FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019

[wheelz1200]

USA does dominate but this year has been talked a lot like they are not bringing their big guns which could be the reason why people think maybe this year is the year they finally lose. Hell they already lost one game so far, they haven't lost in the past decade or so I think before this, I know national teams do not play that much but Coach K coached 78 games and won all of them whereas right now they already lost to Australia in an exhibition game.

So, considering they are not at their 100% power we may actually see an upset but even that is a big IF because this is USA national team we are talking about, even at their worst roster they are miles better than anyone else, this just looks bad compared to all-star team they had in the previous 10-15 years.

The US is made up of mostly players who didnt even make the 3rd all nba team.  This team can lose to some of the other teams out there.  One of the worse put together teams in awhile.  They will have their struggles in this tournament.

[efialtis]

USA does dominate but this year has been talked a lot like they are not bringing their big guns which could be the reason why people think maybe this year is the year they finally lose. Hell they already lost one game so far, they haven't lost in the past decade or so I think before this, I know national teams do not play that much but Coach K coached 78 games and won all of them whereas right now they already lost to Australia in an exhibition game.

So, considering they are not at their 100% power we may actually see an upset but even that is a big IF because this is USA national team we are talking about, even at their worst roster they are miles better than anyone else, this just looks bad compared to all-star team they had in the previous 10-15 years.

The US is made up of mostly players who didnt even make the 3rd all nba team.  This team can lose to some of the other teams out there.  One of the worse put together teams in awhile.  They will have their struggles in this tournament.

But with one of the best coaches in the world...

[wheelz1200]

USA does dominate but this year has been talked a lot like they are not bringing their big guns which could be the reason why people think maybe this year is the year they finally lose. Hell they already lost one game so far, they haven't lost in the past decade or so I think before this, I know national teams do not play that much but Coach K coached 78 games and won all of them whereas right now they already lost to Australia in an exhibition game.

So, considering they are not at their 100% power we may actually see an upset but even that is a big IF because this is USA national team we are talking about, even at their worst roster they are miles better than anyone else, this just looks bad compared to all-star team they had in the previous 10-15 years.

The US is made up of mostly players who didnt even make the 3rd all nba team.  This team can lose to some of the other teams out there.  One of the worse put together teams in awhile.  They will have their struggles in this tournament.

But with one of the best coaches in the world...

There is no doubting that.  Pop somehow always gets the best out of whoever he has on the team.  But the, he was gifted some very nice players along the way on the spurs

[Distinctin]

There is no doubting that.  Pop somehow always gets the best out of whoever he has on the team.  But the, he was gifted some very nice players along the way on the spurs

I think it's him being a gift more than a player, as what I have noticed in the team spurs, he was able to make an average player in becoming a star player. I doubt Kawhi would become a star if he didn't start with the Spurs, he is a Legend, at least that's what I believe and that's the reason why until now he is still coaching the spurs.

This season, spurs wasn't really that strong enough, but they reach the playoffs, unfortunately fall short to the Nuggets.
Anyway, I think team USA are confident despite their players is not the star quality that we are expecting is because of this guy.

[bryant.coleman]

It's really a surprised that Team USA lost against Australia, although this is just an exhibition match. They have been exposed here as too much individual plays they need to blend, and work as a team otherwise this will be a big upset against them. Sure Pop can turn this team around, but if players didn't respond from his coaching then we can't do anything about it.

It was just an exhibition match and probably the players were not as serious as they would be in a NBA match. Also, you need to remember that many of the important players are missing from the American team. That may have affected the team bonding. But they have already played 2-3 matches with the current squad and I guess that is enough to create a sense of cohesivity within the team. Personally I want Serbia to win the tournament and the loss by US makes me a bit energized about the future prospects of the Serbs. It may be an exhibition match, but they proved that US is not that invincible.

[btc_angela]

It's really a surprised that Team USA lost against Australia, although this is just an exhibition match. They have been exposed here as too much individual plays they need to blend, and work as a team otherwise this will be a big upset against them. Sure Pop can turn this team around, but if players didn't respond from his coaching then we can't do anything about it.

It was just an exhibition match and probably the players were not as serious as they would be in a NBA match. Also, you need to remember that many of the important players are missing from the American team. That may have affected the team bonding. But they have already played 2-3 matches with the current squad and I guess that is enough to create a sense of cohesivity within the team. Personally I want Serbia to win the tournament and the loss by US makes me a bit energized about the future prospects of the Serbs. It may be an exhibition match, but they proved that US is not that invincible.

