Paris Olympics Discussion Thread

[The deacon]

Good win today but we still have a lot to clean up if we are going for another gold. I thought Thomas and Young showed their worth today. I hope Young gets more minutes, and Plum/Loyd get less...

Stewie was the player of the game today!

Agreed re Stewie, GamecockFarm, she was outstanding.

A'ja turned in a 23 and 13 game, too, although she turned it over a bunch of times. No matter who else is on the court with them, it's nearly all about that duo.

I know it won't sit well with most of my fellow BYers, but I'll ask again, why Is DT on this team? Legacy? Ugh!

Perhaps that beaming smile she flashes when her teammates pick up after her is what some would call leadership?

To me, it's more like the guilty cat that swallowed the canary, knowing she got away with one being named to this team. She'll get her sixth gold medal, but it most likely won't be deserved...

My favorite minutes today were Napheesa hitting back to back to re-open a tenuous U.S. lead.

Go, USA!

 

[visitingcock]

But those turnovers tho

Rebound to turnover ratio admittedly not
Great

 

[baggerbob]

Agreed re Stewie, GamecockFarm, she was outstanding.

A'ja turned in a 23 and 13 game, too, although she turned it over a bunch of times. No matter who else is on the court with them, it's nearly all about that duo.

I know it won't sit well with most of my fellow BYers, but I'll ask again, why Is DT on this team? Legacy? Ugh!

Perhaps that beaming smile she flashes when her teammates pick up after her is what some would call leadership?

To me, it's more like the guilty cat that swallowed the canary, knowing she got away with one being named to this team. She'll get her sixth gold medal, but it most likely won't be deserved...

My favorite minutes today were Napheesa hitting back to back to re-open a tenuous U.S. lead.

Go, USA!

The trio from Phoenix don't fit at all on this team. Griner is a shell of herself, and unless they play zone can' t defend anyone. We knew DT coudn't play defense, and she really shouldn't be on the floor starting.
Bring her off the bench after the team has established a lead.
DT after all these years should realize this, and ask to come off the bench.

 

[Plebe]

I should be used to it by now, but I'm continually astounded at the level of physicality allowed in FIBA. The game felt at times more like a frenetic form of roller derby with a shot clock.

I shudder to think wehere we'd be without Stewie and A'ja. Others played key roles today (particularly Thomas and Ionescu) but no doubt those two are carrying us night in and night out.

 

[baggerbob]

I should be used to it by now, but I'm continually astounded at the level of physicality allowed in FIBA. The game felt at times more like a frenetic form of roller derby with a shot clock.

I shudder to think wehere we'd be without Stewie and A'ja. Others played key roles today (particularly Thomas and Ionescu) but no doubt those two are carrying us night in and night out.

It's always been more like a rugby scrum then basketball.
It's like the NBA was back when Wilt played, very physical in the paint.

 

[cancontent]

I should be used to it by now, but I'm continually astounded at the level of physicality allowed in FIBA. The game felt at times more like a frenetic form of roller derby with a shot clock.

I shudder to think wehere we'd be without Stewie and A'ja. Others played key roles today (particularly Thomas and Ionescu) but no doubt those two are carrying us night in and night out.

Personally, I have no issues with FIBA rules. It's been the standard in Canada for decades starting at U13/U14. The roller derby description has me chuckling though.

 

[The deacon]

It's always been more like a rugby scrum then basketball.
It's like the NBA was back when Wilt played, very physical in the paint.

I agree, baggerbob, but was thinking more along the lines of the Laimbeer/Mahorn Pistons?

 

[cancontent]

Wow...the power of social media and the Flavor Flav effect.

This US athlete tweeted earlier that she was struggling to pay rent while training to compete. It went viral has Flavor Flav and Alexis Ohanian (Serena Williams husband) tagged and now she's covered and can compete stress free.

Love these types of stories!!!

 

[ochoopsfan]

The roller derby description has me chuckling though.

 

[cancontent]

Good one.

But seriously my US b-ball fans, what exactly is wrong with FIBA rules, outside of "physicality"? There are components of it that I prefer over US/NCAAW rules which I think would help the game overall. From talking to friends with their kids who have been recruited by NCAA programs, coaches seem to like the fact they've been coached under those rules.

And regarding physicality, I really think that it's a matter of perception. Some of these NCAAW games don't seem any different from my perspective.

 

[Viet Vet]

Ionescu’s long three and fingertip “shhh” at the end of the game screams unsportsmanlike.

 

[GirlBoo1020]

Ionescu’s long three and fingertip “shhh” at the end of the game screams unsportsmanlike.

