This topic contains 27 replies, has 16 voices, and was last updated by AvatarAvatar NBATalk20098 13 years, 6 months ago.

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  • #20039
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    ghettosermon
    Participant

    Here are my bracket predictions. Just my opinions so I really do appreciate if you disagree with me and give me your opinion. Of course I’m going to be rooting for Team USA, but with this young team I truly believe that this has potential to be a huge struggle for them. I still question perimeter shooting with Team USA, I also question who will step up as a #2 go to scorer behind Durant. Also the front line leaves a ton to be desired. Not to mention that the USA squad doesn’t seem to come out too motivated for world championships. The 2002 squad finished 6th in Indy. The 2006 squad finished 3rd despite having LeBron, Wade, Howard, Bosh, Joe Johnson, and an Allstar Elton Brand on the team. This USA team is young, athletic, and exciting but they will struggle against sound international teams who have been playing together for a long time. Even the redeem team struggled with some of these teams in the 08 Olympics. There is a lot on the line in this tournament however. If the US is unable to win the tournament than that means that LeBron, Wade, Howard, maybe Kobe, and crew will have to qualify for the Olympics next summer in the Americas tournament instead of getting rest for the summer. That’s big for those guys. That’s why I kind of expected a pretty full squad to be involved in this games, but I understand that the Miami trio was focused on Free agency this summer, CP3 is just coming back from injury, and Kobe is taking care of his injuries and resting after a tough 2 years, and then there is the Amare insurance issue. I would have liked to see Dwight and Deron at least be there this summer but I understand why they didn’t with the other stars not coming. I think one of the best things that can come out of this tournament is if USA wins or at least performs well and has a couple of guys aside from Durant emerge from this roster as possibly 2012 Olympic players. I see Derrick Rose and Rudy Gay as possibly being those guys.

    BTW Please Excuse any spelling or grammar errors, I’m just kind of banging this out quick(Insert Office Joke)
    ________________________________

    Group A
    1) Argentina
    2) Serbia
    3) Angola
    4) Australia
    out: Germany, Jordan: I don’t think Germany will have full motivation with Dirk out, I have Angola as my sleeper team, they are long, athletic, and have played together for a long time. This Angolan squad made the knock out stage last world Championships and I kind of expect more of the same. They really are Africa’s only hope in basketball at this point. Mali is one of those African teams I thought would be on the rise, but they haven’t done that .

    Group B
    1) USA
    2) Brazil
    3) Slovenia
    4) Croatia
    out: Iran, Tunisia: I think the 4 in this group are pretty easy to select. Slovenia might be the toughest game for the U.S. stylistically. Even though Brazil talent wise has an amazing roster with Nene, Varejao, Splitter, Barbosa, and Vinicius, stylistically U.S. will be able to run up and down on them. I could foresee though Chandler, Lopez, and Love struggling inside against the Brazil big man trio who has played together.

    Group C
    1) Greece
    2) Russia
    3) China
    4) Puerto Rico
    out: Turkey, Ivory Coast: I had a bit of trouble with this one because I actually had Turkey 3rd before deciding to move up China and give the edge to Puerto Rico. This however is a 2 team group, Greece and Russia are the only teams who I expect to make any real noise in the tournament. I expect a bounce back performance for Russia.

    Group D
    1) Spain
    2) Lithuania
    3) France
    4) Canada
    out: Lebanon, New Zealand: I think Lebanon with the strength of their team and last WC’s performance could sneak in there above Canada and who knows maybe even France who does not have a great international record despite their NBA talents.

