12/21/24
July 27, 2004
He said it once, he said it twice. : Carmelo Anthony guarantees a gold for the US in men's basketball. Any takers?
(Me, I'd bet against them, but not a large amount of money, 'cuz I don't know enough about who's out there to have a sense of who would beat them. If there's a lock for a gold for the US in basketball, it's the women. Now that's a dream team!)
posted by lil_brown_bat to other at 01:22 PM - 18 comments
Nice. This give me an excuse to post this interview with Allen Iverson. I think it's pretty cool that AI is the only player other than Duncan who is actually honoring his two year commitment to USA Basketball.
posted by Mike McD at 04:49 PM on July 27, 2004
.....and along with Duncan, was unanimously named a co-captain by his teammates to boot.
posted by smithers at 05:02 PM on July 27, 2004
And the situation is not improving. (selection pool? what selection pool?)
posted by lil_brown_bat at 09:13 AM on July 28, 2004
You gotta give it up for AI. He might be a genuine unruly badass, but he's trying to do the right thing, whether it's keeping his promise to the Olympic team, lending moral support to the people who've gotten him to where he is, or just being an adult off the court. Face it, there's no need for a professional basketballer to ever get past the age of six emotionally. But you can see him trying to be good, and it shows. Agreed on the American women making it little more than a contest for the silver (okay, after Australia, the bronze.)
posted by chicobangs at 09:48 AM on July 28, 2004
AI is indeed trying to do the right thing, but it is very sad to think that his reward will be to look bad in Athens. That's just not right. Re: the women, I think the Opals (Aussies) might actually make a pretty good run for it. At least we might get to see LJ pull Lisa Leslie's (fake) hair again ;-)
posted by lil_brown_bat at 11:06 AM on July 28, 2004
but it is very sad to think that his reward will be to look bad in Athens Why do you say that? LBB, Iverson is going to astonish in Athens. I'm betting that AI is going to step up and lead the US to the gold medal. It'll be all the more impressive because it's without the NBA's best.
posted by Mike McD at 11:18 AM on July 28, 2004
I think someone has forgotten just how good AI is. Well, I think you're about to find out. This is going to be my favorite Olympics since the Dream Team. I'm so excited I'm giddy. I also hope it leads to everyone embracing AI for being himself, not for being the guy others want him to be, but just for being who he thinks he should be, right or wrong.
posted by Mike McD at 11:22 AM on July 28, 2004
but it is very sad to think that his reward will be to look bad in Athens I don't understand this statement either. As I have said here before, Iverson is a playmaker first, and a shooter second, when he has talent around him. My guess is that he will lead the U.S. to the gold.
posted by smithers at 12:05 PM on July 28, 2004
I agree with Carmello. What's wrong with hyping things up a little? These games could use a little energy. Plus, if Mello said it, then it will happen.
posted by filthyboy at 12:37 PM on July 28, 2004
I like Melo, and his predictions are going to come true, but it's going to be a lot closer than he maybe thinks, and I hope Iverson gives him a bit of a whupping. Might help him grow up, just. This. Much. And the Opals are going to do just fine -- Loz will dominate in the paint throughout, and in the gold medal game, she'll make Lisa Leslie look like the punk-ass old biddy she is, and I? I will cheer and cheer -- but the American team is just too deep to lose.
posted by chicobangs at 12:48 PM on July 28, 2004
It's this kind of humble attitude that's made the USA the popular country it is worldwide.
posted by squealy at 01:15 PM on July 28, 2004
For you American basketball fiends, how does this Olympic squad compare to the World Championship team that manged to crash and burn so spectacularly?
posted by salmacis at 04:05 PM on July 28, 2004
No contest. USA 2004 would destroy that squad. Melo, Lebron, Wade, Iverson, Duncan? I mean, come on.
posted by lbergstr at 04:37 PM on July 28, 2004
One thing I will say is that AI is anything but an unruly badass. He's a family guy, takes care of his kids and has dedicated himself to his hometeam. Take away a strange charge against him a decade ago and the wierd domestic thing that seemed to be blown out of proportion and he's a friggin' role model. People just can't see beyond the tattoos. And the Jewelz album. And the not practicing. Come to think of it - he is somewhat unruly. But hardly a badass. Ok, maybe, a bit of a badass... Train of thought - derailed.
posted by WeedyMcSmokey at 06:21 PM on July 28, 2004
but it is very sad to think that his reward will be to look bad in Athens Sorry, I misspoke...what I meant to say was, "it will be very sad IF his reward is to look bad in Athens". Obviously, we'll see what we'll see.
posted by lil_brown_bat at 08:02 PM on July 28, 2004
I like the US's chances. Duncan, Iverson, and LeBron, oh my LeBron is soo soo good and also seems to have just the right attitude. It won't be easy because obviously the world has kicked it up a notch but I'd lay a little do-re-mi on the Red, White and Blue. ...and yes that Iverson interview is great...
posted by vito90 at 01:09 AM on July 29, 2004
...Yugoslavia... I meant Serbia & Montenegro, duh. Although.... This can't help Serbia's chances.
posted by lilnemo at 01:35 PM on July 29, 2004
I agree with Larry Brown: “That’s just a young kid saying that,” coach Larry Brown said when informed of Anthony’s guarantee. “But as long as he respects the people we’re playing against and understands how good they’ve got, I don’t have any problem with that.” I sincerely hope that these guys realize that they are going to Athens to represent their country. Not just in competition but in spirit, a rehash of Atlanta in '96, or the World Championships would place a black mark on American atheletes in general. I'll pull for our guys if Larry can get them to "play the right way". But if they start talking trash and trying to intimidate or belittle their opponents, I'll be pulling for the opponent. Don't overlook Spain, Yugoslavia, Argentina, or Lithuania. The US women will most likely run rough-shod over the competition, and in all likelihood will outclass their male counterparts. Again.