No, I don't think so. 1) Point differential matters in these games and 2) When a crowds been loudly booing you all game its plenty sportsmanlike to shush them. This is basketball, not ballet. Its a part of the game.

 

[cancontent]

No, I don't think so. 1) Point differential matters in these games and 2) When a crowds been loudly booing you all game its plenty sportsmanlike to shush them. This is basketball, not ballet. Its a part of the game.

It was a Belgian friendly crowd due to the location's proximity to the country. Not surprised she reacted this way. Ionescu has done this in Liberty games and I don't think anyone batted an eye then.

 

[baggerbob]

I agree, baggerbob, but was thinking more along the lines of the Laimbeer/Mahorn Pistons?

Wilt in the 100 point game was 36 out of 63 in field goals, and 28-32 at the free throw line. You had Willis Reed, Nate Thurmond, Wes Unseld, Walt Bellamy, Bob Lanier among others back then.
A lot of big people in a small area.

 

[nwhoopfan]

I hope Young gets more minutes, and Plum/Loyd get less...

How about the 2 starters? Did nothing. In fact Taurasi has done nothing in 2 games. Why is she even starting?

 

[nwhoopfan]

How about Sami Whitcomb for Australia today? 19 points/10 assists, 7-10 shooting. At least 1 UW Husky is doing well in Paris.

 

[Reypl21]

Griner is not what she used to be, which can be expected with what happened. But I'm not sure she deserved to be on this team. I know Boston wasn't playing spectacular at the beginning of the season, but I feel like her or B Jones could have been on this team. Too many guards and wings.

Wilson and Stewart are the two beat players in the world. And they are carrying the team. USA has really talented guards on the roster. The minutes should be resdistributed. Young should be getting more minutes than Taurasi.

 

[cancontent]

While it's nice to see Canada still has a chance, it sucks that point differential is in play

 

[maple]

There needs to be some soul searching on how they put those teams together. Either the 3x3 is an afterthought or is the US truly trying to get the gold...i can think of at least 4 players who would have been great in this format (Arika, Paige, Clark and Juju) and better than who was sent. I understand that there was a limited pool of players to choose from because of the rules so the US needs to send teams on a regular basis to ensure enough good players are eligible.

JMHO for whatever it’s worth, USA Basketball needs to start putting effort into 3x3. I’ll leave it up to those getting the paycheck to decide what that means and how to get there. More training camps? Widening the pool for more players to get experience? I think it’s so silly that we have all this talent in the US and do so well continuously on 5x5 that we can’t replicate that success with 3x3.

 

[JstVisiting]

Spain beats Puerto Rico 63-62. Another strong game for Gustafson in a tight battle. 18 points and 13 rebounds.

It’s stupid and completely against the spirit of international competition to let teams essentially sign free agents. Gustafson has no connection to Spain beyond they scouted her and said, “Hey, wanna passport?”

 

[JstVisiting]

We should just let the Azerbaijan federation pick our 3 on 3 team. They have players from Florida, Texas, and Pennsylvania.

 

[cancontent]

JMHO for whatever it’s worth, USA Basketball needs to start putting effort into 3x3. I’ll leave it up to those getting the paycheck to decide what that means and how to get there. More training camps? Widening the pool for more players to get experience? I think it’s so silly that we have all this talent in the US and do so well continuously on 5x5 that we can’t replicate that success with 3x3.

Hopefully someone else can help clarify, but isn't the points and selection system in place the same one used in Tokyo? The US won gold and I don't recall the selection committee being second guessed back then.

Don't forget, the US won the 3x3 championships last year. That team included Brink, Burdick, Van Lith and Harper.

How wide of a pool is required? USA Basketball has ongoing 3x3 competitions in Colorado Springs and the pool seems very wide from what I've seen. They seem to mix in college players and pro players from what I've watched. When I compare what the US is doing to what Canada does, it looks extensive.

Losing Brink definitely set the team back a bit but I think Hamby has done an admirable job. Maybe this go around, it didn't work out? Looking at the potential in the wings, like the U23 squad that played during all-star weekend, I think the US will be fine.

 

[cancontent]

It’s stupid and completely against the spirit of international competition to let teams essentially sign free agents. Gustafson has no connection to Spain beyond they scouted her and said, “Hey, wanna passport?”

I get your point, but in some cases I don't have an issue with it. I look at the men's team from South Sudan. Majority of those players come from families who had to leave the country to find a better life out of desperation. They're taking advantage of the opportunity to compete and represent their homeland for their families.

Several of these players likely wouldn't get a chance to play for the country they immigrated to. I look at a Montreal kid like Shayock and I know his chances making the Canadian squad are slim. I respect his decision.

That team has been solely funded by former Blue Devil and NBA player Loul (sic) Deng. They are a great example of the Olympic ideal as they doing whatever they can to be competitive with the limited resources they have.

