[Reptilian MonkParticipant]

 France beat Spain 65-52 to reach the semifinals. I was pretty stunned at the result but Rudy Gobert played impressively in the paint protecting the rim, Boris Diaw played great in the 4th quater along with Thomas Huertel making big shots at critical times. Spain made lots of mistakes, shot the ball terribly, and got out rebounded despite their size down low. Spain played poorly and lacked energy/passion resulting in the loss. Now France will play Serbia and the winner of that game will play the US vs Lithuania winner in the championship game.

[ExumInfernoParticipant]

 Gobert had 13 rebounds off the bench while P Gasol + M Gasol + S Ibaka had 14 rebounds, a big game by the Jazz center.

Unless the numbers are wrong, M Gasol and Ibaka combined to shoot 2 for 14, Gobert only had 1 block but his presence does change many other shots.

Jazz probably do have decide, to keep Kanter or Gobert, and Kanter will be wanting a very large contract very soon so maybe Gobert is the better choice.

 

  

[LOFTYParticipant]

i agreed with just about everything you said but the kanter part. we have had rudy for one season on limited minutes. lets see how he plays another year or two before jumping ship on kanter.

[LOFTYParticipant]

i agreed with just about everything you said but the kanter part. we have had rudy for one season on limited minutes. lets see how he plays another year or two before jumping ship on kanter.

[ExumInfernoParticipant]

 Gobert had 13 rebounds off the bench while P Gasol + M Gasol + S Ibaka had 14 rebounds, a big game by the Jazz center.

Unless the numbers are wrong, M Gasol and Ibaka combined to shoot 2 for 14, Gobert only had 1 block but his presence does change many other shots.

Jazz probably do have decide, to keep Kanter or Gobert, and Kanter will be wanting a very large contract very soon so maybe Gobert is the better choice.

 

  

[Captain LParticipant]

 I’m really surprised, I thought Spain would spank France good and it would be a Spain / USA final, as a Jazz fan I’m pleased and excited for Gobert and hope they can get to the finals. Gobert’s progress could be a big factor in how well the Jazz play/progress, Goberts ability to control the paint could make a big difference for the Jazz. Gobert love the game and works hard, he has alot of areas he needs to improve on but if he could become a Mark Eaton like presence in the paint for the Jazz I’d  be happy. I remember when we had Eaton and he would lead the league in blocked shots and make 1st team defense, I would always say, man if we could only have a center that could help on the offensive end of the floor, it would really help. Then when Eaton retired and we went thru Ostertag and several other centers I was saying man it would be nice if we could have Eaton back, at least he controlled the paint and made a difference on the D end of the floor.  This year will be important to several Jazz players, especially Kanter, how he and Gobert develop and progress could determine if they keep Kanter or move him. Gobert should gain confidence from games like this one against Spain. 

[Captain LParticipant]

 I’m really surprised, I thought Spain would spank France good and it would be a Spain / USA final, as a Jazz fan I’m pleased and excited for Gobert and hope they can get to the finals. Gobert’s progress could be a big factor in how well the Jazz play/progress, Goberts ability to control the paint could make a big difference for the Jazz. Gobert love the game and works hard, he has alot of areas he needs to improve on but if he could become a Mark Eaton like presence in the paint for the Jazz I’d  be happy. I remember when we had Eaton and he would lead the league in blocked shots and make 1st team defense, I would always say, man if we could only have a center that could help on the offensive end of the floor, it would really help. Then when Eaton retired and we went thru Ostertag and several other centers I was saying man it would be nice if we could have Eaton back, at least he controlled the paint and made a difference on the D end of the floor.  This year will be important to several Jazz players, especially Kanter, how he and Gobert develop and progress could determine if they keep Kanter or move him. Gobert should gain confidence from games like this one against Spain. 

[stealsgaloreParticipant]

 This is a huge upset, it was considered an upset in the European Championship last year and that was when France had Parker and Joakim Noah. I’m deeply dispointed as I was really looking forward to a great USA Spain final. This reminds me of the last FIBA event where Spain was knocked out leaving the USA to beat Turkey in the final. 

I was unable to watch the game and just looked at the stats. Pau played really well but only got 12 shots, was there just a concerted French effort to stop the ball from going to him or did the Spanish guards just not work hard enough to get post touches.

 Does anyone that watched the game have any insight on this?

Also what are everyone’s prediction for the Serbia-France game. I watched Serbia play and I think they will pull off the victory. Though not as skilled as Spain, I think Serbia has better shooters and more athletic wings (along with competent big men) that will be able to handle France. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[stealsgaloreParticipant]

 This is a huge upset, it was considered an upset in the European Championship last year and that was when France had Parker and Joakim Noah. I’m deeply dispointed as I was really looking forward to a great USA Spain final. This reminds me of the last FIBA event where Spain was knocked out leaving the USA to beat Turkey in the final. 

