2018 Team USA | Page 3 | The Boneyard

2018 Team USA

UcMiami said:
This is starting to feel like the 2006 WC team that brought home Bronze - vets from the 2004 Olympics missed that WC (most notably Lisa Leslie and Dawn.
If they were to fail to get gold this year which I think is possible if some others are not added, it could be a benefit in terms of the 2020 Olympics. They would be forced to field a qualifying team for the Americas in 2019 - not a bad thing with the transition that has to happen.
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If we have a core of Sue, Diana, Stewie, Tina, Brittney, and Elena, I like our chances. Take any 2 of those out, and things get dicey.

Though she doesn't start on her WNBA team, I think Morgan Tuck is a good choice. She's smart, calm, skilled, experienced, and versatile. Her experience includes success with USA Basketball, which counts for a lot.
 
I just dont understand people’s fascination with Kelsey Mitchell. I preferred Vivian’s over her in Indiana and eventually she was the starter. I said all thru her college years that she would be a more complete player if she shot the ball less, assisted on more baskets and played some defense. I thought her pro career may change but she is the same as she was at tOSU. Based on the game tonight i would have taken Arike over Mitchell.
 
Arike leads all scorers and chips in 5 assists and doesn't make the cut. Oh USAB, you never fail to annoy me.
 
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Orangutan said:
Arike leads all scorers and chips in 5 assits and doesn't make the cut. Oh USAB, you never fail to annoy me.
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It’s obviously about more than scoring. I thought Arike looked good in the scrimmage, though she did look for her shot a lot. I don’t know how she did the first 2 days. I expected her to survive the first cut. I did not expect Ionescu to make it based on the scrimmage.
 
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MilfordHusky said:
It’s obviously about more than scoring. I thought Arike looked good in the scrimmage, though she did look for her shot a lot. I don’t know how she did the first 2 days. I expected her to survive the first cut. I did not expect Ionescu to make it based on the scrimmage.
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My thoughts exactly. What kind of defense did she play? Did she work to set her teammates up for scoring opportunities? It's not all about jacking up shots. You have Dee, Stewie, Griner, EDD, Tina, etc etc... - a host of other players who are better at offense and defense, and better scoring options. A chucker simply won't make the team.

Having said that, I think it becomes more clear why Clarendon, Sims and Ionescu were saved even tho they didn't score nearly as much.

I don't think Ionescu belongs with the big dogs yet, though. She will, just not yet. And I think they also cut Gray, and the Mitchells. I'm starting to think Plum is the PG of the future to replace Bird. It's REALLY too bad Jefferson has been so injured as this would be the perfect opportunity for her. Hopefully she gets 100% healthy.
 
EricLA said:
My thoughts exactly. What kind of defense did she play? Did she work to set her teammates up for scoring opportunities? It's not all about jacking up shots. You have Dee, Stewie, Griner, EDD, Tina, etc etc... - a host of other players who are better at offense and defense, and better scoring options. A chucker simply won't make the team.
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She was 7 of 12 from the field and had 5 assists versus 0 turnovers. But she's a selfish chucker. Sure. Whatever.

I get that your reflexively contradicting me, which I deserve as the obnoxious visitor, but your rationale doesn't even make sense here.

If chuckers can't make the cut, surely Kelsey Mitchell would have been gone, no?
 
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My World Cup roster
Sue Bird/Sabrina Ionescu*
Diana Taurasi/Jewell Loyd/Tiffany Hayes
Elena Delle Donne/***
Breanna Stewart/Nneka Ogwumike/A’ja Wilson
Brittney Griner/Tina Charles**

*If you’re like me and see Ionescu as the future, I’d like to see her brought along, and use Taurasi and Loyd as backups if things get too scary. The last thing we all want (except for the international fans) is Ionescu to become the next Vandersloot. If they see this as unrealistic, then it’ll probably be Sims, Clarendon, or Plum instead. I’m not in love with any of those three. The article described Sims as a headlining player, so I suppose she may be the strongest candidate for backup PG.

**I would elect Charles to return to center for this tournament, or else we’re in danger of Dolson making the team. I don’t think that should happen.

***Dogfight between DeShields, Collier, Tuck, and Gray for backup SF. If EDD bows out, then two of them make up the SF slot.
 
Orangutan said:
Arike leads all scorers and chips in 5 assists and doesn't make the cut. Oh USAB, you never fail to annoy me.
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Somehow I doubt the decisions were made solely based on last night's box score.

Are you annoyed that Diggins-Smith and McBride said no to USA BB? Are they injured? Seems they both had a great chance to make the team.
 
UConnCat said:
Are you annoyed that Diggins-Smith and McBride said no to USA BB? Are they injured? Seems they both had a great chance to make the team.
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The word I would use is disappointed.

McBride I somewhat understand. She has been going non-stop for a while now and will be playing at UMMC this winter. That's a lucrative gig. I understand wanting to take a short break to recharge so she can show up to her new team refreshed and ready to go.

I have no idea what is going on with Skylar.

