luck game planning on stopping Chris Paul in transition or Kobe in isolation or LeBron James jumping over you, have fun with that.

[Sinister Cat]

Originally Posted by head_strong

Now show me a roster that can out play this team in any facet.
[/b]

Wouldn't you have made this same argument before each of the last 3 tournaments? This time it's going to be different? It only takes one ill-timed loss to lose the tournament. If they can share the ball and play as a team than they have a good shot at winning. They should be even money to win the gold, at best, in my eyes.

[head_strong]

Originally Posted by Sinister Cat

Wouldn't you have made this same argument before each of the last 3 tournaments? This time it's going to be different? It only takes one ill-timed loss to lose the tournament. If they can share the ball and play as a team than they have a good shot at winning. They should be even money to win the gold, at best, in my eyes.

I expect the USA team to win the Gold every time out as does the rest of the world, why wouldn't you we have the best players in the world. In the past games remember when players were turning down invites and then half that accepted didn't want to be there anyways (Stephon Marbury, Tim Duncan, Allen Iverson, Carmelo Anthony, ect.) In past years I would say I wish we had player x on the team instead of player y, but this year it's hard for me to find many arguments (KG is only player I feel like the USA could really use). I would not make the the same argument in the previous 3 tournaments because each team is different, did I expect them to win yes. I agree with you on the price being a bit too steep but if I had a choice between the Field and the USA, I think you know which way I'd go.

[pavyracer]

Everyone forgets who the coach is. Coach K is an underachiever that his teams never win anything in NCAA exept a miracle shot. If Larry Brown who is a genius NBA coach didn't win the gold in 2004, coach K ain't gonna do it either.

[head_strong]

Originally Posted by pavyracer

Everyone forgets who the coach is. Coach K is an underachiever that his teams never win anything in NCAA exept a miracle shot. If Larry Brown who is a genius NBA coach didn't win the gold in 2004, coach K ain't gonna do it either.

Coach K-built Duke
3 NCAA Championships
10 Final Fours 3rd most ever
69 NCAA tournament victories most ever
6th coach with over 800 wins
9 30 win seasons also a record
Currently the winningest active coach in nation
Record: 803-267 (.750)
I'm not a Duke fan but give credit where credit due. Calling him an underachiever is comical.

[Dark Horse]

The NBA is marketed around superstars. Teams that emphasize team concept, like the Suns, don't receive the same amount of publicity as the Kobe Bryant or Lebron James teams.

The rest of the world doesn't approach basketball this way. They focus on team concept. So sending a bunch of NBA superstars to the Olympics is no guarantee at all for a gold medal. It all depends on how they will gel as a team.

[pavyracer]

Originally Posted by head_strong

Coach K-built Duke
3 NCAA Championships
10 Final Fours 3rd most ever
69 NCAA tournament victories most ever
6th coach with over 800 wins
9 30 win seasons also a record
Currently the winningest active coach in nation
Record: 803-267 (.750)
I'm not a Duke fan but give credit where credit due. Calling him an underachiever is comical.

I think you answered your own questions. 3 NCAA Championships only? If Bobby Knight was a coach then he would have 12 NCAA championships with all the talent he gets every year.

[head_strong]

Originally Posted by pavyracer

I think you answered your own questions. 3 NCAA Championships only? If Bobby Knight was a coach then he would have 12 NCAA championships with all the talent he gets every year.

What question, you made the statement Coach K is an under achiever I provided facts that proved that statement wrong.
I guess the 1,273 games Bob Knight has coached should be enough to have more championships than 3 right? Bob Knight inherited Branch McCraken's program in 1971, a program that in McCracken's era won 4 Big Ten titles and 2 National Titles.
Duke before Coach K: 0 National Titles, 3 Final Fours With Coach K: 3 National Titles, 10 Final Fours.
Indiana before Coach Knight: 2 National Titles, 4 Final Fours With Coach Knight:3 National Titles, 4 Final Fours.... get the point.

[pat venditto]

i don't see how anyone of these nations participating will beat the u.s.a this year. -300 looks like value to me

[so-classy#23]

sure it looks like value, but I find this whole Olympic crap authentically mundane and stupid if you ask me..gimme 1992 again and I'm happy with that Dream Team..they should have ended it right then and there with these competitions..what a waste of time unless you're gambling on it...who gives a damn about that stiff krzyzewski coaching a bunch of pampered prima donnas...Coach K tell them to put mustard on their bounce passes...Players Response: "Hey how much do you make at Duke? Oh yea thats right I just about make 20x times that in a season so go screw yourself and teach defensive slides and how to take a charge at Dukey University"....i hope they lose...if ur betting I guess I would take the Vegas favorite anyways

[armyoflovers]

Fool me once, shame on you....fool me twice and thrice, shame on me. I aint letting this star-studded cast awe me like wileout and head strong. We have a bunch of individuals on our team. We have eerily similar lineups like previous international tournies where there was "no ****ing way USA is losing" and now I hear the same war chants. And we def dont play D worth a shit, nor do we have good ball rotation or five men moving all at once. Its more or less one players turn to clear out and go 1 on 5. Look man, I want team USA to beat the tar out of the other teams as much as any other person, but I am also a realist and know it doesnt matter if you can jump out of the gym or stand 7 ft tall, you got to do the fundamentals to win and thats something USA has lacked. Drink the kool-aid if you wish, but at your own peril. The rest of the world has shown us already we arent what we think we are. Just some more typical US ignorance. No wonder the rest of the world despises us.

[head_strong]

Originally Posted by armyoflovers

Fool me once, shame on you....fool me twice, and three times, shame on me. I aint letting this star-studded cast awe me like wileout and head strong. We have a bunch of individuals on our team. We have eerily similar lineups like previous international tournies where there was "no ****ing way USA is losing" and now I hear the same war chants. And we def dont play D worth a shit, nor do we have good ball rotation or five men moving all at once. Its more or less one players turn to clear out and go 1 on 5. Look man, I want team USA to beat the tar out of the other teams as much as any other person, but I am also a realist and know it doesnt matter if you can jump out of the gym or stand 7 ft tall, you got to do the fundamentals to win and thats something USA has lacked. Drink the kool-aid if you wish, but at your own peril. The rest of the world has shown us already we arent what we think we are. Just some more typical US ignorance. No wonder the rest of the world despises us.

Since the USA isn't going to win could you enlighten me on who exactly is because you sound like you have this whole thing figured out.

[armyoflovers]

Originally Posted by head_strong

Since the USA isn't going to win could you enlighten me on who exactly is because you sound like you have this whole thing figured out.

I am not saying USA will or wont win, but I want people to use recent history as an indicator that just bc Paul is on this team or Howard is on this team itll make a substantial difference. We have always had the athletic edge but it hasnt always helped. Team ball is what counts. That and fundamentals (i.e. being able to shoot FTs).

[head_strong]

Just tune in to NBC on August 24th, watch the gold medal presentation, listen to the United States National Anthem, and smack yourself for losing out on one of the best bets of the year.

[bookie]

Originally Posted by head_strong

Just tune in to NBC on August 24th, watch the gold medal presentation, listen to the United States National Anthem, and smack yourself for losing out on one of the best bets of the year.

Nobody should whack themselves on the side of the head for not playing a -320 favorite.

[SBR_John]

Originally Posted by bookie

They're better for sure, but so is the rest of the world. They should be the favorites but they're still a go-against team. Pinnacle has US as -320 favorite to win the gold, wtih a +300 take back.

Obviously they should be favored and will be favored in every game. But thats to much to lay the -320. I dont see any value in that number.