The Talking Heads Strike Again
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by user J Cunningham
It amazes me how often I forget we live with an over-the-top, sensationalistic sports media.
But I was again reminded of that fact the past couple days, when news broke that Team USA had lost 101-95 to Greece in the semifinals of the FIBA World Basketball Championships. Team USA did rebound to beat Argentina 96-81 to take the bronze medal in Japan, but to hear ESPN and the general sports nation talk, one would think the entire basketball world had been attacked.
An embarrassment, some are calling this. I see talking heads all over ESPN--some basketball experts, most just regular sports reporters--talking about how terrible this loss was, how inexplicable is was. They blast the NBA, criticize coach Mike Krzyzewski for his tactics...heck, even Washington Wizards star Gilbert Arenas has come out and said his omission from Team USA was a mistake.
But let's get serious here, people; can we try not to be hypocritical for at least a week or two?
It wasn't too long ago people were praising Team USA, eager to put the memories of the Athens 2004 debacle behind them. Coach K had the right players, the right ideas, and this was the closest Team USA had come to the Dream Team since...well...the Dream Team.
But one loss--a loss in the World Championship semifinals to a solid Greece team, no less--and everyone's mashing on the panic button. Seems as though everyone's forgotten the praise we were throwing Team USA's way not too long ago.
Chris Broussard says we've lost our grip on the game. Flip the dial to ESPN Radio and hear any number of hosts blabber on and on about how horrible and embarrassing this loss was. Colin Cowherd, Mike and Mike...Tony Mercurio of ESPN Radio 1310 in Virginia Beach, Va. called this team a joke, claming USA basketball would never again be successful in international competition.
And all because the United States lost in the semifinals. THE FREAKIN' SEMIFINALS.
Is the lack of a title disappointing? Most assuredly, and I don't deny there are a few areas this team needs to work on. A bonafide 3-point shooter would be a tremendous asset, and some more defense would be great. Personally, I think leaving Bruce Bowen off the team was a big mistake; his veteran leadership and on-the-ball defensive skills could've been a tremendous asset. I can't think of anyone else in the NBA who can guard the perimeter as well as Bowen--which, on the international level, is paramount.
And why not put a J.J. Redick on the team? I figured Coach K would've put him on the roster, knowing what J.J. can do. His touch from behind the arc would've been a big help--not to mention his accuracy from the free throw line (if I'm not mistaken, Redick holds the NCAA record for highest free throw percentage).
Are there areas of concern? Are there things for Team USA to fix before the Beijing Games in 2008? Yes. But to call this team an embarrassment and lament the death of basketball in the United States over a semifinal loss to a solid Greece team in the World Championships is a bit over-the-top and unnecessary. As far as I'm concerned, as long as Team USA captures gold in Beijing, what they do in the years between Olympics really doesn't matter.
But this was by no means an embarrassment. At best, it's a reason for disappointment, a chance to take a step back and examine the strengths and weaknesses of Team USA. And Coach K and his posse have two years to do that, so as far as I'm concerned, this isn't nearly the deal everyone says it is.
In the meantime, you want to talk Team USA embarrassment on the international stage? How about we discuss that World Cup team from a few months back? Three games, never made it ouyt of pool play, and the only goal was an own-goal by Italy.
Now that was embarrassing.
Date
Sat 09/02/06, 5:42 pm EST