It's not my body or my career so it's easy for me to pass judgment from behind a computer screen. But purely as a fan? Yes, disappointed.

Realistically, Arike's time will come. I was mostly reacting to the whiplash of going quickly from being excited that she had played well to finding she had been cut.
 
Orangutan said:
She was 7 of 12 from the field and had 5 assists versus 0 turnovers. But she's a selfish chucker. Sure. Whatever.

I get that your reflexively contradicting me, which I deserve as the obnoxious visitor, but your rationale doesn't even make sense here.

If chuckers can't make the cut, surely Kelsey Mitchell would have been gone, no?
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I didn't say she was a "selfish chucker". Nor ws I "reflexively contradicting you". I was actually agreeing with @MilfordHusky, just saying it differently than he did. I was trying to make guesses as to why she was cut. Like Cat said, there's more to making the team than one exhibition game. They already have the ball hog chick (another chucker) in Dee.

I don't disagree with you on Mitchell. But again, I've not watched enough games to know for sure and I was not at the practices either. On the flip side, Mitchell is what - 3-4 years older? Perhaps her experience got her thru.

Perhaps she's just too young. Perhaps there are too many other guards with more experience or who are better players ahead of her. We didn't see her in practice with the other players. We really won't know unless we hear from the committee. Why do you think she was cut?
 
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Is there any place with highlights, or a replay? I missed it. And besides... My broke college kid TV package probably didn't habe NBA TV anyway :confused:
 
Reypl21 said:
Is there any place with highlights, or a replay? I missed it. And besides... My broke college kid TV package probably didn't habe NBA TV anyway :confused:
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This might be as good as it gets:
 
Regarding Arike and the other guards, Debbie and Kara stressed 2 points during the game:

--The role of the PG is to facilitate and find the wealth of scorers we have.

--Another goal is to not turn the ball over.

Cat is spot-on: The cuts were not based on the box score or even the scrimmage. They were based on the player's full resume and 3 days of practice/scrimmage. Based on the scrimmage, I would have kept Arike and cut Sabrina, but USAB did the reverse.

Players who impressed last night: Nneka and A'ja, not surprisingly. I think they make it. I also agree with Eric on multiple points: Plum makes the team. Last July, I would have thought it was impossible, but she ended her first pro season well and played effectively in her second. I also think a healthy Moriah could make the team. I would have loved to see Renee in camp.

Regarding the Huskies, I think Tiff could make the team as an elite defender, and Napheesa could be part of the youth movement. She had 10 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 blocks, and 3 steals last night. Other than her shooting percentage (5-11), it looked like her typical UConn game.
 
Orangutan said:
The word I would use is disappointed.

McBride I somewhat understand. She has been going non-stop for a while now and will be playing at UMMC this winter. That's a lucrative gig. I understand wanting to take a short break to recharge so she can show up to her new team refreshed and ready to go.

I have no idea what is going on with Skylar.

It's not my body or my career so it's easy for me to pass judgment from behind a computer screen. But purely as a fan? Yes, disappointed.

Realistically, Arike's time will come. I was mostly reacting to the whiplash of going quickly from being excited that she had played well to finding she had been cut.
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I can understand the disappointment. I've never thought Diggins-Smith was a good fit for USA basketball but I expected her to make the team and I'm disappointed that I won't see her play live for the first time. (I'll be in Tenerife)

As for McBride, there have been several players over the years who've had lucrative deals in Russia and still chose to play in the world championships. I'm surprised.
 
Orangutan said:
The word I would use is disappointed.

McBride I somewhat understand. She has been going non-stop for a while now and will be playing at UMMC this winter. That's a lucrative gig. I understand wanting to take a short break to recharge so she can show up to her new team refreshed and ready to go.

I have no idea what is going on with Skylar.

It's not my body or my career so it's easy for me to pass judgment from behind a computer screen. But purely as a fan? Yes, disappointed.

Realistically, Arike's time will come. I was mostly reacting to the whiplash of going quickly from being excited that she had played well to finding she had been cut.
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UConnCat said:
I can understand the disappointment. I've never thought Diggins-Smith was a good fit for USA basketball but I expected her to make the team and I'm disappointed that I won't see her play live for the first time. (I'll be in Tenerife)

As for McBride, there have been several players over the years who've had lucrative deals in Russia and still chose to play in the world championships. I'm surprised.
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I was initially surprised by McBride...she's been a solid "soldier" in the global tour of top WBB players. As most know, she led the Europe League in scoring, which may have helped her get the call to Russia.

McBride's situation may/may not be tied into Russia specifically, but represents yet another change in her professional/personal locations. Most of the WBB players have nomadic lives by necessity, but McBride has moved from San Antonio (which she liked very much) to Las Vegas and now has uprooted her European base of operations from Turkey to Russia. She's been a good soldier..but I've read she's looking to deepen her roots and do more with her second passion (food). Who knows exactly what's up...I'd like to hear her answer.