They've represented themselves well and have given their home country something to root for. It's also helping to grow the game in Africa which is starting to pay off. If I recall correctly, one player will be a freshman at Duke this year.

And for players like Gustafson, Vander Sloot, etc., who also have dreams of competing at the Olympics what should they do? Their opportunities via the US process are nil. Maybe for a country like Spain, it shouldn't be possible but for a lot of these other countries, having them on those rosters doesn't seem like it's ruining the sport to me.

 

[ochoopsfan]

USA WBB beats France 14-13 in 3 x 3
Now stand at 2-3
Play a tough Canada team later this morning(9am PDT) is the time the Olympic site says is the starting time

 

[cancontent]

USA WBB beats France 14-13 in 3 x 3
Now stand at 2-3
Play a tough Canada team later this morning(9am PDT) is the time the Olympic site says is the starting time

Looking forward to this match up. The US look like they're starting to click. Should be a fun one!

 

[maple]

Hopefully someone else can help clarify, but isn't the points and selection system in place the same one used in Tokyo? The US won gold and I don't recall the selection committee being second guessed back then.

Don't forget, the US won the 3x3 championships last year. That team included Brink, Burdick, Van Lith and Harper.

How wide of a pool is required? USA Basketball has ongoing 3x3 competitions in Colorado Springs and the pool seems very wide from what I've seen. They seem to mix in college players and pro players from what I've watched. When I compare what the US is doing to what Canada does, it looks extensive.

Losing Brink definitely set the team back a bit but I think Hamby has done an admirable job. Maybe this go around, it didn't work out? Looking at the potential in the wings, like the U23 squad that played during all-star weekend, I think the US will be fine.

You bring up good points, but I guess that’s why I’m confused as to why we went from gold last time around to struggling so much this time around. I don’t know. I humbly admit maybe I’m just ignorant and don’t know what I’m talking about here.

 

[cancontent]

You bring up good points, but I guess that’s why I’m confused as to why we went from gold last time around to struggling so much this time around.

Which is totally fair considering things. US fans are used to seeing their country dominate in basketball. It's the equivalent of Canadian fans when Canada doesn't win gold in hockey. It doesn't seem right even though it's entirely possible.

 

[GoUconn7961]

1. Most European and Asian teams play together longer than the US team. Yes, some of their players are in the W, but obviously not the percentage of the US. Takes a game or two to gel better and get used the the mauling that FIBA allows. Thomas would be well suited to that. LOL - and 3/4 of Europe takes the summer off and are able to pack the stands for a hostile environment. The US knows there's a target on their backs.
2. The US really needs to assess their choices for the 3x3 teams - both men & women. I can't imagine this in LA in 2028.

 

[Dillon77]

USA WBB beats France 14-13 in 3 x 3
Now stand at 2-3
Play a tough Canada team later this morning(9am PDT) is the time the Olympic site says is the starting time

Thanks for reporting this early-morning game. Huuuge win for U.S. to try to get into that 4-team battle for the third and fourth slots.
Will need to check out the Canada team.

U.S. has admitted that they were trying to acclimate to each other (remember, three of the four had played with each other, then Brink went down). Maybe they'll get on a run with a few games under their belt.

 

[Dillon77]

1. Most European and Asian teams play together longer than the US team. Yes, some of their players are in the W, but obviously not the percentage of the US. Takes a game or two to gel better and get used the the mauling that FIBA allows. Thomas would be well suited to that. LOL - and 3/4 of Europe takes the summer off and are able to pack the stands for a hostile environment. The US knows there's a target on their backs.
2. The US really needs to assess their choices for the 3x3 teams - both men & women. I can't imagine this in LA in 2028.

There was a pretty robust discussion on who was available/who was not when the team was selected and after Brink went down with an injury. Right now, FIFA has pretty strict rulings on player rankings, which basically get down to the fact that WNBA/international players have a hard time finding time to qualify for attaining these points (and, is it worth it?).

Knowing this, I suspect there's two ways to go:

1) Work the system and see if the ranking system can be loosened up a bit, allowing for less appearances for top-flight players.
2) If not possible, widen. study and winnow the pool of available players to have a robust group. Given how 3x3 and 5x5 players pools are known and pushed on a continual basis, this would strike me as adding some more personnel and fiscal resources on the administrative aspects.

The U.S. won in Tokyo with a solid group of WNBA vets, that also included a last-minute substitute (Jackie Young).
I'm still scratching my head about why Allisha Gray, a vet of that team who was not chosen for the 5x5 team, is not on this year's 3x3 team. (Not all Dream players can step in and nail a first-year assignment).