Saturday, August 23, 2008

2008 Olympic Gold Medal Preview: USA vs. Spain

We know what Team USA is capable of and if they just play a solid game, they should cruise. So in this piece will focus on what Spain needs to do to challenge the US.

Spain needs a perfect confluence of events to align just right if they want any shot. Hope that Team USA is awful from long-range, while they're are deadly. Hope that the US can't turn them over, while they force a ton on the US. Not to mention a variety of other factors. And having Jose Calderon in his civvies & dress zapatas (or zapatas de dress) makes an upset even more unlikely.

Let's take a look at what Spain has to do to make this game competitive:

- Coach Aito has to throw the whole playbook at the US, especially on the defensive end. Always thought a key to Spain's recent success in int'l play was not only how sound they were defensively, but how they try to confuse the opposition with changing defenses. Probably have had the best zone of any national team the last few years with Pau an effective anchor in the middle. They have also done a good job mixing up their looks in the past, and even showing different zone alignments than just 2x3. But this was always done under the guidance of their old coach, Pepu Hernandez. Will see if Aito will get as creative, really only seen some 2x3 looks so far in the Olympics.

- Mentioned before that opposing teams should look to take fouls vs. Team USA, especially taking them near mid-court when the US is trying to bust out on the break. USA shot 75% vs. Argentina, but still are lousy overall for the tourney, and Wade, Lebron, & Dwight were a combined 6/14 from the stripe in the Semifinal. So make them earn some points from the ft line. Even with Calderon out, Spain is a deep unit that can absorb foul trouble.

-Obviously take care of the ball. I think if Australia can keep their turnovers down, think the Spanish club is capable of minimizing turnovers, even with Rubio & Lopez handling.

- How nice would it be if Spain had Sergio Rodriguez at their disposal now. But Coach Aito decided to take an old favorite Raul Lopez in his place; another curious decision by the Spanish coach.

- Feed Pau early & often. See if you can get Dwight into some early foul trouble & on the bench. Then keep feeding the low blocks to attack Team USA's vulnerabliity guarding the post. Also, a double dose of Gasol brothers on the floor together for limited minutes is advised. Marc Gasol did a nice job drawing fouls in the prelim match (I counted 4-5 drawn fouls) when the US went small. And you can use this Gasol frontline pairing if you decide to play more zone, and it gives you two 7-footers on the backline of your zone defense--Germany's zone was the most effective zone vs. the US in '06 thanks in some part to two 7-footers (Dirk & Femerling) on the backline.

- Have to knock down some outside looks if they want any shot making this contest interesting. Spain has reverted back to 2004 with their outside shooting--right around 30% from 3pt. for the tourney, and it's definitely made them look less impressive than the last few years. Rudy has been their only consistent threat, and Navarro has to step up in this game, and even Garbajosa needs to knock down some jumpers.

9 Comments:

At 11:32 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Many people in Spain were a bit surprised about the Raul Lopez selection, but he is not a player Aito has ever coached in his club teams. As for Sergio, it was understandable considering how little he's played the last two years.

Also wanted to note that the key to the semifinal against Lithuania was probably Aito's surprising decision to go with a zone in the fourth quarter against a team who was quite hot from the 3p line, but it somehow worked and allowed Spain for an 8-0 run that led them to the victory.

 
At 4:04 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

The Key If you like to dominate the Louis Vittoun-arena Is Quite Simple and easy! [url=http://cheaplvhandbagsonline.webs.com/]Louis Vuitton Handbags Online[/url] Louis Vittoun-lady has inspected this new formula -- the steps to make big money from scratch [url=http://cheaplouisvuittonpurses.tripod.com/]Cheap Louis Vuitton Purses[/url] Carry out the following to discover Louis Vittoun well before you're left behind. [url=http://louisvuitton-neverfull.weebly.com/]Louis Vuitton Bags Sale[/url] Why not a soul is talking about Louis Vittoun and know what one should engage in right away. [url=http://lvbagforsale1.blogspot.com/]Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas Neverfull[/url] The Secret rule the Louis Vittoun-scene Is Actually Simple and easy! [url=http://louisvuitton-monograms.blogspot.com/]Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas Tivoli GM[/url] Rare commentary offers the run information around Louis Vittoun that a few people know. [url=http://buycheapbag.webs.com/]Louis Vuitton Outlet[/url] The Ways To Develop Louis Vittoun And Also The Way One Can Link up with The Louis Vittoun Elite [url=http://needshopping.tripod.com/]Louis Vuitton Handbags Outlet[/url] The Lazy Man's Process To The Louis Vittoun Success [url=http://bagshipping.tripod.com/]Louis Vuitton For Sale[/url] Note -- Don't Attempt to go by some other Louis Vittoun Manuals Until You Check Out This 100 % free Documentation [url=http://lvbagsfreeshipping.webs.com/]Louis Vittoun Bags Free Shipping[/url] Information about how to understand every thing there is to learn related to Louis Vittoun in five effortless steps.

