impressions from the USA/Puerto Rico game today

[Snoopy the Celtics Beagle <snoopy@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

First off, the MSG team doesn't know how to pronounce "Puerto Rico", and 
things went downhill from there.  Larry Brown said there wasn't enough prep 
time and it showed.  The Americans played half the time like it was an 
All-Star game, with Vince Carter noticeably making--and blowing--showy one 
on one moves.  Defense was often nonexistent, as the US players, used to 
gambling off the three point shooters, often left the Puerto Ricans wide 
open from the SHORTER arc.

For the first three quarters, Puerto Rico got to the hoop easy and often, 
and kept the game close.  The USA kept getting caught on what would be 
called fouls in the NBA and were roundly ignored by the FIBA refs.  When 
Marv Albert remarked that the US players needed to get used to being bumped 
with no foul called, Paul Pierce crossed my mind once again.

On offense, there were far too many turnovers caused by sloppy ball 
handling and poor passes.  The opposition took full advantage, hitting 
their shots and moving well without the ball.

In the fourth quarter, the US players finally started taking defense 
seriously, actually raising their arms on occasion and forcing Puerto Rico 
over the foul limit early in the quarter.  The US offense also got it in 
gear, at long last, and finally opened up a sizable lead.  Don't let the 
final 20+ point margin of victory fool you.  It was close for three 
quarters, and the US needs to get it's act together before the real games 
start later this week.

That's right, kids, the US team leaves Tuesday for the games, and within a 
week and a half from now, we'll either have qualified for the Olympics, or 
prepared for four years of international embarassment.

If they don't play a LOT better than today, it's going to be a long 
Olympiad.  Maybe NEXT time, they'll be more respectful to players like 
Pierce and ask them early and nicely to come back.  :>)

Snoopy the Celtics Beagle
Please visit the <http://www.celticsbeagle.net/>Celtics Beagle Website