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Team USA Player Reports

Last Thursday, Team USA dictated play on both ends of the court en route to a 114-69 blowout victory over Puerto Rico. Showing poise and passion, Team USA is off to a great start in reestablishing America as the king of basketball. Though I do not like to base performance on one game, here are my notes on each player’s performance that may prove critical when determining the final twelve.Dwyane Wade: Wade played very well last Thursday; however, his 6-10 performance was overshadowed by his showboating. This showboating got the best of him as he committed two traveling violations. The first negated a breakaway dunk, and the second was from taking too many steps after a spin move. I do not agree with the second call considering Wade uses that move frequently to weave through traffic; however, Wade has to be more cautious with the international style of officiating.

Lebron James: Lebron was very excited about playing and was very active in trying to find steals which would lead to breakout opportunities. He overplayed on defense in the first quarter by double teaming Carlos Arroyo who had no difficulty splitting his defenders and weaving through traffic for open lay-ups. Eventually, Lebron settled down in the second half like the other guards and got steals the proper way: one-on-one reach ins and getting into the passing lanes. On the offensive end, James was both a creator and a finisher with approximately the same amount of assists and dunks.

Carmelo Anthony: Carmelo is a shooter, and he made it clear last night. Every time he received the ball, he did not even take a dribble. He launched the ball instantly every time for a 6-10 shooting night. I am glad to see his confidence considering those shots did not fall in the last Olympics. Carmelo is on a mission and is definitely not fooling around. This is a great sign for Team USA.

Chris Paul: Chris Paul was ridiculous. Paul was the facilitator throughout the night, leading the fast break and setting up dunks for the other guards. He finished with only five points but eight assists. He threw more lobs than shots. The Rookie of the year turned Team USA starter is simply amazing.

Kirk Hinrich: As I stated previously in another article, Hinrich is a very streaky shooter. In his first action of the night, he missed his first three shots. I believe he was forced to shoot because the second unit composed of him, Bruce Bowen, Joe Johnson, Brad Miller, and Gilbert Arenas was not getting it done. However, Hinrich made up for his slow start by scoring seven points at the beginning of the second half. He helped blow the game wide open. On the defensive end, Hinrich picked up three silly reach in fouls and one blocking foul which was clearly a charging violation. Hinrich established his position for two whole seconds before contact was made. He needs to learn the international game very quickly if he wants to spend more time on the court than the bench.

Joe Johnson: Johnson may be a borderline all-star, but he played very well. When Puerto Rico led by four at the beginning of the second quarter, Johnson calmly crossed his man over and was fouled on the ensuing reverse lay-up for a three point play. The shot whipped the Las Vegas crowd into a frenzy and helped start the run that would lead to a double digit USA cushion at halftime. He finished with a 4-7 shooting night but only 1 of 4 from three-point range which is his forte.

Gilbert Arenas: Arenas was either nervous or excited. In the first half, Arenas drove down the lane and missed a point blank lay-up. Shortly after, he drove again and ran into Santiago for a blatant charging violation. He redeemed himself in the second half with two three pointers, but the game was already well in hand. He needs to work on his decision making if he wants to remain on the team. I do not think Arenas fans have much to worry about as Coach K is not going to drop his best three point shooter.

Shane Battier: Battier will not make any highlight reels while he is on Team USA. His numbers were practically nonexistent because he picked up four fouls. The only time he really saw action was a blocking violation which was clearly a Puerto Rico charging violation and a three pointer after Team USA had already blown the game wide open.

Bruce Bowen: Team USA is playing a very fast-paced, Phoenix Suns tempo meaning defense is very secondary to offense. Bowen, at age 35, is not competent at playing at this speed. During the game, his first moment of action consisted of a turnover. In the second half, he airballed a three pointer which is his sweet spot when he plays in the states. Bowen is too slow for this offense, and when he is 38, he will not be athletic enough to keep up with the pace.

Elton Brand: Brand restored order when USA lost the lead in the second quarter. He made two of his mid range jumpers and a putback lay-up in the run that led to the double digit lead at halftime. He asserted his position in the post and never quit despite constantly having the ball stripped by the Puerto Rico defenders.

Brad Miller: Miller deferred to his teammates way too much. He started the second quarter and passed up his consistent mid range shot at the elbow. His lack of aggressiveness forced Coach K to bring in Brand to reinstate order. When the game was well in hand, Miller found the confidence to take his mid-ranger which went in beautifully.

Dwight Howard: Howard proved why he was the second highest rebounder last season. He finished with ten rebounds, five of which were offensive. Besides rebounding, Howard was a finisher with two massive dunks in the game.

Antawn Jamison: Jamison showed his range last night connecting on 3-7 three pointers. However, they came after the game was well over with. If he continues to produce from the outside, he will be a versatile player. However, I just cannot see him replacing Brand, Howard, or Bosh in the roster.

Chris Bosh: Bosh played very well…when he played inside. His first two shots were three pointers, and I was wondering why he would take those. I know he has range, but three pointers are not his forte (even if the international line is shorter). When he played inside, Bosh found himself with numerous opportunities at the free-throw line. He made 3 of his 4 free throws, and it is nice to see a big man show his stroke at the line.

Team Notes: Team USA dictated play on both ends of the court through pressure defense and monstrous dunks. If they bring this mindset and aggressiveness to every game, winning gold will not be a problem.

Team USA also had numerous offensive rebounds which led to many shot opportunities. Early in the second quarter, USA was 4-13 from the field while Puerto Rico was 4-5. The extra opportunities will be key as I expect the team to hit some dry spots in their pseudo Phoenix Suns offensive style.

Speaking of the Phoenix Suns style, I think Team USA can play at this pace, but they need to commit to defense as much as offense. In the first half, the guards were very adamant in forcing steals than sticking to their man. This defense gave Puerto Rico many lay-up opportunities.

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