An eye on Olympics

In about one month, all the world sport eyes will be at Beijing. The Olympics are the main place to show your power to the world. In basketball, this power, and the gold medal battle is open. After times of USA domination, the top spot is uncertain right now. At least three teams, USA, Spain and Argentina, have real chances to clinch the basketball competition. However, there are many questions:

Will USA basketball struggle again?

Can Spain repeat his World Cup performance?

Who will be the underdog?

Is Argentina ready to repeat the Athens 2004 trophy?

In my opinion, USA basketball must win. It’s simple. The group of players joined is absolutely impressive. The talent is under no doubt, but there are some facts to notice.

First one; the FIBA rules. NBA stars such as Lebron James and Dwayne Wade struggled in previous international events.

They, as most of their team mates, also showed a lack of game knowledge and a questionable attitude. This should change now. All the players have shown his wish of playing this Olympics and they are obligated to take the gold medal back to the States.

In game, USA basketball will have to take care with two things. I think that they can really struggle against a European zone cover. American’s team has no players to spread the court, and they can pay for this. I also think that many American players will have perennial faults trouble. I don’t imagine Dwaight Howard not fouled out in many games.

I think these will be the main problems for USA.

Contenders or pretenders?

Expecting an upset from them will be two teams: Spain and Argentina. The World Champions reach to the Olympics with many changes. I have doubts about my team.

I don’t think that the coach’s change will make a big difference, but there are several issues.

The first one is about Pau Gasol. The Lakers’ player seemed to be very tired in the NBA Finals. For the first time since he reaches the NBA, he has been playing until late June.

He is not a physical player, and he will pay his tireless at Beijing. According to this, Navarro has played more games in a season than in his entire career. I also have doubts on Jorge Garbajosa. Former player of Toronto Raptors has not been the same since his several ankle injury.

For these reasons, it has to be a leadership relief. Marc Gasol and Rudy Fernandez have to take a step forward and play a key role. It’s the key. New players have to leader Spain to the promise land in The Olympics. But…

Are they ready?