    _____________________

    Round of 16

    Games 1+2
    Aregentia:Group A(1st) vs Croatia:Group B(4th)- Argentina Wins
    Lithuania:Group D(2nd) vs China:Group C(3rd)- Lithuania Wins

    This group of games is pretty easy to pick. Argentina and Lithuania are the clear top 2 teams in this pair of games. I do believe however that Yi will have a huge tournament for the Chinese national team. This is kind of the first time where he knows for sure that it is his team. Still though Wang ZhiZhi will have to play solid for them to succeed. The problem though with China is the guard play. Perimeter shooting is a huge weakness. Liu Wei and Sun Yue can both handle but neither can create their own shot consistently. Haha although Wang Shipeng is probably my favorite name in all of FIBA, and he is Mr. Big Shots.

    Games 3+4
    Greece:Group C(1st) vs Canada:Group D(4th)- Greece Wins
    Brazil:Group B(2nd) vs Angola:Group A(3rd)- Brazil Wins

    Greece outclasses Canada in every way. Brazil takes Angola pretty easily. This is actually one of Brazil’s best chances to have a good performance in a FIBA tournament. An impending matchup with Greece though has got to be scary.

    Games 5+6
    United States:Group B(1st) vs Australia:Group A(4th)- United States Wins
    Russia:Group C(2nd) vs France:Group D(3rd)- Russia Wins

    This game with Australia is bound to be tight. Australia is going to give Team US fits with their perimeter shooting. Love Patty Mills and then he has two sick shooters in Brad Newly and Joe Ingles. David Andersen and Andrew Ogilvy are also very solid inside. Still waiting for Andersen to break out in the NBA like I think he’s capable of. Who did the Rockets trade him to? It’s a shame he never suited up for the Hawks. Anyways if Andrew Bogut weren’t out with injury this could have really been a potential stunner. As for Russa and France I have to go Russia. They did disappoint in Eurobasket after winning it in 07, and they are without Kirilenko and Khryapa but they have some sharp shooters. France while having the best athletes outside of the US as well as having tons of NBA players, they do struggle internationally. If you look at the aspects that team US struggles with internationally, those weaknesses are magnified 100x with France. They are big, strong, and athletic, but they lack perimter shooting, and do not have great team play and help defense. Especially without Tony Parker and probably Noah, I think this is about as far as they will get. Their 2012 London Olympic team though may be a real contender. This will be a huge stage for Timofey Mozgov and I’m sure D’Antoni will be watching.

    Games 7+8
    Spain:Group D(1st) vs Puerto Rico:Group C(4th)- Spain
    Serbia:Group A(2nd) vs Slovenia:Group B(3rd)- Slovenia Wins

    Serbia and Slovenia was a huge swing game for me. Two of the semi-finalists in Eurobasket last year, but even though common sense says Serbia should win, I just really like Slovenia’s team. Goran Dragic, Beno Udrih, and Jaka in the backcourt, with Primoz Brezec, Bostjan Nachbar, and Uros Slokar in the front court. Spain should roll through Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico though is a scrappy team with a ton of experience. JJ Barrea, Arroyo, Ricky Sanchez ,Carmelo Lee, Daniel Santiago. Renaldo Balkman could also end up being a “glue” type of guy who can match up with the opposing teams best wing.
    ________________________

    Quarterfinals

    Winner Game 1 vs 2
    Argentina vs. Lithuania- Lithuania Wins
    This is probably a very controversial selection, but while Argentina has better players and is the higher ranked team, I think Lithuania is the better “team.” I really expect Lithuania to come out guns blazing this tournament after than embarrassing performance last summer. This is a ballsy pick for me as Lithuania if they looked like last summer could easily struggle just to get out of the group rounds, but without the X-factor Ginobili I think Argentina will take a surprising fall early.

    Winner Game 3 vs 4
    Greece vs. Brazil- Greece Wins
    Far and away the best Quarterfinal game in this scenario. This could be epic. Greece is the proven commodity and the prime example of a team. They are however getting a little bit older and are without Papaloukas this time around. Brazil is the talented team with length and skill but not yet proven to be a top contender. I would project this to be an extremely competitive back and forth lead changing game. I’ll call the score 80-77 Greece. I give Greece the advantage though because of team defense and shooting ability. Big Sofo is definitely gonna get more minutes than he’s used to having to body up Splitter, Nene, and Varejao. With that said I can easily see Brazil winning this game and really making noise in the tournament. I do think though they are more likely to have their break out tournament in London as many of these other teams will be older.

