HoopWatch

Unselfish! Yes, that’s the exact word that I would describe the USA Men’s basketball team competing in the current FIBA Americas. By far, they are no doubt playing on another level, whopping opponents by an average margin of 48.4 points.

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They started the tournament with a 43-point demolition against Venezuela, followed it
with a mighty 64-point rout over US Virgin Islands and a 50-point thrashing of Canada. They then ended elimination play with a 37-point romp against defending Americas champions Brazil, and limited Phoenix Suns guard Leandrino Barbosa to just four points, a feat being attributed to Kobe Bryant’s pesky defense.

Coach Mike Krzyzewski has done a very good job defining their roles. They are all men in a mission, and they are united to bring back glory to American and NBA basketball, which was once at its pinnacle when the Michael Jordan-led Dream Team of 92 dominated the Olympics, with an average winning margin of over-40 points.

Two things led to this dominance: teamwork and great defense. There is no question about the Americans’ talent and skills. They are the best in the world. But in the past international tournaments, what was lacking was team play and outside shooting that would defeat the zone.

Coach K addressed these crises by loading the team with great shooters in Carmelo Anthony, Kobe Bryant, Michael Redd, Mike Miller and Chauncey Billups. They have been hitting their stride. Plus that extra pass has made them deadlier. How many time have we seen Redd and Miller open for that corner three.

The team always make that extra pass not only to the shooters but to the cutters as well. Jason Kidd, though at 34, has been the catalyst of the crisp passing of Team USA. He knows where and when to pass. Dwight Howard, Amare Stoudemire and LeBron James have been having their way with easy dunks because of Kidd, and it has been contagious! We have been seeing Kobe, Melo and LBJ dishing a lot of dimes to each other for those uncontested rim-rattlers.

Then there’s that annoying and aggressive pressure defense that they employ. It starts with the guards Kobe and Kidd rattling the opponents, and anchored on Howard and Amare’s shot blocking abilities. This defense has led to numerous fast breaks and easy points.

With this newfound resolve, they are now a legitimate team to be feared. And they are young. They will be a force to reckon with for a long time.