USA 112 Venezuela 69
> Venezuela was completely overmatched in this one. No one their roster could guard Kobe, LeBron, Carmelo or even Michael Redd.
> I liked the intensity I saw on both ends of the floor throughout the game. Even when the game was well in hand Team USA was clamping down on defense and pushing the tempo on offense.
> Overall I’d have to say this was a very good first outing for the national team with nothing to get overly worked up about.
Starters – This unit played like the US always talks about playing. They ran all over Venezuela and used their superior athleticism to pressure the ball, force turnovers and blow the game wide open.
PG – Jason Kidd – didn’t take a shot and was very steady in charge. Our starting point man in Beijing.
SG – Kobe Bryant – he tried to fit in but forced things a little (team high 3 turnovers). #10 needs to do a better job running the half court offense when things slow down. Still, he led the team in assists (5), steals (3) and was second in rebounds (5). Bryant also set the tone early in terms of defensive intensity.
SF – LeBron James – looks content to be a facilitator (5-7 from the field with 3 rebounds, assists & steals), which is very good news for this squad.
PF – Carmelo Anthony – was a man among boys down low. I mean he took it at everyone with POWER trying to dunk any time he was in the lane. One negative though, Melo needs to understand that his 3-point shooting is not needed on this club.
C – Dwight Howard – I like D Hiddy in the starting lineup as he was willing to rebound (team high 8), defend (3 blocks led team), run and clean up the scraps.
Second team – This unit is what separates this version of the national team from the previous few. After the frantic pace that the starters set, coach Mike Krzyzewski comes with a more half court based group that features a traditional dominate post player surrounded by shooters all around.
PG – Chauncey Billups – His shot was off (1-4 from three) and looked somewhat awkward to me, but he ran the team well and should be our backup PG in the Olympics.
SG – Michael Redd – looks tailor made for the sixth man instant offense role. However he does need to get a little more comfortable spotting up because that’s where most of his opportunities will come from.
SF – Mike Miller – was open a lot and missed a lot (2-8 on 3’s) and that’s not going to cut it.
PF – Tayshaun Prince – while he certainly has the length to play the 4 internationally, I’m not sure he possesses the strength.
C – Amare Stoudemire – I have my doubts about how his game translates on the international level, but I love him in the role of offensive focal point for the second unit down low.
11th man – Tyson Chandler – his size, defense and activity will be needed before it’s all over.
12th man – Deron Williams – he’s happy to be along for the ride and should get plenty of mop up minutes at the point.
> I liked the intensity I saw on both ends of the floor throughout the game. Even when the game was well in hand Team USA was clamping down on defense and pushing the tempo on offense.
> Overall I’d have to say this was a very good first outing for the national team with nothing to get overly worked up about.
Starters – This unit played like the US always talks about playing. They ran all over Venezuela and used their superior athleticism to pressure the ball, force turnovers and blow the game wide open.
PG – Jason Kidd – didn’t take a shot and was very steady in charge. Our starting point man in Beijing.
SG – Kobe Bryant – he tried to fit in but forced things a little (team high 3 turnovers). #10 needs to do a better job running the half court offense when things slow down. Still, he led the team in assists (5), steals (3) and was second in rebounds (5). Bryant also set the tone early in terms of defensive intensity.
SF – LeBron James – looks content to be a facilitator (5-7 from the field with 3 rebounds, assists & steals), which is very good news for this squad.
PF – Carmelo Anthony – was a man among boys down low. I mean he took it at everyone with POWER trying to dunk any time he was in the lane. One negative though, Melo needs to understand that his 3-point shooting is not needed on this club.
C – Dwight Howard – I like D Hiddy in the starting lineup as he was willing to rebound (team high 8), defend (3 blocks led team), run and clean up the scraps.
Second team – This unit is what separates this version of the national team from the previous few. After the frantic pace that the starters set, coach Mike Krzyzewski comes with a more half court based group that features a traditional dominate post player surrounded by shooters all around.
PG – Chauncey Billups – His shot was off (1-4 from three) and looked somewhat awkward to me, but he ran the team well and should be our backup PG in the Olympics.
SG – Michael Redd – looks tailor made for the sixth man instant offense role. However he does need to get a little more comfortable spotting up because that’s where most of his opportunities will come from.
SF – Mike Miller – was open a lot and missed a lot (2-8 on 3’s) and that’s not going to cut it.
PF – Tayshaun Prince – while he certainly has the length to play the 4 internationally, I’m not sure he possesses the strength.
C – Amare Stoudemire – I have my doubts about how his game translates on the international level, but I love him in the role of offensive focal point for the second unit down low.
11th man – Tyson Chandler – his size, defense and activity will be needed before it’s all over.
12th man – Deron Williams – he’s happy to be along for the ride and should get plenty of mop up minutes at the point.
posted by D$ at 8:43 AM
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