Live From The Nosebleeds

If you want unadulterated analysis of basketball, whether it's the NBA, college basketball, or some pick-up game I saw yesterday, take a gander at my blog.

Wednesday, August 30, 2006

Viva FIBA!!!

The chase for the playoffs in both the National League and American League are virtually up for grabs. Terrell Owens (surprise) is causing chaos in Dallas. Tiger Woods stands in a class by himself atop of the PGA.
And Justin wants to talk about the FIBA basketball championships!
So what if you have to wait until the wee hours of the morning to watch these games? As an American--as a basketball fan-- you should be proud of what the United States is currently doing. Yes, there's a ton of highlight reel plays, but for the most part the team is playing basketball the "right" way. Unlike most mass collections of basketball talent, this group actually plays defense. Germany's Dirk Nowitzki, also a member of the Dallas Mavericks and a fixture in the NBA's upper echelon, felt the wrath of the United States' swarming defense, shooting an uncharacteristic three for 12 from the field.
Still, not everyone is convinced. The path to the championship is anything but an uncontested lay-up. In his article, ESPN insider Chris Sheridan writes that he would favor Spain or Argentina in the World Championship finals. I'm definitely not going to dismiss that (especially since Mr. Sheridan gets paid to write). Both teams have one major star (Spain in Pau Gasol; Argentina Ginobili) and several key cogs that will surely give the Americans a run for their money. It also helps that both teams have been together for quite awhile. In most cases I'd take cohesion over talent any day.
Most cases, however, don't have superior, unselfish talent guided by a quintessential basketball genius in Coach Mike Mike Krzyzewski. Red, white, and blue will reign supreme in the end.
But, just the fact that I'm talking about basketball again gives me goose pimples.