Men's Basketball is LOSING

[zurgswife]

There is 2.5mins left and they are down by 11....they look horrible...

 

[Beth76]

the USA doesn't have to win all he time

 

[zurgswife]

I realize that...but they always tout themselves as the best in the world...you think they could play a little like the best....they are down right horrible.....I think finally the NBA won't be so cocky in the future...

 

[jjskribs]

I hate to admit it but I'm glad they got beat. I think some of those spoiled brat professional basketball players needed a little reality check.

 

[zurgswife]

Originally posted by jjskribs
I hate to admit it but I'm glad they got beat. I think some of those spoiled brat professional basketball players needed a little reality check.

My thoughts exactly...there heads have gotten too big....I don't think they work hard enough in the past....maybe they will take it more seriously in the future...

 

[KMH1]

The Puerto Rican team has played their hearts out...they deserve to win today.

Sometimes I think our NBA players are a little too cocky with their million dollar salaries...maybe this loss will humble them a little.

Only the third loss for the USA basketball team in Olympic history...wow!

Hopefully Larry Brown can rally the team for the next game!

 

[orvilleair]

They destroyed Puerto Rico in an olympic tune up game a couple of weeks ago. Team USA looks flat. A lot of "all stars" sat out this olympics, but there still is talent to win gold. We'll see.

 

[treesinger]

Originally posted by zurgswife
My thoughts exactly...there heads have gotten too big....I don't think they work hard enough in the past....maybe they will take it more seriously in the future...

Add me to the list of people that think NBA players need a reality check and an ego deflation. Being good isn't good enough. Playing as a team is the only thing that will win a medal.

 

[hulabird]

It is embarrassing when you think of how much they brag, but I am not surprised they lost, the players of today can't hold a candle to players like Jordan, Bird, Johnson, etc....all because those players were team players who really loved the game, had a work ethic; these new players are all about $$$$ and cocky attitudes and me, me, me--and now they are making fools of themselves.

 

[zurgswife]

The Puerto Rico team looked great and really deserved to win...

 

[Grog]

One thing to keep in mind is that most of the usual superstars stayed home this time, declining to participate.

Don't call it the Dream Team

Too long of a story to post all of it but here's an excerpt...

Brown has steadfastly refused to criticize USA Basketball for his roster, knowing the organization got more rejections than a sportswriter at a supermodel party. Among those who bailed (for various reasons) from the qualifying team are Jason Kidd, Mike Bibby, Tracy McGrady and Ray Allen: two true point guards, a two guard and a sharp-shooting swingman, respectively. Three other players Brown was counting on -- Kobe Bryant for ball handling and scoring, Kevin Garnett for versatility inside and Karl Malone for experience -- won't be in Athens either. Even two of Brown's Pistons who would have been useful, guard Rip Hamilton and rugged big man Ben Wallace, said no, reportedly because of security concerns.

Shaq said no as well.

and finally... props to Puerto Rico for the win

 

[Toby'sFriend]

I have not been able to stand Olympic Basketball ever since the Original Dream Team draped the United States Flags over whichever logos happened to conflict with their current Multi-Million dollar endorsement contracts and strutted out onto the floor like they had actually accomplished something. The current crop that has been more interested in hitting the beaches and nightclubs than in attending practice is beyond vomit inducing.

Bring back the no-name college kids who want to win more than anything. Even if they lose, I'd enjoy watching them more and they certainly would do a better job of representing our country IMHO.

 

[hulabird]

I agree Tobys Friend.

 

[ZachnElli]

I am a big Olympic fan and admit, I want USA to win everything! Even I chuckled at the loss!

 

[bobcat]

I almost felt unpatriotic that I was rooting for them to lose. Well almost until I thought about their multi million dollar deals and thought they really aren't the average athlete going for a dream of winning olympic gold.

I hope Puerto Rico can continue to win. They looked good and so excited by this victory.

 

[WillyJ]

I didn't see the game but I'm not exactly shocked they lost. .

When they voted to make Allen "Why Should I Have To Practice" Iverson team captain I kind of figured they weren't taking it very seriously. .


They still have a shot at the Gold Medal, but I agree with previous posters that it was a lot easier to get excited about when the college kids played. .

 

[LScot]

But didn't the Women's team look good yesterday! A 52 point win, I believe! I'm hoping for the best for them as I enjoy them all (except Lisa Leslie and I'm just being mean!! )
Now there's a group pf people playing ball because they love the game! Their salaries don't come close to the men's and their egos don't either. Having met several WNBA players, I can tell you that many of them truly are grateful of fan support and meet and greet fans in a very nice way. Again, women can teach men a lesson, huh?! LOL

Go USA!!

 

[WillyJ]

Brenda!! I didn't know you were a "woman's libber"???




ROTF!!!

 

[Dan Murphy]

Sure does not have that Olympic flavor of 'the best amateurs in the world'. I think it is worthless.

 

[mudhen]

I bet Larry Brown wishes he had his Pistons for the Olympics.
They'd actually play some defense, rebound, and make a couple
of shots from outside of 10 feet.

Seriously, no one in their right basketball mind should think
that Okafur, Stoudamire, and Odom are better for team
USA than Chauncy Billips, Rip Hamilton, and Big Ben Wallace
would be. Throw in T. Prince for a defensive stopper and
GOLD would be a lock.