U.S. Men’s Olympic Team Should Fear European Juggernauts

For the past few days I’ve been watching the U.S men’s Olympic basketball team, and I have not liked what I've seen.

All I saw with this hyped, star-studded basketball squad was cocky attitudes (Chris Paul stepping over the Turkey guard), inexperienced players, too many fast breaks, and no half-court play.

Let's be real.

Turkey, Lithuania, and Russia aren't competitors, and are most certainly not teams the red, white, and blue are going to face in the finals, or even in the quarterfinals.

I refuse to watch any more U.S men's basketball games until they face real contenders with a Ginobili, Calderon, or Gasol posting up or hitting threes on the other end.

So here's the question: Can the North American team pull off the same stunts against Argentina, Greece, Spain, and even Australia?

I think not, and truly believe that this over-hyped team has a very slim chance to capture the gold, even with their tremendous talent.

You think I'm wrong? Well, here are three huge reasons why I'm right:

Chemistry

Players on former reigning world champions Argentina and Spain have been playing together for years and understand the F.I.B.A rules.

Those advantages and their talent give them a huge advantage down the stretch. Plus, half of the players on these European teams are the go-to-guys on their respective clubs.

Height

The size of the North Americans worries me. Even with man-child Dwight Howard, who is quite possibly the best and strongest center in the world, and Chris Bosh.

They're the only size on the U.S. squad, with Boozer and Prince coming in next. And if you believe that Tayshuan and Carlos can handle a European center with ease, then you underestimate the basketball I.Q. and talent of the European big men.

F.I.B.A Rules

From past experience, the European rules have been somewhat of an annoyance for the U.S. team, and most definitely will be a huge disadvantage for the players on the team that have never played under the F.I.B.A rule book.

This could affect them in crucial games down the stretch.

These are the elements I believe will put the U.S. "Dream Team" on the ropes for a small part of the games, mostly quarters and up.

If you think I'm wrong tell me why!