Yet, it was the first time in 13 years that a USA mens basketball team internationally tournament or exhibition. But we have to look at Australia though, they have NBA players that contributed to this victory. I would say that the US is no assured of gold here, and I would agree that Serbia is the team to beat here.

[Chrystora123]

the group will be divided into 8 groups (group A - group H).  I'm very sure the Serbian team will have very good fortune this time, I can't wait until August 31st  ... go go go Nikola Jokic, give a big surprise this year 

[narcopop]

USA does dominate but this year has been talked a lot like they are not bringing their big guns which could be the reason why people think maybe this year is the year they finally lose. Hell they already lost one game so far, they haven't lost in the past decade or so I think before this, I know national teams do not play that much but Coach K coached 78 games and won all of them whereas right now they already lost to Australia in an exhibition game.

So, considering they are not at their 100% power we may actually see an upset but even that is a big IF because this is USA national team we are talking about, even at their worst roster they are miles better than anyone else, this just looks bad compared to all-star team they had in the previous 10-15 years.

The US is made up of mostly players who didnt even make the 3rd all nba team.  This team can lose to some of the other teams out there.  One of the worse put together teams in awhile.  They will have their struggles in this tournament.

But with one of the best coaches in the world...

Maybe it's the biggest paradox of this World Cup. Big dogs who are actually pretty small and they rather squeal instead of barking. Though they have the finest possible dog walker. One big enigma from USA Team. Those boys can finish in great style with gold medals but they can get knocked out in quarterfinals as well. Since the 2006 World Cup, there hasn't been as average USA Team as this one.

[efialtis]

Short update on the Greek team: Sloukas has joined the team --> great news! Other than that, Greece will face Dominican Republic today in one of their last matches before the start of the world cup. Youtube stream will be available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDuy-s1WxOU

[Golftech]

There is no doubting that.  Pop somehow always gets the best out of whoever he has on the team.  But the, he was gifted some very nice players along the way on the spurs

I think it's him being a gift more than a player, as what I have noticed in the team spurs, he was able to make an average player in becoming a star player. I doubt Kawhi would become a star if he didn't start with the Spurs, he is a Legend, at least that's what I believe and that's the reason why until now he is still coaching the spurs.

This season, spurs wasn't really that strong enough, but they reach the playoffs, unfortunately fall short to the Nuggets.
Anyway, I think team USA are confident despite their players is not the star quality that we are expecting is because of this guy.

It will be another challenge aside from the competition itself. Building  chemistry and make a good use of what you have would be a challenge for this legendary coach, speaking with how the team will turn out. There's been a  lot of opinions about how the managing staff will come up with strategy and game plan in order to still be at the top. Even the expectation is not that big for them, as competitors now is really strong its a good tournament that we are going to expect .

[Jating]

There is no doubting that.  Pop somehow always gets the best out of whoever he has on the team.  But the, he was gifted some very nice players along the way on the spurs

I think it's him being a gift more than a player, as what I have noticed in the team spurs, he was able to make an average player in becoming a star player. I doubt Kawhi would become a star if he didn't start with the Spurs, he is a Legend, at least that's what I believe and that's the reason why until now he is still coaching the spurs.

This season, spurs wasn't really that strong enough, but they reach the playoffs, unfortunately fall short to the Nuggets.
Anyway, I think team USA are confident despite their players is not the star quality that we are expecting is because of this guy.

It will be another challenge aside from the competition itself. Building  chemistry and make a good use of what you have would be a challenge for this legendary coach, speaking with how the team will turn out. There's been a  lot of opinions about how the managing staff will come up with strategy and game plan in order to still be at the top. Even the expectation is not that big for them, as competitors now is really strong its a good tournament that we are going to expect .

So it's better if we don't expect big for them this year, specially the team they have sent. Although it is talented in paper, it's no way compare to the previous team. And just by looking at other teams, it is boasted by NBA players so it will be a big task for team USA to even get into the medal contention here.

No offense to coach Pop, but he will have his hands full here to be able to win against a team like Serbia. And that lost against Australia is a wake up call indeed for them and that lost shows that they're not invincible.

[efialtis]

The USA are right now playing vs Canada and the 1. quarter is just about to end. The stream is available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzgNQg2F34k

[efialtis]

The USA are right now playing vs Canada and the 1. quarter is just about to end. The stream is available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzgNQg2F34k

70:52 for the USA 6 minutes before the end but once again not a great performance to be honest...

[Japinat]

The USA are right now playing vs Canada and the 1. quarter is just about to end. The stream is available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzgNQg2F34k

Thanks for the streaming link, I was able to load it, but unfortunately my internet connection now is very slow due to heavy rain outside.
I'm just gonna check the stats after this game or maybe watch the highlights after this game.

