The FIBA World Cup and the Olympics, men’s basketball especially of course we would be THRILLED. It is serious stuff, with high pressure stakes and stiff competition. With the players all from the NBA, Team USA is a perennial gold medal winner with an impressive group of rosters. But the basketball world has changed and national teams around the globe have seen undisputedly strengthened in depth. Here we take a deep dive into the biggest threats to Team USA’s gold medal chances, discussing what they do well and who would lead them and how might they attack someone aiming for his 3rd straight Olympic crown.
International basketball Pros and cons are far more likely.
In the last two decades, international basketball has drastically increased in both popularity and talent level. This becomes apparent as the NBA is adding non-American players who have great success. The evolution of basketball globally has increased the quality and level of competition on national teams with such well-rounded rosters filled by experienced players playing at various levels throughout the world. Thus, Team USA really cannot think it will have a cakewalk into the winner’s circle.
THE MOST RELIABLE POWERHOUSE IN SPAIN
Spain is one of the few teams in international basketball that has been a regular rival for Team USA, competing with them often for important games. Spain’s blend of master experience and youthful exuberance translates to their tough opposition which is further compounded with strong team chemistry combined with tactical nous. Spain have been powered by the likes of Pau Gasol, Ricky Rubio and Marc Gasol in their history-making run but they will be led by an inexperienced group for most World Cup with a solid cast around them © 2019 Copyright FIBA
Spain plans well with the ball and plays as a team defensively, which is dangerous for all other countries. India’s adaptability to the different game situations clay is dominant when they will execute their dear plan effectively that could be a serious threat to uphill journey for team USA over domination.
How Defiant France Can Conquer All?
France is a tough opponent these years with quite a number of experienced players to go along with some youthful talent. On the other hand, Rudy Gobert thrice reigning NBA Defensive Player of the Year is holding fort for defense about as good a quick scoring basket would not be easy. With Gobert leading the way, you got scoring options and veteran leadership fromm played like Evan Fournier or Nando De Colo.
However, this gritty defensively core and clutch execution could be ominous for any team that meets France in the playoffs. They play a physical style and focus on defense, two things that can throw the United States out of its rhythm and put it in tough spots.
Serbia: Skill and Versatility
Although there have been clear ups and downs since the FIBA split, Serbia has always had a general reputation for being pretty good at basketball with emphasis on their crafty versatility. Serbia has a plethora of players that are very skilled and able to play multiple positions, the list is headlined by Nikola Jokić who was just named MVP. Serbia Offense With Jokić and the floor-spacing of Bogdanovic at 2 makes this offense amazing.
Where Serbia wins big however is the depth they have in their versatility and spread-the-floor system of offense. This means they can play in many different styles, making them a tough team for anyone to beat and that includes Team USA.
Australia: The Scrappy Underdog
Australia has rapidly improved since then, Australia is not a team to underestimate anymore. Australia has a roundabout lineup with NBA star-power such as Patty Mills, Joe Ingles and Ben Simmons enabling them to compete against the best in business. That scoring threat combined with the playmaking of Ingles and defensive versatility that Simmons brings allows for great offensive balance.
There is hardness in the Australian team and they never give up. They are scrappy and they always have a chip on their shoulder, thriving in the underdog role and any team should discount them at their own risk including Tony Parker & Co. taking down Team USA II as expected fif shall go well for France ans Kyli sla one sided affair against Dominican Republic so it will be surprising if there is an upset.
Argentina: A Tradition of Quality
Argentina enjoys a proud basketball tradition and has pedigree in the sport, having won Olympic gold at Athens 2004 While a generational change has taken place the team remains as strong in international contests. They have a veteran leader and every other player on the rosterLook at Luis Scola for veteran leadership that will end up playing big minutes in almost everything they do energy wise.
The Argentine basketball philosophy preaches ball movement and a high bball IQ. They do a lot of little things correctly and play well as a team, which makes the Bulls among this year’s more dangerous teams who could beat some surprising postseason opponents.
Lithuania: The Dark Horse
For many years Lithuania have been a strong force in international basketball, with their ability to shoot and high basketball IQ. No, they aren’t the flashiest team out there by any means but their methodical playstyle and solid core fundamentals make them hard to face off against. In both cases you have examples with experience in the NBA, people like Domantas Sabonis or Jonas Valančiūnas.
Their game is very structured and they take on their chances while not taking many risks. They have to top of the table teams — and while they may not be very good, Egypt has a habit for sticking around in games and could prove sneaky threat against anybody including Team USA.
Coaching & Strategy- Why Do They Matter?
But while talent is a big part of it, coaching and strategy also play important roles in one-country-allotment basketball. They can smell out any weakness in their opposition and are great at changing the game plan as they go. Need a coaching staff that is prepared for the international game when attempting to navigate some of these tough opponents, as Team USA does.
Team USA’s Key Strengths
While the competition is on the rise, Team USA still dominates in men’s basketball. Their talent, speed and experience outweighs the rest of the club. Guys with the calibre of talent as Kevin Durant, LeBron James and Stephen Curry are more than just individual talents; they carry a treasure chest full of experiences in clutch moments. The USAs speed, 3-point shooting and suffocating defence are all at elite levels.
The Mental Game will establish handling pressure and expectations
However, one of the difficult things for Team USA is handling all that pressure and expectation to win a gold medal at any global competition while representing our country. There is the pressure to win and often tempers rise when things do not go well however pole drivers Casey Stoner stoked criticisms aimed at team using a crash-the-team tactic after failing out of another front row fifth on t6ime. I am referring to pressure and focus as two of the most important things that can either make or break their success. Being able to perform in top form under even the most nerve-wracking of situations is often what separates first from second place; it’s truly anyone’s game.
basketball
The best part is that the gold medal competition in men’s basketball has only gotten more competitive. Team USA is still the big bad wolf in town, but there are a few international teams looking to blow their house down. With Spai, France and Serbia boasting a nuclear roster quality to usurp Team USA to even fringe teams like Australia, Argentina or Lithuania — the talent along with experience and strategic acumen is there. With basketball continuing to spread around the globe, Team USA has drawn closer and closer competition wise with their international counterparts. The name of the game is to get better each time out on as it continuously keeps changing face in international basketball. The gold will not be a given, as competition for the top spot is considerably better than it was even in 2012 and Team USA must bring their A-game to take home first place.
