RECAP: Team USA 119, China 73

Anyhow, the comments are meant to be as satirical as much as they are fun.  There was no intention to be offensive; though to imagine politics as existing in a vacumm completely separated from the realm of sports and entertainment seems, to me, highly unlikely.  

i come here for a daily escape from politics and life's harsh realities.

personally, one vote from me to keep politics out of the discussions.

As for Yi, I hope the Warriors don't end up with him.  There is a ton of talent in the college ranks that is more projectable and less of a "project."  For years the NBA was behind in the scouting of international players v. homegrown talent.  Sprinkle a Dirk here and a Peja or Yao there and the draft is littered with international busts.  The W's two good recent drafts were: JRich, Troy, and Arenas, and last years Ike, Monte, Taft.  When was the last time the Warriors scored with an international prospect, Marcilonus (sp.)?

In other news the USA pulled out a tough victory against Brazil today.  I wouldn't be suprised for this sqaud to struggle to a second or third place finish in the World's and then return in two years to dominate the olympics.  Thoughts?

From what I'm seen so far though, is that they look pretty rusty and their half court game didn't look that much different than say China's: kinda outta of sync, make a few passes here and there and chuck it if they're open.  Perhaps more time to gel and learn the international game will improve their chances.

I think drafting anywhere (1st round-2nd round) and  everywhere (international or homegrown) is a crapshoot.  There's no real logic to it.  For every Jiri Welsch, theres 100 Jeryl Sassers (or Vonteego Cummings); with every Wang Zizi theres about 200 Kirk Hastons or Marcus Haislips.  For every Yao Ming, there are few Lebrons, Duncans, etc in relation to how many U.S. players get drafted in the whole draft.  Its hard to judge what's a better deal.  I have come to believe that the U.S. game, kids tend to overly rely on athleticism to the point that it overdetermines ones abilities.  The same could be said for international players and there "all-around fundamentals" and utter lack of atheticism.  

Are there players that I think are better than Yi, hell ya. Would i love Yi on our team as a late 1st or even 2nd rd pick, of course!

That said, he was able to show off some of his advertised athleticism and has very quick feets. He is an intriguing project.

As for Chen, for someone who has yet to even play in the men's level competition in China, he sure showed his heart there. He was very relentless going to the basket and generally has had good looks - whether it was a scoring opportunity for himself or a good passing angle for his teammates. He also looks to have a bright future.

bigrobbieb-my mistake, to say the euros lack athelticism all together is an overstatement.  I completley agree with ya that Team USA needs some real shooters, ala Redd, Allen, etc.  I would love to know what Brazil did today to contain the U.S.  In a few years though, Team USA could be real dominate of they stay committed.  It definitely looks as if zone defenses are going to hurt them though as players like Anthony seem strongest when they attack the basket to get to the line.

i'm sorry if im not a major in english, perhaps you could enlighten me in the definition of aggressivity