I'm perplexed by Diggins-Smith, who has talked about making the team on a steady basis. And she has -- for a variety of reasons -- not done the international "gruel-athon" that others (McBride, Maya) have. Not sure what her answer will be, but "disappointed" is another word that might follow perplexed.

(BTW, one caveat might be if there's a personal and/or medical issue these players are addressing. That goes for anyone....).

As for Ms. Ogunbowale, I thought she played pretty well and might've gotten past the first cut. However, if the trials are as fluid as Dawn has indicated, there will be other guards (DT, Jewell) arriving at some point and it's doubtful Arike would have headed overseas. So, good effort, good experience and hopefully she'll get her chances, knock on wood.

By the way, Cat, enjoy yourself there...I'm jealous!
 
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Dillon77 said:
I was initially surprised by McBride...she's been a solid "soldier" in the global tour of top WBB players. As most know, she led the Europe League in scoring, which may have helped her get the call to Russia.

McBride's situation may/may not be tied into Russia specifically, but represents yet another change in her professional/personal locations. Most of the WBB players have nomadic lives by necessity, but McBride has moved from San Antonio (which she liked very much) to Las Vegas and now has uprooted her European base of operations from Turkey to Russia. She's been a good soldier..but I've read she's looking to deepen her roots and do more with her second passion (food). Who knows exactly what's up...I'd like to hear her answer.

I'm perplexed by Diggins-Smith, who has talked about making the team on a steady basis. And she has not been -- for a variety of reasons -- not done the international "gruelathon" that others (McBride, Maya) have. Not sure what her answer will be, but disappointed is another word that might follow perplexed.

As for Ms. Ogunbowale, I thought she played pretty well and might've gotten past the first cut. However, if the trials are as fluid as Dawn has indicated, there will be other guards (DT, Jewell) arriving at some point and it's doubtful Arike would have headed overseas. So, good effort, good experience and hopefully she'll get her chances, knock on wood.

By the way, Cat, enjoy yourself there...I'm jealous!
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For the players who go overseas, it's a different situation than it is for players like Skylar and Elena, both of whom have eschewed foreign play. Those two would have plenty of time to recover after 2-3 tough weeks with USAB.
 
I believe Dawn is a mediocre strategist and in game coach, so I hope US talent will out despite our usual hurry up and slap it together approach to team building.
 
USA BB tweeted this video (from April camp) on August 27 so they seemed to believe Diggins-Smith would be part of the group trying to make the team. One way to guarantee you don't make the team is not to show up. This is hard to understand.

 
UConnCat said:
USA BB tweeted this video (from April camp) on August 27 so they seemed to believe Diggins-Smith would be part of the group trying to make the team. One way to guarantee you don't make the team is not to show up. This is hard to understand.

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Maybe she's quietly nursing a medical issue? But Geno has observed that some of the best don't want to show up for the Worlds, yet I suspect they expect to compete for the Olympic team. I feel torn about that, because these athletes have a brutal schedule with international play being their big pay days. Everybody deserves a break and is better off for it.
 
RockyMTblue2 said:
Maybe she's quietly nursing a medical issue? But Geno has observed that some of the best don't want to show up for the Worlds, yet I suspect they expect to compete for the Olympic team. I feel torn about that, because these athletes have a brutal schedule with international play being their big pay days. Everybody deserves a break and is better off for it.
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Perhaps she is. Or perhaps if the Wings were still alive in the WNBA playoffs she'd be playing.

My reaction to those guards who've backed out of the 2018 World Cup for reasons unknown is in part shaped by the many posts on this board complaining about USA BB not transitioning to younger guards. With Whalen and Augustus out that transition is set to begin and there's no better time than the World Cup where the pressure is less than at the Olympics. That's what makes these decisions so hard to understand. Plus, there's no Geno standing in the way.

Sue and Diana have been not only great guards for USA BB and they've been dependable players for USA BB. Neither has ever missed a World Cup and I suspect Sue will be in Tenerife wearing her mask.
 
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UConnCat said:
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Some players are clearly appreciative. I think Tiffany tweeted something to this effect after the last camp. I hope to see Tiff in D.C. on Monday or maybe on TV in Bridgeport tomorrow.
 
UConnCat said:
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I guess some players aren't too "exhausted" even tho they've played more than the players who opted out. Funny how that works - the best players are also the ones most committed to USA Basketball. And I'm not talking about players with legit injuries.

There was an article the other day (I forget the link) where Carol Callen (I believe) was talking about choosing players now and in the future, and loyalty to USA basketball was one of the first things she mentioned. @MilfordHusky may know where the link is better than me...

It should be no surprise to those who opted out if in 2020, they are passed over for the Olympics in favor of players who were more "loyal". Not that I hope for injuries, but I hope there's more to these stories...
 
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There are enough players who are absent that I wonder if there is something more going on than just a bunch of players independently deciding they were too tired/didn't care/etc and not showing up. Maybe some of these players have some nagging injuries we don't know about and were thus excused by USAB?

I don't know. I wish we would get some explanation from either side, either USAB or the players.

 
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