FIBA world cup 2019

[vzografos]

So are we doing this?
Any predictions?

[Crow]

I have no interest at this time, except for the possible injury news.

What are your predictions, most interesting storylines?

[vzografos]

Well, it is a bit difficult to say because I do not have any real stats for the teams. And without data my expertise is quite limited. Just based on what games I have seen so far before the tournament starts. And since all are friendly and exhibition games (where coaches try differerent lineups) it is tricky to make predictions.

However, here is what I think so far for each of the favourite teams:

-USA: I am not sure if they win it this time around. Ok game with Canada (as expected), lost against Australia (did not see that game yet). So not sure. If someone has any info on current team condition and performance please share it.

-SERBIA: Really strong team. Might win it this year depending on what SPAIN and USA do

-SPAIN: Lots of good NBA players. Haven't seen any of their games yet or heard anything about current team

-FRANCE: Although high rated they did lose from SERBIA in exhibition game (need to watch that). Traditionaly good team but much of an unknown this year.

-GREECE: Probably the best team we have had for ages (if ever). Yiannis is there but also the rest of the players are pretty good. Good cohesion, work as a team. Maybe maybe in the last 4 of the tournament depending on the knockout matchups. Also Yannis's brother Thanasis will be playing (from the bench) so it will be good to see how he will perform before moving to the Bucks next season with his brother.


-AUSTRALIA: They seem to be pretty good this year. I wouldn't discount them for finishing high in the tournament.

-GERMANY: Lot's of good players there too but the games I have seen with them were rather mediocre. They even lost from Japan.

Beyond that I do not know what the other teams might do. Argentina? Lithuania? Maybe there is a surprise there.

My gut feeling is that Serbia might win it. They seem to be very strong this year.


That's my guess from the friendlies so far. I ll check the markets and see what they think. I guess things will become more clear in a few days when the tournament starts.
Whatever happens it seems like we are going to have some really interesting games ahead of us.

[Crow]

I might have some interest in hearing about guys who will be draft eligible next summer. I dunno how many such young guys are on the major competitor teams or getting playing time. i assume at least a few.

I might look at some highlights of key games. Including for Serbia. Especially if links are provided here or I stumble upon them elsewhere.

[Snedecor]

Well, this is interesting not for the draft but in general a lot of players can be explode due to style of game or confortable mates.

Apart from that, I think Serbia, Spain an Greece are the favorites. Of course USA team but is not new they can leading the competition always.

[vzografos]

well I can tell you the games so far are very interesting. Not for the faint hearted
Apart from Serbia who is dominating look at the close games
Greece vs Brazil
USA vs Turkey
France vs Germany
and nobody can say that Spain is dominating.

[vzografos]

speaking of injuries...Tatum didn't seem very well after that game.

https://www.espn.com/olympics/basketbal ... am-usa-win

[vzografos]

Well my impression so far is that Serbia seems to be invinsible.
I dont think anyone can stop them. France and Argentina are ok but I don't know what they can do.
Spain has been very unimpressive (especially with their win against Italy today), USA deoes not seem that capable (after that game with Turkey) and I am not sure if we (Greece) are going to make it through to the last 8.

So seems like they will dominate this year. Let's see.

[Crow]

Serbia is shooting 61% on raw fg%. 47% from 3. 80% from line.

How is the defense? Good or great?

They will likely be tough test for Team USA.

[Crow]

2 years ago Jokic destroyed Pacers with Turner presumably on him most. Last season it was closer. What happens when they meet in this tournament.? Lopez lost to him last season by about the same amount as Turner. But one of the 2 games during the season before that he went on a scoring rampage and won matchup. Will Pop test that?

[vzografos]

2 years ago Jokic destroyed Pacers with Turner presumably on him most. Last season it was closer. What happens when they meet in this tournament.? Lopez lost to him last season by about the same amount as Turner. But one of the 2 games during the season before that he went on a scoring rampage and won matchup. Will Pop test that?

well I cannot answer this. Maybe someone with more knowledge than me can. But I will say this.
When Jokic was ejected after his 2nd technical in the match against Spain this is when the game turned and then Spain won. So he is the man to watch.

In other news. Seems referees are not so good in this competition. Fiba already disqualified 3 of them after the match of Lithuania vs France. And there have been some complaints about referees in Greece vs Czech republic game. So USA and Czech go through.

Interesting to see the competition from now on

[Crow]

Serbia loses. Any more upsets to come?

[vzografos]

yup that was a big one.

Well I guess it is going to be USA vs SPAIN in the final then?

[Crow]

France has been hot shooting pretty much across the roster and 47% from 3 pt range. Low turnovers.


Mitchell's shooting numbers are meh or weak, depending on your standards. Middleton and White very weak. Walker, ok. Barnes and Harris, fine. Turner and Brown so far making up for the weak guys. I wouldn't be feeling too good based on these numbers.

[Crow]

France wins.

Turner disappears, Browns goes back to average. Kemba blows. Harris, Middleton and Barnes barely noticed. Mitchell steps up but not enough. Not enough of anything from team. 3 pointers, rebounds, free throws earned or hit. defensive stops.

France had good numbers but not super amazing. Got to line and hit them. Offensive rebounded. Team USA couldn"t handle Gobert, someone they knew.