[morestealsthanscoresParticipant]

Great game just now between Australia and France, with Australia getting the upset – and winning big. Australia don’t have the most talented individuals in the tournament, but they just look like a fantastic, fantastic team – so unselfish. Four of their five starters handed out over 5 assists, and they’re just so gritty and hypercompetitive defensively. They’re not deep at all (I have no idea how Ben Simmons didn’t make this roster), and it remains to be seen whether they’ll be able to score enough points against a better defensive team. But massive respect to them for this performance.

…and France? Horrible, just horrible defensively – were getting lost on every single off ball screen. Their big names didn’t turn up at all, with the exception of Parker. And the roster looks so inbalanced – in the backcourt, they’ve got lots of good roleplayers but few players apart from Parker that can make a play (I have no idea whatsoever how Fournier didn’t make this squad). Up front, they don’t really have any well-rounded options – Gobert improves their defense, but in the international game he’s a negative offensively. 

Will be interesting to see how the tournament plays out for both teams!

 

[bimirudParticipant]

sent a mesage that they’re ready to make noise in this tournament. bogut was fantastic, with several beautiful back-door passes and a highlight alley-oop. Great seeing him out there with Delly and Mills, who are one of the top backcourts in the tournament. I’ll root for the Aussies this month since my Canadians can’t seem to get their act together …

[ChewyParticipant]

 I’m used to seeing him as a tough/gritty back up guard. But at the international level he is able to do so much more. He got where ever he wanted in today’s game and is was almost embarrising watching any France guard not named Tony trying to get passed him offensively. 

[SmooveKRYPTParticipant]

I’m sure that France coach is regretting leaving Fournier at home. You don’t leave your top perimeter scoring wing at home if he’s healthy and ready to go.

 

[ChewyParticipant]

 was very dissapointing in this game. Have to think Evan would have played better. Plus Batum is jacking up jumpshots instead of trying to get into the lane. He wasn’t as aggressive as I thought he would be. Literally 66% of his shots were 3’s. He only took 3 shots today.

[OhCanada-Participant]

 I’m kinda routing for the Aussies as well.I’m But all I can think of while watching them is Hypemachine..

Delly will be a great fit with the Bucks.

 

[Hype Machine]

I’m calling it early, Aussies will win gold.

[ZouldiersParticipant]

 As long as you guys crush China, It doesn’t matter who wins the Gold.

[ChoppyParticipant]

 Ben Simmons was offered a spot I believe, but as he was just drafted and wants to establish his career early on  he declined. Great win by the Aussies. Ranked 11th by FIBA, I honestly don’t believe there is 10 better teams in the world than them. Think of who we were missing – Exum and Simmons. Full strength I think we’re top 6. But maybe I’m just a homer…

[Hype Machine]

Australian Basketball is a waking giant of world basketball.

 

 

Everywhere you look, theres Aussies. Top of the draft, top NCAA programs, dominating youth tournaments etc. The Centre of Excellence is doing a good job and youth participation rates are high.

 

I predict Silver in this Olympics, and Gold within 8 years.

 

 

 

[r377Participant]

I missed it, I thought it was on the following day.

Next Boomers game vs Serbia Day 3, 2:45am Aust time…

[ChoppyParticipant]

 Same, I thought it was on 3am Monday morning Aus time. Thanks for the heads up on the next game.

[losnopesosParticipant]

 The cheese eating surrender monkeys didn’t play a lick of defense, tons of easy buckets for the upside down squad.

[properbreaksParticipant]

So Ben Simmons had a chance to play in the Olympics and he chose not to? With the Zica out there I don’t fault anyone for opting not to go to Rio, but it’s just another instance of him not wanting to stand up and compete. I saw some of him in Summer League and everything was a pass instead of trying to take over games with his scoring.

With Simmons, Exum and Maker they will be a top international team for sure in the future. Does anyone know why Exum and Maker didn’t play?

[ChoppyParticipant]

 Exum is still rehabbing his torn ACL from last season. Maker wasn’t selected. 

[McDunkin]

Bogut has always looked 10x more athletic than he actually is when it comes to finishing alleys

I loved Baynes toughness down low. He is going to be a paid role player in the nba or a main option on an international team for a long time to come. I honestly wish the Spurs could have held on to him. 

Off topic but does anyone know why Jeremy Lin never had anything to do with the national team?

[OhCanada-Participant]

His mother is Korean but born on a Chinese island Taiwan which is like being born on Hawiai and calling yourself American. Taiwan, Chinese Mainland and Korea have been trying to claim him for a while.

[Author]

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