I am PROUD of the US Men's Olympic Basketball Team

[JoeThaNo1Stunna]

Originally posted by smiley
It's not being professional that bothers me. Their biggest problem, by far, is attitude.

At the opening ceremonies as I watched each country walk in the parade the athletes were smiling proudly to be representing their countries. That is, until it came to the United States and their snot nosed basketball players who weren't smiling at all. I was embarrassed to have them represent the United States in such a negative way.

I hope they do lose. I really don't think they will be affected to much personnally, they don't seem to have the desire to be there.

The difference between these basketball players and players from the past is the guys who represented the United States before had the love of country and game.

Next time let people who are proud to represent the United States play.

You really hope the United States loses? Shame on you.

I really think there is a generation gap. I watched the opening ceremony and the guys stood proud and looked like they were ready to handle business. The way they walk/dress is a product of the hip-hop generation, I'm not sure anyone 35+ would understand.

These guys are PROUD to represent the United States. The majority of the players turned down the opportunity to represent the United States. These guys were the only ones who would answer the call. They are expected to win, and if they win people say "you didn't win by enough" or "you were supposed to win." If they lose it's "how dare you! Clowns and thugs like you are a disgrace," "you aren't trying hard enough." I don't expect them to win Gold because they are not a very good team. They certainly aren't among the top three teams in the field. This team has no shooters, it's hard to win if you can't shoot. The Committee put together a very poor mix of players, this team is a bunch of 6'9 guys who can't even hit a mid-range shot. But they are trying.

Allen Iverson is a warrior who lays it all on the floor and will do anything to win. I have followed him since he was one of the all time great high school quarterbacks in Va History in the mid 90s. He has a desire unmatched by any other Olympic basketball player.

Duncan, Jefferson, James, they all are giving a 100% effort, but no one can shoot a trifecta!

The desire is there, this team is trying. The fact is they just can't shoot and have not played together as long as other teams. The US is the underdog, and Americans used to love underdogs. What happened? I love this team!

 

[Grog]

I really think there is a generation gap. I watched the opening ceremony and the guys stood proud and looked like they were ready to handle business. The way they walk/dress is a product of the hip-hop generation, I'm not sure anyone 35+ would understand.

And the fact that the rest of the US Olympic team (i.e. those in other sports) aren't acting like this is explained... how...? The other athletes are in the same age range.

 

[JoeThaNo1Stunna]

Are they from the same parts of America? Priveliged swimmers and gymnasts will are not brought up in the same enviroment as urban basketball players.

 

[kasar]

Are they from the same parts of America? Priveliged swimmers and gymnasts will are not brought up in the same enviroment as urban basketball players.

I really don't see how that's relevant. They are supposed to be representing their (OUR) country in a manner which it deserves, one of respect and dignity. Regardless of how or where you were raised, the standards remain the same.

 

[Grog]

Most of these guys have been away from their original environment for years now, and despite what you want to believe, I doubt they all grew up in the projects. They just like to give off that image. I'm willing to bet that not all the other athletes are from "privileged" families.

 

[WDWLVR]

I'm not a fan of professionals in the Olympics. Give me back the days of the Miracle on ice! Yes we knew back then that the Russians and others were pretty much bringing "pro" athletes, but they weren't anything like the pros in this country. Then a bunch of college kids beat them. That was pride!

To see professional NBA players or tennis players just doesn't do it for me. I'd rather watch the swimming, or gymnastics, or even track and field.

I'm proud of those who are there for the true Olympic experience. Not a bunch of overpaid athletes who think they are above it all.

 

[syncer55]

Considering that the US BBall team has access to probably the best facilities and resources in the world. It should be a cake walk for the team.

However this may have spoiled them and probably thrown them off their game.

 

[Shellie722]

I think these guys deserve credit for going to the Olympics this year when most of our players refused to go b/c they were scared of terrorist! These guys chose to go and to me that deserves some credit in and of itself- they didn't have to play at all, it's not like they need the glory and recognition of being in the Olpympics, they get plenty of both as NBA players and as for them getting beat by amaetures- look again Puerto Rico has NBA players on their team too as do several other countries. NBA players should be allowed to play for the US as long as other players are using them too. For example, Yao Ming is a huge star (and very talented player) in the NBA and is playing for his home country of China, why should we send college players to play if other countries won't do the same? No, these aren't the best shooters or the most cohesive team but they are the ones who said yes when asked to play for their country and that deserves some respect in my opinion.

 

[disney4us2002]

Whoa! I just watched the freestyle 800m mens swimming. You want to talk teamwork and camaraderie? Watch them and then watch the basketball team and tell me you don't see a difference.

I honestly don't watch pro bball so I couldn't tell you if these guys were shooters or not. I have no idea what would keep others from wanting to be on the team. Perhaps it was a concern of safety? Perhaps it was family or other commitments since this is their off season. Perhaps it was a matter of their already being pros so what benefit is the Olympics? Didn't Shaq already compete in the Olympics? I thought he was on the original 'dream team' with MJ.

I will accept the generation gap explanation as I'm in the >35 category since to me they look and act like well-paid thugs.

 

[ErikdaRed]

Camaraderie and teamwork from the swimmers? Well, teamwork is no existant, they are just 4 individuals swimming back to back, no interaction except that their score is the total time. And camaraderie, well lets wait until the USA BBall team wins the gold medal and see if they celebrate in the same way.

In other words, lets keep it to apples and apples.

 

[Jimbo]

Originally posted by JoeThaNo1Stunna
The desire is there, this team is trying. The fact is they just can't shoot and have not played together as long as other teams. The US is the underdog, and Americans used to love underdogs. What happened? I love this team!

They are playing a group of guys that make $10M a year. Each. And we're supposed to consider them underdogs? I think they are overrated and overpaid, not underdogs.