USA vs. Russia Recap

The game is airing now live on ESPN and I'm not enjoying what I see out of Team USA. Way too much 1-on-1 play for the American team that I think I'm watching guys play at X-Sports or the Y on 63rd Street. If Kevin Durant & continue to play the isolation game, I would not be surprised if they ended up going home. But if they decide to play team ball, this game could be a rout. Coach K's group needs to show offensive & defensive patience.

With 90 seconds left in the 3rd quarter USA has decided to show patience on offense & defense and own a commanding 15 point lead. Kevin Durant (23 points) has played the entire game but is still in isolation mode. Good hang time move by Velvet Hoop to finish strong with the left hand...no foul was called.

KD finished with a game high 33 as Team USA advances to the semifinals. Once again Russell Westbrook provided us with two highlight dunks to send the USA bench off their seats. Pushing the Lakers to 6 games plus FIBA experience has done wonders for Westbrook & Durant. I can't wait to watch Thunder basketball this year.

FIBA World Championship

With everyone projected Spain vs. Team USA in the championship both teams have struggled in the FIBA World Championships so far. The difference is, Team USA remains undefeated. The defending world champions Spain have lost 2 out of their last 3 losing most recently to Lithuania?!?!?!? Exactly other than Team USA, Spain has the most NBA ready players on their roster.

Last night Brazil gave Kevin Durant & company a scare as this new group of American ball players held on to defeat a Leandro Barbosa squad by a single bucket 70-68.If Team USA is healthy then someone needs to check Andre Iguodala's ankles. Close to the end of the game, Barbosa gave Iggy a sick behind the back dribble that sent AI to the ground. USA Basketball still has two major problems that they need to adjust:

1. Turnovers
2. Consistent lineup

I'm aware any player on Team USA can score 20 plus any given night but Coach K needs to focus on a consistent lineup. Other than Kevin Durant, nobody know if they'll play the next game. Turnovers continue to be a problem for Team USA as they are sloppy and needs better clock management.

Once those two problems are solved, Team USA should win the FIBA Championship as well as the 2012 Olympics. 

Duke-Butler Championship Game Recap

This morning on Sportscenter & Mike & Mike, Coach K mentioned that if this game were to go into overtime his Blue Devils loose. After viewing the brackets for the tournament again it's clear to say that Duke had the easiest path to the championship. The committee made sure that Kansas State, Michigan State or any other powerhouse were not placed in their bracket. Other than West Virginia, Duke had a layup all the way to the Final 4.

Butler will be back next season as a top 5 team that's loaded with underclassmen and with Kyle Irving playing the point in Durham, NC Duke will be a top 25 team but I don't expect a repeat. My early top 5 predictions for next season are Butler, North Carolina, Michigan State, Washington, Purdue.

Butler-Duke

The hometown Butler Bulldogs will face the Duke Blue Devil in the NCAA Division 1 title game tomorrow. If Kyle Stringler and John Schyer want to elevate their draft status they should be the ones making the clutch shots tomorrow. My early prediction of tomorrow's game in Indianapolis is that Butler will play hard for 30 minuets but Coach K will cut down the nets by 10:30 CT Monday Night.