 
At 7:56 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Short posting clearly shows the proven info about nike shoes and the way it could actually influence on everyone.|Quick write-up teaches you all ins and outs of the adidas shoes together with everything that you want to accomplish immediately.}[url=http://www.nikejapan.asia/]シューズナイキ[/url] A strong double strain on adidas shoes [url=http://www.adidasjapan.biz/]アディダス シューズ[/url] Every thing you do not fully understand concerning adidas shoes might possibly be costing even more than one thinks. Update- gucci bags Will certainly Have A Primary role In Virtually Any Administration [url=http://www.guccijp.asia/]gucci 財布[/url] Advanced chloe bags E-book Divulges Methods To Rule The chloe bags Marketplace [url=http://www.chloejp.biz/]クロエ 財布[/url] Information about how to learn all sorts of things there is to understand regarding chanel in A few basic steps. [url=http://www.chaneljp.biz/]chanel バッグ[/url] Information on how to find out all things there is to find out related to chanel bags in eight rather simple steps.The key reason why all people are extremely wrong regarding adidas shoes and as a result the reasons you ought to ought to see this guide. [url=http://www.adidasjapan.asia/]adidas シューズ[/url] A double twirl on adidas shoes [url=http://www.nikejp.biz/]nike スニーカー[/url] adidas shoes Fake pictures - - A Fantastic nike shoes cheat Which Fools 91% of the users

 
At 2:03 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

[url=http://www.mcmoutletjpinoue.com]mcm 財布[/url] The things Travelers Hates In mcm Also The key reasons why [url=http://www.mcmsalejapanoka.com]MCM 財布[/url] How To Generate Profits By using mcm [url=http://www.mcmzankijpshop.com]mcm リュック[/url] Most Important Practice That's Even Helping mcm-Gurus To Grow
[url=http://www.mcmstorejpkodo.com]mcm[/url] mcm Fake Photos ; Wonderful mcm Trick By Which Fools 87.5% Of The Purchasers
Creative questions about bvlgari purse replied in addition to the reason why you will need read each statement of this article. [url=http://www.bvlgarishopjprie.com]ブルガリブルガリ[/url] An excellent key for bvlgari purse that you should discover more about right now. [url=http://www.bvlgarioutletshopjp.com]ブルガリ[/url] The reason absolutely no one is talking over bvlgari purse and for these reasons the things one should accomplish immediately. [url=http://www.bvlgarisalekodojp.com]ブルガリ店舗[/url] The latest guide uncovers the low down to bvlgari purse and as a result reasons why have got to take action right now. [url=http://www.bvlgarisakaijpsale.com]ブルガリ 財布[/url] Contemporary review tells the critical information upon bvlgari purse and moreover reasons why you need to take action soon. [url=http://www.bvlgariaokisalejp.com]ブルガリ店舗[/url] Outstanding tips on bvlgari purse that can be used beginning as we speak. mcm Teaches You Different Expressions - Our Company Head Into The Concept [url=http://www.mcmbagsjphadori.com]MCM 店舗[/url] Things All Of Them Are Alleging Concerning mcm Is Dead Wrong And Precisely Why

 
At 5:16 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

[url=http://www.mcmstorejpkodo.com]mcm バッグ[/url] Little Known Solutions To Rule Using mcm
What You Need To Be Aware Of About mcm And The Reasons Why [url=http://www.mcmbagsjphadori.com]MCM 財布[/url] mcm Myths Versus The Absolute Facts
Everyone Must View These Remarkable nike Vids [url=http://www.adidasjashoe.com/]アディダス シューズ[/url] Those Things Each Person Should Know Regarding The nike Online Business [url=http://www.adidasjpshoes.com/]adidas スニーカー[/url] The Controversy Around Callous nike-Promotions [url=http://www.nikeshoeja.com/]ナイキ[/url] The Greatest Drawback To the Misconception Around nike Disclosed [url=http://www.nikejashoes.com/]ナイキシューズ[/url] For Good|nike Info And Myths|Overseas Rumor : nike Defined As An Essential In These Modern Times|The Single Most Beneficial Tactic You Should Use For nike Exposed|Upcoming nike E-Book Unveil Ideas On How To Dominate The nike Marketplace} [url=http://www.nikeshoesja.com/]nike シューズ[/url] Extravagant nike Specifics And How These Could Possibly Impact On Owners [url=http://www.adidasjashoes.com/]adidas originals[/url] Simply Too Busy To Deal With nike?
[url=http://www.mcmoutletjpinoue.com]mcm バッグ[/url] The Main Reason Why Most People Are Raving About mcm [url=http://www.mcmsalejapanoka.com]mcm リュック[/url] mcm Can Provide Completely New Life To An Old Dilemma. . . Platinum Paradigm [url=http://www.mcmzankijpshop.com]mcm 通販[/url] Very Best Way To Stay Away From mcm Unfortunate Occurances
How gucci purse Helped Me Quickly becoming Rich And Famous [url=http://www.guccijp.asia/]グッチ 財布[/url] New chloe Guide Illustrates Method To Dominate The chloe Arena [url=http://www.chloejp.biz/]クロエ 財布[/url] Enhance your entire chanel in about half the time without having to spend additional money! [url=http://www.chaneljp.biz/]chanel バッグ[/url] Tips to learn just about every thing there is to learn surrounding chanel in five basic steps.
Unique summary presents the small print over nike shoes that just one or two consumersare aware of.|A quick article teaches you some of the details linked with adidas shoes as well as exactly what you want to undertake immediately.}[url=http://www.nikejapan.asia/]ナイキ air [/url] Information on how to understand nearly anything there is to find out related to nike shoes in 5 easy steps. [url=http://www.adidasjapan.biz/]adidas スニーカー[/url] nike shoes offers new life span for an old matter. . . defacto criterion

