Team USA @ Oregon - 11/09/19

[nickp91]

Sabrina Ionescu is a generational player

 

[willtalk]

I think what defines Sabrina's ability to focus is that she is a first-generation Romanian. When you think Romanian, you think Nadia Comaneci. Their culture seems to produce athletes that strive for perfection and will not settle for less. Her athletic ability is nothing special, but what makes her is her will to win and desire to be the best.

 

[willtalk]

I still think that both Bird and DT should with draw from the team. In the previous 3 games the college teams always got a quick lead on team USA. It was always the second team that closed the gap and widened the lead. They brought in subs earlier than usual so that pattern was not repeated. DT had a good shooting night, much like Bird had against Oregon St. Bird is a better defender than DT, but both of them are an obvious defensive liability.

 

[TheFarmFan]

I was one of the 6 "crazy" folks who picked Oregon to win, and for one simple reason: team chemistry. I truly don't think there's a better triple punch in WCBB right now than Sabrina-Ruthy-Satou. One on one, Team USA hands down. But they are not playing with much chemistry, and A'ja, Nneka, and Fowles are the only ones keeping Team USA in these games right now. With A'ja out, and Fowles in foul trouble, I'm not suprised Nneka alone was not going to elevate Team USA over the Ducks' triple threat.

And good for Kelly and Co. to bring it to Team USA. This experience will only benefit everyone down the road, and definitely brings some extra hype to Eugene.

Also: I've asked before but don't think I've seen an answer - would Sabrina be eligible for the Olympics team even if she doesn't turn pro until April? Seems to me I'd take her over basically any of the point guards who've been playing on the Team USA tour.

 

[Dwilliams02]

Okay okay okay. That was impressive. Baylor by 4.

 

[Shades]

Also: I've asked before but don't think I've seen an answer - would Sabrina be eligible for the Olympics team even if she doesn't turn pro until April?

You don’t have to be a pro to be on the team. Ionescu is eligible. She tried out for the 2018 World Cup team, but she’s not in the current national team player pool. She could be added to the pool at any time, but maybe she’s more interested in the 3x3 event.

 

[Dillon77]

You don’t have to be a pro to be on the team. Ionescu is eligible. She tried out for the 2018 World Cup team, but she’s not in the current national team player pool. She could be added to the pool at any time, but maybe she’s more interested in the 3x3 event.

I could see her wanting to play in the 3x3 event (if the U.S. qualifies..where do we stand on that?). That event is exhausting and very much seems to be a younger player's game. Plus, it favors very competitive lead players (see Ionescu, Bueckers, Ogunbowale).

Sabrina is very much going to be on the horizion on some USA hoops team for quite some time.
Kudos to the Oregon players and staff for playing and very competitive spirit. And tip of the hate to Sue for saying that even pro's can learn lessons: they will. Once the international seasons are over and/or several players get over injuries or rehabbing injuriies, this team will have a lot of different players. As I said in another post, it will start up front.

 

[Shades]

 

[domerduck]

Thanks for sharing all the videos.

 

[Shades]

 

[Floridaduck]

I've watched this game three times now and have no doubt that with another USA lineup on another night it would have ended up more in the range of the three previous games... maybe USA +20. Sabrina admitted as much in post-game.
But "not this night..this night is ours"...
So just a whole lot of fun for Oregon WBB and couldn't be prouder of them.

 

[willtalk]

People that know basketball recognize that under the right circumstances you can beat a better team on a given night. The best team does not always win.