HLBT Daily

After beating Team USA in the semi-finals of the WCOB (101-95) on September 1st, Greece was walloped by a Pau-less Spanish team in the finals (70-47... 47 points for a full game is disgusting to even think about). Do not let it trick you; this does not mean that Team USA was really that much worse than Spain or Greece. Greece was possessed against team USA and was completely burned out for Spain. The Spanish players also had more motivation. They were pumped up to win for Pau, who was the rock of that team.

Looking back, USA was the best team in the tournament, it just happened to run into the Greek Gods in the semi-final - not the Greek national team. This is not to say that Team USA did all they could in the game against Greece. The Americans actually played worse than a lot of analysts were giving them credit for. The difference is the way they played would have gotten them the W in most other games. Team USA went on to win the bronze in the consolation game against Argentina, 96-81. Manu only took 6 shots in the game and had 10 points.

USA was not the only team to receive some bad news on 9/1. Gasol broke his foot with 1:30 left in Spain's semi-final against Argentina. As of yesterday, he will need surgery and will likely miss three months. The Memphis Grizzlies, as all NBA teams, start camp soon. Not only will Pau miss all of camp, but should also miss the first month of the season. The Grizz, who open against the Knicks, put the latter in a position to win its first game and start the season off on a good note. Knicks in 2006-'07!

Conspiracy theorist Gilbert Arenas feels that something shady went down with the selection of Team USA. "They said it was a tryout, but they already had their team selected," he explained.
Not one to stick to the politically correct, relationship friendly script, Gilbert continued, "I’m going to be the silent assassin. I can’t wait to play the Suns and Portland . . . against D’Antoni, I’m going to score 100 in two games." If Arizona plays Duke this year, I could see Gilbert showing up to the game with a big "Coach K Sucks!" sign. Also, is it just me, or did Arenas just kiss the 2008 Olympics goodbye? Keep in mind they choose from the same group of players that they chose from this year, Gilbert included. He says he'd still like to play in '08. Hopefully the coaching staff will have a good, competitive sense of humor about it.

Bruce Bowen has some animosity towards Team USA as well - Krzyzewski specifically. He reportedly felt that Coach K had no idea of the type of D he could play. When he asked Coach K to guard Carlos Arroyo in Team USA's game against Puerto Rico, in which Arroyo was eating Bowen's teammates alive, he felt that Coach K immediately dismissed the thought of him being able to defend the crafty point guard. Bowen suggested he consult USA assistant coach and Phoenix Suns head coach Mike D'Antoni, as he was very familiar with Bowen's talent as a defender. D'antoni had seen Bowen defend athletic forward Shawn Marion, tricky and versatile forward Boris Diaw, spot up shooter Raja Bell and, league MVP point guard Steve Nash all in the same game. Bowen did not make the final cut, he feels, because Coach K was absolutely clueless about his strenghts.