 
At 11:29 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

EhkJhz [url=http://longchampbagsoutlet.devhub.com]home[/url] QvfEzj http://longchampbagsoutlet.devhub.com EfhHmo [url=http://sacslongchampfrance.devhub.com]longchamp pliage[/url] CcvBbk http://sacslongchampfrance.devhub.com JpmPhd [url=http://guesswatches201.ucoz.co.uk]guess watches[/url] FvbZta http://guesswatches201.ucoz.co.uk QbuEqc [url=http://burberryoutlet.ucoz.co.uk]burberryoutlet.ucoz.co.uk[/url] NpcFuy http://burberryoutlet.ucoz.co.uk ZchJxk [url=http://longchampuk2013.ucoz.co.uk]longchamp uk outlet[/url] KizIpg http://longchampuk2013.ucoz.co.uk
YddUjb [url=http://isabellemarantcollection.devhub.com]about[/url] NvxEpf http://isabellemarantcollection.devhub.com LgwGbr [url=http://longchampsoldes2013.devhub.com]longchamp pas cher[/url] FhbLrb BrwGze [url=http://sacguesspascher2.webnode.fr]sac guess pas cher femme[/url] DkyJrt http://sacguesspascher2.webnode.fr MysWar [url=http://isabelmarantbottes7.webnode.fr]isabel marant bottes[/url] FzsVzy http://isabelmarantbottes7.webnode.fr VtuLpz [url=http://soldeslongchamppliage.webnode.fr]soldes longchamp[/url] QxaMlv http://soldeslongchamppliage.webnode.fr
For a lot of women, purses and [url=http://soldessacsguess.webnode.fr]soldes guess hiver 2013[/url] tend to be just as important as footwear. With no excellent [url=http://portefeuillelongchamppascher.webnode.fr]longchamp collection[/url], your own clothing is incomplete. Along with most people striving in order to save money nowadays. Attempt looking for [url=http://michaelkorssacsoldes.webstarts.com]sac michael kors prix[/url] at wholesale prices in order to always http://michaelkorssacsoldes.webstarts.com preserve cash within your wallet. This is an amazing technique to acquire excellent as well as inexpensive handbags. Numerous provide amazing costs with regard to designer [url=http://guesssacpascher.webstarts.com]sac guess[/url]. In either case, you'll probably uncover top quality bags that make the style [url=http://saclongchamppliagesolde.webstarts.com]home[/url] statement. The standard lady can't afford in order to commit $500 in addition for a purse. Trying to find purses at low cost stands out as the very best technique to acquire good handbags.

 
At 8:58 PM, Blogger chenlili said...

chenlili20160812
coach outlet store online clearances
kate spade outlet
adidas yeezy
true religion outlet online
ray ban sunglasses
louis vuitton outlet stores
beats solo 2
louboutin femme
toms outlet
michael kors handbags
louis vuitton handbags
louis vuitton paris
oakley vault
toms wedges
uggs
adidas shoes
discount jordans
louis vuitton outlet online
uggs canada
cheap jordan shoes
kobe 11
michael kors outlet
hollister shirts
ralph lauren polo shirts
oakley outlet
oakley sunglasses
longchamp bags
replica rolex watches
louis vuitton outlet
jordan 11
ray ban sunglasses discount
burberry outlet online
cincinnati bengals jerseys
air jordans

 
At 12:26 AM, Anonymous Agen Judi Online Terpercaya said...

I owe my success to having listened respectfully to the very best advice, and then going away and doing the exact opposite.

 
At 4:50 PM, Blogger R1se Hluoluo said...

Kiat Trik Menang Slot Casino yang ketiga merupakan pastinya kalian seharusnya mengenali bagaimana cara memasang taruhan game slot otomatis tersebut. anda semestinya merajai dasar memasang https://daftarpokerclub88.com/ taruhan serta apa saj yang tersimpan di knalpot slot berjudi yg hendak bawa anda mengarah kemenangan besar

 

Post a Comment

<< Home