I was unable to watch the game and just looked at the stats. Pau played really well but only got 12 shots, was there just a concerted French effort to stop the ball from going to him or did the Spanish guards just not work hard enough to get post touches.

 Does anyone that watched the game have any insight on this?

Also what are everyone’s prediction for the Serbia-France game. I watched Serbia play and I think they will pull off the victory. Though not as skilled as Spain, I think Serbia has better shooters and more athletic wings (along with competent big men) that will be able to handle France. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[herceg_bukuParticipant]

 Serbia vs France will be a very good semi final match up. I feel that both teams play with a lot of heart, having watched them over the past few games. Serbia I feel has to most athletic wings of any European team, and they compete the hardest especially Kalenic and Bogdanovic. Raduljica should have a NBA team to play for this season after his strong performance in this tourney. For France, Gobert is an absolute monster, his length and athletisism are that of Anthony Davis and even greater, lets hope he continues to develop like Davis. I feel that this game will be a hard headed game with guys leaving everything on the floor!

[TallmanNYCParticipant]

Nope France vs US will be a blow out. Davis will be far too mobile for Gobert to bother. It will be neat to the see the genius of Boris Diaw again. Because that guy has some special skills. But it won’t be enough. And on Sunday we will be treated to another 20 point US snooze fest. 

Seriously, FIBA screwed up so much by putting US in such an easy draw and bracket. This may backfire on them in a big way if the NBA players decide that this tournament isn’t even worth their time. If we send only first and second year NBA players four years from now, FIBA is going to make a lot less money. 

[TallmanNYCParticipant]

Nope France vs US will be a blow out. Davis will be far too mobile for Gobert to bother. It will be neat to the see the genius of Boris Diaw again. Because that guy has some special skills. But it won’t be enough. And on Sunday we will be treated to another 20 point US snooze fest. 

Seriously, FIBA screwed up so much by putting US in such an easy draw and bracket. This may backfire on them in a big way if the NBA players decide that this tournament isn’t even worth their time. If we send only first and second year NBA players four years from now, FIBA is going to make a lot less money. 

[herceg_bukuParticipant]

 Serbia vs France will be a very good semi final match up. I feel that both teams play with a lot of heart, having watched them over the past few games. Serbia I feel has to most athletic wings of any European team, and they compete the hardest especially Kalenic and Bogdanovic. Raduljica should have a NBA team to play for this season after his strong performance in this tourney. For France, Gobert is an absolute monster, his length and athletisism are that of Anthony Davis and even greater, lets hope he continues to develop like Davis. I feel that this game will be a hard headed game with guys leaving everything on the floor!

[froggyParticipant]

First post on this site and non native english speaker, so please forgive me for my english 😉 This was definitely a great game, from both teams. 

Spain game plan was the usual one : giving the ball to Gasol brothers to space the floors for 3pts shooting specialists. France decided to avoid double teaming Pau and Marc Gasol to agressessively guard the perimeter shooters. This worked out as Pau and Marc Gasol did not shine as much as usual in Fiba basketball.

Fantastic work on stopping the fastbreaks also from both teams with full court defensive pressure. 

Pau did not look as its usual self, and was probably not 100% healthy. He still did a good job in the paint in first half, being able to score in many ways. Pietrus and Gobert did an incredible job denying him access to the paint (while Pietrus being 6’6). Gobert in the last quarter just sealed Pau while grabbing 13 rbds in 20 minutes. Gobert is nowhere near is skill or physical level one year ago and looks greats, still being so mobile for a 7’2 center. Jazz may have a big defensive weapon sleeping in their roster 🙂

Marc Gasol never started to play, did not seem mentally ready to battle inside and missed some easy inside baskets. Diaw did a good job on him, but not a great job. 

Grades on NBA players (french team)

Gobert (A) : no offensive game whatsoever except putbacks but such a presence inside on the defensive end! He was just credited for one block but forced Pau Gasol and other players to launch akward shoots. I think he could be productive for the Jazz (10-15 min/game). Still fouling a lot. 

Diaw (A) : the usual Diaw, bigger and better over the years. Facilitated France offensive game while scoring from deep. The leader of France team

Fournier (B-) : this is probably the first game I’ve seen Fournier being so agressive in defense. I’m very skeptical regarding his chances to be more than a role player in the league. He is still slow and not a great outside threat (althugh he improved on this and is still 22)

Lauvergne (C) (drafted by the nuggets one year ago) : This player can be something special, and I think he could play in the league. He has got the focus, intensity and hustle to battle inside, can also stretch the floor with outside shooting and is still very young. Could be an energizer for some teams

Nic Batum (C) : Strange world cup for Nico. I suspected it earlier in his career but I think that he will never be the franchise player France is waiting for. Nor the first wingman. He’s a good all around player but do not have the mental skills to be dominant every night as an offensive threat, sometimes forcing some shots. He is still reluctant to drive to the basket and use very often his stepback to shoot from 3 being average at it.