[Daniel91]

The USA are right now playing vs Canada and the 1. quarter is just about to end. The stream is available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzgNQg2F34k

70:52 for the USA 6 minutes before the end but once again not a great performance to be honest...

I'm not really surprised at all!
How many players have given up playing for the US national team so far? 40?
It's to much even for them.
They even recently lost their first match after about ten years or so.
I would say that they are very vulnerable and victorious this time.
I believe that some good national teams like Spain or Serbia can beat them finally.

[wheelz1200]

There is no doubting that.  Pop somehow always gets the best out of whoever he has on the team.  But the, he was gifted some very nice players along the way on the spurs

I think it's him being a gift more than a player, as what I have noticed in the team spurs, he was able to make an average player in becoming a star player. I doubt Kawhi would become a star if he didn't start with the Spurs, he is a Legend, at least that's what I believe and that's the reason why until now he is still coaching the spurs.

This season, spurs wasn't really that strong enough, but they reach the playoffs, unfortunately fall short to the Nuggets.
Anyway, I think team USA are confident despite their players is not the star quality that we are expecting is because of this guy.

I agree with you.  Pop is a stellar coach and a wizard about getting his guys to play together as a team.  People dont generally understand how complex team defense is.  If one guy misses an assignment it crumbles apart.  His teams always have played great team defense.  I was just pointing out, the guys he has had over the years (duncan, parker, Manu, Kawhi etc have helped that along..

[Bossian]

The USA are right now playing vs Canada and the 1. quarter is just about to end. The stream is available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzgNQg2F34k

70:52 for the USA 6 minutes before the end but once again not a great performance to be honest...

I'm not really surprised at all!
How many players have given up playing for the US national team so far? 40?
It's to much even for them.
They even recently lost their first match after about ten years or so.
I would say that they are very vulnerable and victorious this time.
I believe that some good national teams like Spain or Serbia can beat them finally.

Team B, C or even D will be good enough for USA to lift the trophy. Believe me. The tournament has not started yet.
Bump this post in a few weeks time.

[el kaka22]

USA team is getting bashed incredibly hard, like "they do not even have third team all-nba on their roster" how many teams have that anyway? Serbia has maybe one? Greece has one?

USA has 12 NBA players on their roster, which other team has that much of a stacked team, sure the other teams have better players on their roster for ONE position but all other positions they are much more worse, for example Greece has Giannis and that is great and that is the best SF in the whole cup but are you really sure Greece has any matchup on pg-sg-pf-c positions? I doubt so. Sure, Serbia has Jokic on their roster but do they have matchup in pg-sg-sf-pf positions? Of course not. USA is still the best roster in this cup by a big margin, its not even close, they have the advantage on 4-5 positions on every single second of their play time.

[LTU_btc]

Team B, C or even D will be good enough for USA to lift the trophy. Believe me. The tournament has not started yet.
Bump this post in a few weeks time.

Hey, maybe you want to make a side bet? I'm saying that USA won't win World Cup. Just $10 or $20. Reply if you agree

USA team is getting bashed incredibly hard, like "they do not even have third team all-nba on their roster" how many teams have that anyway? Serbia has maybe one? Greece has one?

USA has 12 NBA players on their roster, which other team has that much of a stacked team, sure the other teams have better players on their roster for ONE position but all other positions they are much more worse, for example Greece has Giannis and that is great and that is the best SF in the whole cup but are you really sure Greece has any matchup on pg-sg-pf-c positions? I doubt so. Sure, Serbia has Jokic on their roster but do they have matchup in pg-sg-sf-pf positions? Of course not. USA is still the best roster in this cup by a big margin, its not even close, they have the advantage on 4-5 positions on every single second of their play time.

USA is still favorites, but as we see, they are not so good as before. In past USA usually won all games by 20-30 points without even playing seriously. Now they lost first time in 13 years, had difficult games against Spain, Australia, so, no surprise that they are bashed.
Greece have not only Giannis, but also Calathes, Sloukas, who are one of the best players in their position in Europe. Serbia also isn't just about Jokic - they have Bogdanovic, Bjelica, solid backup C Marjanovic. They have good players in other positions too.
Nobody aren't even talking about teams like France, Spain, Lithuania - they also have a lot of talent.

[Naida_BR]

Short update on the Greek team: Sloukas has joined the team --> great news! Other than that, Greece will face Dominican Republic today in one of their last matches before the start of the world cup. Youtube stream will be available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDuy-s1WxOU

Sloukas is a great player and it is absolutely good news that he is able to play on the tournament.
He is going to play a vital role in Greek team and especially now Giannis will have a good guard to give them assists.