Slovenia will meet U.S. on Tuesday, 9-9-14

[Sci Fi]

We'll see if Goran Dragic can stay out of foul trouble this game.

I'm actually looking for a much closer game than the 25 point spread. Slovenia has played really well this tournament. They're the best team the USA has faced. They've basically only played one bad quarter.

Goran hasn't played his best the last two games. In an interview I saw he mentioned he was a bit out of shape so I think that explains things a bit. He'll be rested for today so I'm looking for one of those explosive starts he had so often last year.

Slovenia really need to limit their turnovers and shoot the three ball well if they are to have any chance. Something like less than 12 turnovers and 40% shooting from the three and the game could be interesting. They have good shooters and move the ball well enough to get open shots so I hope they rise to the occasion. The turnovers will be the hard part.

 

[Mainstreet]

OK, they finally fixed the schedule. The game is on at noon PT on ESPN. 8 am is Lithuania vs Turkey on NBATV.

Thanks for the update. I was looking for it without success.

 

[Mainstreet]

I missed the game unfortunately. It looks like the U.S. put the throttle down on Slovenia in the second half. I hope someone got to see the game and has some comments. It seems like Goran's shooting was off and has been lately. Zoran did not shoot well either. See link below.

http://scores.espn.go.com/fiba/boxscore?gameId=400583471

 

[Ronin]

Team USA should have added another PG... they seemed to fall for all the hype about Kyrie. There are quite a few guys that could have helped - Lillard, Lawson, Conley, Lowry and Bledsoe might have been the best choice of all. He'd give them a defensive presence in the backcourt when they needed it - and he shoots better than Irving. Not to mention he gets to the FT line more, grabs more rebounds and more steals.

Team USA needed a pass first point guard, Neither Rose or Irving are getting their teammates involved in the offense. Team USA's offense is painful to watch in the half court.

 

[Mainstreet]

I didn't want to start a new thread so I will put it here. Serbia advances to face France on Friday. See Paul Coro article at azcentral dated 9-10-14.

The Suns' No. 27 draft pick from June might not be able to join Phoenix for two more years, but his World Cup play is creating anticipation.

Bogdanovic followed up his breakout 21-point performance in Serbia's Sunday upset of Greece with 12 points Tuesday in Serbia's 84-56 quarterfinal rout of Brazil.

Bogdanovic made five of nine shots, including two of five 3-pointers, to help turn around an 81-73 group loss to Brazil and advance to Friday's semifinal against France. At the least, 11th-ranked Serbia will have a chance to play for a medal in the gold-medal game or the bronze-medal game this weekend in Spain.

http://www.azcentral.com/story/spor...s-bogdan-bogdanovic-fiba-serbia-nba/15414281/

 

[t0rchy]

I saw the Game and can give you some Input:

Goran played very well, but he and Domen Lorbek had to carry the Team on their own. Zoran didn't do much. Almost every successful or at least dangerous attack by the Slovenians has been initiated by Goran or Domen. Gogi really played at as well as anybody at the US roster, especially on offense. He also did a very good job orchestrating the offensive game and motivating his team mates.

Zoran could be an average spot up shooter in the NBA, nothing more and nothing less. From an European stand spoint, I don't get all the Attention right now. He is playing like this since 2 or 3 years and there is no reason to believe in much upside. Guess he is hyped a Bit because of Gorans great Season with the Suns and steady improvement over the years.

 

[Mainstreet]

I saw the Game and can give you some Input:

Goran played very well, but he and Domen Lorbek had to carry the Team on their own. Zoran didn't do much. Almost every successful or at least dangerous attack by the Slovenians has been initiated by Goran or Domen. Gogi really played at as well as anybody at the US roster, especially on offense. He also did a very good job orchestrating the offensive game and motivating his team mates.

Zoran could be an average spot up shooter in the NBA, nothing more and nothing less. From an European stand spoint, I don't get all the Attention right now. He is playing like this since 2 or 3 years and there is no reason to believe in much upside. Guess he is hyped a Bit because of Gorans great Season with the Suns and steady improvement over the years.

Thanks for the report. It is much appreciated. I'd like to see Zoran be given a chance to play in the NBA, if not for Phoenix then some other team. I think he could fill a role that Dionte Christmas occupied. You are right, Goran has drawn interest to Zoran. Anyway, I think Zoran will stay in Europe this season.

 

[AzStevenCal]

Thanks for the report. It is much appreciated. I'd like to see Zoran be given a chance to play in the NBA, if not for Phoenix then some other team. I think he could fill a role that Dionte Christmas occupied. You are right, Goran has drawn interest to Zoran. Anyway, I think Zoran will stay in Europe this season.

I think that's roughly his ceiling and if I were him I'd rather play than cheerlead. He should and probably will stay in Europe.

Steve

 

[Mainstreet]

I think that's roughly his ceiling and if I were him I'd rather play than cheerlead. He should and probably will stay in Europe.

Steve

You are likely right although I think he may give the NBA a try next season. The "next season" part is just a guess.

 

[AzStevenCal]

You are likely right although I think he may give the NBA a try next season. The "next season" part is just a guess.

Yeah I really should have just said "he probably should stay in Europe". I have no idea what he's motivated by or likely to do.

Steve

 

[t0rchy]

It's a known fact over here, that Zoran is trying to get to the NBA every single year. If he gets a chance, he will use it, I guess.