USA - Serbia recap, quotes, box, etc.

[RadyLady]

Regarding all of the comments about energy and effort, I think the players, as individuals, were definitely dialed in and focused. But their collective effort defensively, in terms of everyone being on the same page with switches, etc., was not there. Developing chemistry takes time and playing together. This is a team of individual stars, some of whom have played together in the past, going up against national teams that play together constantly. So it will take time for the team chemistry to match the individual effort.

well said.

 

[easttexastrash]

Sims is a very physical player and I think she would thrive in that type of game. Next to Whalen, she is probably the most physical PG in the WNBA. And of the three PGs, she is the fastest and when she gets the ball in her hands she is headed straight down the court. She would increase our fast break opportunities.

And nobody competes any harder than Sims.

 

[MilfordHusky]

Sims is a very physical player and I think she would thrive in that type of game. Next to Whalen, she is probably the most physical PG in the WNBA. And of the three PGs, she is the fastest and when she gets the ball in her hands she is headed straight down the court. She would increase our fast break opportunities.

And nobody competes any harder than Sims.

Odyssey is physical, but international play makes the WNBA look like child's play. She needs more experience, which she will get. She also needs to become more familiar with the coach's system. Sue was in a similar position in 2002.

 

[easttexastrash]

Odyssey is physical, but international play makes the WNBA look like child's play. She needs more experience, which she will get. She also needs to become more familiar with the coach's system. Sue was in a similar position in 2002.

There is no way that Bird is more capable of handling the physical play than Sims. Nor is Bird as fast as Sims. I will put Sims up against any other PG in the world when it comes to strength and speed.

As far as experience goes, you are right that Bird has much more experience and is more familiar with Geno's system.

 

[genosguy]

Excuse my ignorance--BUT!! I've

LINK

Excuse my ignorance--BuT!! I've been wondering. These are all (almost) professional paid women. What does USA cover in Costs', lost pay, room/board/travel/stipends/ all the "out of pocket" expenses these women (and coaching staff) have while traveling and playing for the US of A???? God Bless America..

 

[genosguy]

I'm not a Sim

There is no way that Bird is more capable of handling the physical play than Sims. Nor is Bird as fast as Sims. I will put Sims up against any other PG in the world when it comes to strength and speed.

As far as experience goes, you are right that Bird has much more experience and is more familiar with Geno's system.

I'm not a Sims fan. I saw a tiny very light Moriah Jefferson take Sims out of the game, until the game was decided, then Sims scored her 20 when they meant nothing. Sims is physical, a hothead, and Jefferson controlled her.
Sue Bird is probably the best point guard in the world. Demands and gets top dollar in Europe. If she was unworthy as an international player do you think she'd get the pay she does? There more to the game than just who physically controls who, even in FIBA.

 

[genosguy]

Difficult to arra

Regarding all of the comments about energy and effort, I think the players, as individuals, were definitely dialed in and focused. But their collective effort defensively, in terms of everyone being on the same page with switches, etc., was not there. Developing chemistry takes time and playing together. This is a team of individual stars, some of whom have played together in the past, going up against national teams that play together constantly. So it will take time for the team chemistry to match the individual effort.

D

Difficult to arrange WNBA schedules to allow 3 months of togetherness. But you are right, it takes time to acclimate with a new team and new coaching. If the rest of the world has months (if not years of chemistry ) eventually it shall catch up with USA.
Canada had one outstanding player who could only give them 5 days prior to the games. As great as she was they didn't take her.