    Winner Game 5 vs 6
    United States vs. Russia- United States Wins
    Of course Russia poses many threats especially with their shooting but if the US team can make it through a team like Australia, they will be plenty prepared and ready for Russia. Physicality and athleticism would be too much for Russia.

    Winner Game 7 vs 8
    Spain vs. Slovenia – Spain Wins
    As I said, I love the Slovenian team, but Spain here is too talented and too experienced. This could end up being an absolute rout.
    _________________________

    5th through 8th place

    Argentina vs. Brazil- Argentina Wins. Wow for a consolation game this would be pretty damn epic. Two very evenly matched teams, but I see Argentina pulling it out with experience as well as motivation having been knocked out of the tournament.

    Russia vs. Slovenia- Slovenia Wins. Two very even matched teams and similar styled teams. Kind of funny how this worked out and how the matchups are so similar. I give Slovenia the advantage because they have more play makers.
    7th place game: Brazil vs. Russia- Brazil Wins: I think Brazil’s size and post skill will be way too much for Russia to handle.

    5th place game: Argentina vs. Slovenia: I think Argentina takes this one pretty easy with their ability to close out on shooters. Can’t wait to see Goran play though.
    _________________________
    Semi-Finals

    Lithuania vs. Greece- Greece Wins: I think this would be a fairly easy win for Greece. I do believe that this might be the last tournament that Greece is true contenders, but I guess we’ll see.

    United States vs. Spain- Spain wins: It pains me to think that US won’t win but just looking at the match up it’s hard to make an argument against Spain especially since Spain nearly won the Gold Medal against U.S. in the 08 Olympics against the reddem team despite Pau also missing that. I’m sure the USA point guards will take pride and make it a point in trying to shut down Rubio completely, but still with Calderon, JCN, Rudy Fernadez, Victor Claver, Garbajosa, and Marc Gasol, it’s going to be extremely tough. I think there will be a point in the tournament in which Team USA will struggle to get any post scoring and their outside shot will not fall. This could be that moment. Will be a hell of a ball game though.

    3rd place game: Lithuania vs. United States- United States wins: If they get knocked out they will come out like bulls. Would be an absolute blow out.

    1st place game: Spain vs. Greece- Spain Wins: Funny Spain vs. Greece. Spain though I think wins this fairly easy, and I did mention with other teams getting better and Greece somewhat in a transition I think this could be their last legit shot at being contenders.
    _________________________

    Final Placing
    1st) Spain
    2nd) Greece
    3rd) United States
    4th) Lithuania
    5th) Argentina
    6th) Slovenia
    7th) Brazil
    8th) Russia

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  • #365583
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    R-Dot-13
    Participant

    I congratulate you on making a full post about this.

    I wouldnt be surprised to see Spain beat the US like you said, it would be a very good game.

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  • #365588
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    Da1pot
    Participant

    Very good job, and I agree, the U.S. could really get in trouble, especially against Spain, who I also predict winning

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  • #365607
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    Demarcus Oneal
    Participant

    Greece wont outclass Canada

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  • #365608
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    bobbyb
    Participant

    I think Lithuania is better than Greece. I think it might be a big Tourney for Motiejunas. Also i dont think Spain can win it all without thier best player Pau. MVP Euro championships.

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  • #365609
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    JNixon
    Participant

    You get cudos from me just for taking the time out to write all of that and explain it as well as you did. Great post. Even though I hope the U.S. wins it all

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  • #365615
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    llperez

    i noticed you mentioned like 5 players from puerto rico but didnt mention larry ayuso, is he not playing? He has been a starter there for years and led them with 21ppg at the last world championships.

