12/21/24
September 11, 2003
Cinderella? : Italy pulls off another upset by downing Greece. France survives Russia. Lithuania beats up on the Peja-less Serbia. Spain ends Israel's run. Who will advance to the Championship?
My picks and more inside...
Wow ... this has a been a real watershed tournament, to see the Eastern European teams mostly get their comeuppance from Western Europe. A trend that will continue, or do these countries not have the depth?
posted by smithers at 07:22 AM on September 12, 2003
Hard to say smithers. There are a lot of factors. Some of the better players in this tournament and the tournament of americas opted out of competition for different reasons (health, age, searching out another job, trying to secure a contract extension). Some players (Bodiroga) obviously have more effect on NTs than others. But all the same, I feel that these matches give a pretty good snapshot as far as the style and development of basketball in these countries. I don't think there will be much of a streak that will signify a trend, so far as Western Europe is concerned. I think a lot of things lined up just right for some teams this year. Stojakovic playing sub-par, Kirilenko carrying the Russians, etc. etc.
posted by lilnemo at 11:33 AM on September 12, 2003
These games are shown live on NBA TV (and Raptors TV in Canada). Serbia & Montenegro didn't send their best team since they had already qualified for the Olympics. The top three teams will qualify for Athens in 2004, so the third place game really means something in this tournament.
posted by Steve-o at 01:48 PM on September 12, 2003
I obviously didn't think Lithuania would come this far, this quickly after losing Sarunas and Sabonis to age. I'm a little stung that they struck my Spaniards from the top spot. But a deserving win. On to the Olympics!
posted by lilnemo at 12:57 PM on September 15, 2003
Your final round:
France over Lithuania. Till now Lithuania has managed to beat some talented frontcourts. I'm not sure they'll be able to handle France's backcourt pressure.
Spain over Italy. Italy is the feel good story of the tournament. Unfortunately Cinderelly, the fairy tale ends here. The "Pink Panther" leads Spain to another W.
Your Championship Final:
Spain over France. Spain moves the ball well enough to counteract Frances pressure, Navarro is speedy enough to match scoring with Parker. But Moiso (or any of France's frontcourt players for that matter) will not be able to handle the likes of Pau. But even trapping, and double-teaming will not be enough. You heard it here first folks.