New record for US Basketball

[shamrockpow]

I don't see why everyone hates on Iverson so much. The "practice" comments were pretty pathetic on his part, but aside from that he's given me pretty much everything else I demand from an athlete, including:
1. Desire to win. AI puts his heart and soul into every game I've seen him play. I have never seen the guy dog it on the court, which is more than you can say for half the guys in the NBA. Watch how much AI runs around in one game or how much effort he puts out on defense before you criticize.
2. Plays through pain. I don't think people recognize that AI is naturally about 170 pounds and has been throwing himself up against 250-300 pounders every game for the last 8 years. He takes a ton of abuse, probably more than any little man I've ever seen in the NBA.
3. Accepts responsibility. When the Sixers lose Iverson is usually the one to come out and take the blame. Same thing has happened in these Olympics.
4. Warrior mentality. I like to see a guy willing to trash talk, never wanting to back down from any one at any time. To me that's a big part of playing basketball. Larry Bird had it 100% and his level of trash talk was just as "ghetto" as AI. When you're one of the best, intimidating the opposition is the first step towards beating them (see Jordan, Michael).

If you look at these Olympics, he's played his role fine. The problem is that there is no real point guard on the team and nobody to take outside shots besides him. Stephon Marbury is an abortion of a player and the rest of the team was scared to shoot. AI shouldered the offensive load those first three games and went 7-22 from three point range - not great, but a hell of a lot better than the rest of the scared pussycat "star guards" who were going 3-40!


Really I can only assume that people hate AI so much b/c of lingering racial tensions and fear of the ghetto rat/hip-hop tatted up "gangsta" being the face of the NBA. Tim Duncan doesn't want it, the people never wanted Kobe, and Yao isn't there yet. Get over yourselves

[shamrockpow]

Originally posted by steepconcrete
I think this is a huge problem with the olympic team. Also Iverson/Larry Brown--we saw how well that worked in Philly.

Well. They made the playoffs every year and went to the NBA finals. In other words, just as much as any team other than the Pistons, Lakers and Spurs.

[Game Over]

shamrockpow-

I like Iverson, his persona, great additude, huge heart- everything you said. But I am not trying to fool myself, his playing style does not bring out the best in the people around him.

[frerad]

Originally posted by BigJay
Yeah but you would think the country with the most baseball talent in the world would be able to field a team that would at least make it there.

The Dominican Republic?

[Zeedashbo]

how can we blame AI. look at the sheisty players we got on this olympic squad. richard jefferson? only thing he can do is play defense and get a few lucky offensive rebounds. carlos boozer, is like jefferson but worse. marbury is the designated 'second best point guard' in the league, but since i have yet to see him dish the ball or make a shot yet, i'd say he's at least equal to jason kidd for the best point in the league (kidd sucks). what's really fucked up is that the dumbass coach won't play his best players. if AI, Lebron, Carmello, Duncan, and Odom/Marion were on the floor most the game we'd probably be undefeated. and to say that these five/six are your best players is a pretty sad statement when there are about four other starting lineups you could make that would be better. where's the kobe, ray allen, shaq, duncan, and garnett lineup?

[SteepnDeep]

When it come's to the Olympics, I am pretty patriotic. I actually take pleasure watching the "feel good" stories from other countries having their dreams crushed by an American athlete. But....the U.S mens basketball team....BAWAAAAAAAHA...LOVE IT! Greedy, Selfish Bastards! Lose to Puerto Rico? I have been there many times. I don't ever remember seeing a basketball court. Dream Team? If I here that 1 more time I'll puke. Jordan, Magic, Barkley, Bird are the dream team. Those old farts could still probably kick everyones ass.

How about womens beach volleyball? No titties but some fine ass shots. I'd post pics but I don't have the skills....

[Woodsy]

Originally posted by SteepnDeep

How about womens beach volleyball? No titties but some fine ass shots. I'd post pics but I don't have the skills....

& we have covered the men's hoops team subject like 7 times already & you can find my thoughts there.

enjoy

http://us.news1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com...1453951863.jpg
http://us.news2.yimg.com/us.yimg.com..._olyvbb138.jpg