 

 

 

 

   

 

[froggyParticipant]

First post on this site and non native english speaker, so please forgive me for my english 😉 This was definitely a great game, from both teams. 

Spain game plan was the usual one : giving the ball to Gasol brothers to space the floors for 3pts shooting specialists. France decided to avoid double teaming Pau and Marc Gasol to agressessively guard the perimeter shooters. This worked out as Pau and Marc Gasol did not shine as much as usual in Fiba basketball.

Fantastic work on stopping the fastbreaks also from both teams with full court defensive pressure. 

Pau did not look as its usual self, and was probably not 100% healthy. He still did a good job in the paint in first half, being able to score in many ways. Pietrus and Gobert did an incredible job denying him access to the paint (while Pietrus being 6’6). Gobert in the last quarter just sealed Pau while grabbing 13 rbds in 20 minutes. Gobert is nowhere near is skill or physical level one year ago and looks greats, still being so mobile for a 7’2 center. Jazz may have a big defensive weapon sleeping in their roster 🙂

Marc Gasol never started to play, did not seem mentally ready to battle inside and missed some easy inside baskets. Diaw did a good job on him, but not a great job. 

Grades on NBA players (french team)

Gobert (A) : no offensive game whatsoever except putbacks but such a presence inside on the defensive end! He was just credited for one block but forced Pau Gasol and other players to launch akward shoots. I think he could be productive for the Jazz (10-15 min/game). Still fouling a lot. 

Diaw (A) : the usual Diaw, bigger and better over the years. Facilitated France offensive game while scoring from deep. The leader of France team

Fournier (B-) : this is probably the first game I’ve seen Fournier being so agressive in defense. I’m very skeptical regarding his chances to be more than a role player in the league. He is still slow and not a great outside threat (althugh he improved on this and is still 22)

Lauvergne (C) (drafted by the nuggets one year ago) : This player can be something special, and I think he could play in the league. He has got the focus, intensity and hustle to battle inside, can also stretch the floor with outside shooting and is still very young. Could be an energizer for some teams

Nic Batum (C) : Strange world cup for Nico. I suspected it earlier in his career but I think that he will never be the franchise player France is waiting for. Nor the first wingman. He’s a good all around player but do not have the mental skills to be dominant every night as an offensive threat, sometimes forcing some shots. He is still reluctant to drive to the basket and use very often his stepback to shoot from 3 being average at it.

 

 

 

 

   

 

[TallmanNYCParticipant]

Rubio, Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka each shoot 1 for 7. That is your game right there. It isn’t the rebounding battle which most analysis is bringing up because of the disparity. Of course the other team will rebound when you are bricking so many shots.

 

[TallmanNYCParticipant]

Rubio, Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka each shoot 1 for 7. That is your game right there. It isn’t the rebounding battle which most analysis is bringing up because of the disparity. Of course the other team will rebound when you are bricking so many shots.

 

[AusBobParticipant]

 USA are now a more cleared favorite to take the title. Spain would of given USA a extremly hard to play againt game. I guess the US team has luck on their side. They should win a comfortable enough margin. Well done Fance, did not see that one coming.

[AusBobParticipant]

 USA are now a more cleared favorite to take the title. Spain would of given USA a extremly hard to play againt game. I guess the US team has luck on their side. They should win a comfortable enough margin. Well done Fance, did not see that one coming.

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

 Wow, shocking result.

Boris Diaw is the LeBron James of Basketball.

 

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

 Wow, shocking result.

Boris Diaw is the LeBron James of Basketball.

 

[King CaluchaParticipant]

Rubio played well. I saw him hustling on defense the entire game, but it wasn’t good enough. France moved the ball really well and Diaw stretched the floor well, which caused Spain bigs to move outside, where they usually got out of position.

Lauvergne looks like someone who could make the league. His shot is not consistent but he drives well to the hoop. Gobert looks great in this setting because he can just hangout on the paint. I can see Anthony Davis playing a lot at the FT line and putting France in trouble.

Offensively Spain had been so dominant, that I didn’t see many organized halfcourt sets throughout the tournament (same as the US). When France defended well, Spain didn’t had much besides throwing the ball inside to Pau. That US – France game in the finals would look really good.

[King CaluchaParticipant]

Rubio played well. I saw him hustling on defense the entire game, but it wasn’t good enough. France moved the ball really well and Diaw stretched the floor well, which caused Spain bigs to move outside, where they usually got out of position.

Lauvergne looks like someone who could make the league. His shot is not consistent but he drives well to the hoop. Gobert looks great in this setting because he can just hangout on the paint. I can see Anthony Davis playing a lot at the FT line and putting France in trouble.

Offensively Spain had been so dominant, that I didn’t see many organized halfcourt sets throughout the tournament (same as the US). When France defended well, Spain didn’t had much besides throwing the ball inside to Pau. That US – France game in the finals would look really good.

[Author]

Posts