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  • #365619
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    Toronto16
    Participant

    Who is on the Spain team? I’m pretty sure I heard a lot of the top players are sitting out.

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  • #365620
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    Mr.BigShot
    Participant

    Pau is sitting out, but Marc is playing.

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  • #365625
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    ghettosermon
    Participant

    Marc Gasol, Garbajosa, Rudy Fernandez, Calderon, Victor Claver, Ricky Rubio, Felipe Reyes.

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  • #365628
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    SubZero
    Participant

    Dude you can’t forget about Slovenia’s superstar, SASHA VUJACIC!!! *sarcasm*

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  • #365631
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    ghettosermon
    Participant

    Vujacic is not even on the team after he was hurt last year and started bitching how he is the the PG not Goran Dragic. They didn’t invite him to be part of the team since he doesn’t want to play SG.

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  • #365633
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    Mavs41
    Participant

    Forget these teams SERBIA all the way (who won the most gold medals) SRBIJA!!!!!!!

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  • #365635
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    SubZero
    Participant

    I know man I was just playin around lol who doesn’t love a good Vujacic joke?

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  • #365638
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    ghettosermon
    Participant
  • #365658
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    the barron
    Participant

    Good post man, very entertaining to read. I’m a big fan of international basketball and I can’t wait for the World Championships. One thing stood out to me is Turkey. You have them WAAAAYYY low. First of all they got home court advantage and got a pretty decent team themselves. Ilyasova and Hedo will not allow this team to get eliminated in the first round. They also got a good team, saw them play against the redeem team back in 08 in an exhibition game and these guys showed promise. I actually have them winning that group.
    1.Turkey
    2. Greece
    3. Puerto Rico
    4. Russia

    China and Russia will be missing their top stars, Yao and Kirilenko. JR Holden and Khyapa are also questionable for the tourney for the Russians. I see Russia’s superior young talent beating out a Yi led China for the last spot. Puerto Rico has one of the most underrated teams in the world. The Turkey and Greece game will have the craziest atmosphere of the entire first round. Poor Ivory Coast they don’t stand a chance.

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  • #365763
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    billyk
    Participant

    not having pau gasol is gonna hurt spain… i dont think they almost beat the redeem team.. they played well but i dont think spain coulda have beaten them at anytime during the game…

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  • #365790
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    Thugman
    Participant

    Great post! But are you sure you were just “banging it out quick?” It comes across that atleast a day of research went into this:-) All in all, your knowledge of international basketball is impeccable.

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  • #365799
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    ghettosermon
    Participant

    Yeah only took me like 45 minutes to write up. The long part was going on the FIBA website and finding the tournament format. My knowledge isn’t that in depth in terms of Euro league season play but I’ve seen quite a bit of international play and now the gist of most of the FIBA eligible teams.

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  • #365881
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    SubZero
    Participant

    Would Enes Kanter play for the Turkish team?

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  • #365895
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    ghettosermon
    Participant

    No he’s not this year. His only national experience is the U-19 championships last year.

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  • #365948
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    ghettosermon
    Participant

    I don’t know why but I’m just starting to feel like Australia is going to get really far in the tournament even without Bogut. Just looking at their team they are solid at all spots.

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  • #392605
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    Mr.BigShot
    Participant

    Hey, how do you feel abbout updating this since the first round has played out?

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  • #392626
    AvatarAvatar
    Mr.BigShot
    Participant

    Hey, how do you feel abbout updating this since the first round has played out?

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  • #393218
    stepback3stepback3
    stepback3
    Participant

    New Zealand made it through in third place.

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  • #393198
    stepback3stepback3
    stepback3
    Participant

    New Zealand made it through in third place.

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  • #393280
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    NBATalk20098
    Participant

    Kirk Penney is very good from New Zealand

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  • #393302
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    NBATalk20098
    Participant

    Kirk Penney is very good from New Zealand

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