Print
RSS Feeds
E-News Sign Up
Share on FacebookHere are the updates from NBA.com reporters traveling with Team USA in Asia.
| NBA TV BROADBAND VIDEO |
  Aug. 15:
Recap - U.S. vs. Korea Aug. 15:
Postgame press conference Aug. 13:
All-Access - Lithuania game Aug. 14:
LBJ, Melo, D-Wade Aug. 13:
Video Blog- Chris Paul Aug. 13:
Coach K postgame Aug. 13:
USA vs. Lithuania Aug. 11:
All-Access China trip Aug. 11:
U.S. arrival in Seoul Aug. 11:
China embraces team Aug. 10:
Arenas, Jamison boat trip Aug. 8:
USA vs. Brazil All-Access:
USA vs. Brazil All-Access:
USA vs. Puerto Rico Aug. 7:
LBJ and CP3 put on a clinic Aug. 6:
All-Access in China Aug. 6:
Paul, Arenas joke around Aug. 5:
D. Howard video blog All-Access:
Week two Aug. 3:
Highlights vs. Puerto Rico Aug. 3:
Postgame press conference Aug. 3:
Wade's five-star play Aug. 3:
LeBron's five-star play Looking back:
Recent history More: USA Basketball Video Archive
|
France guard Tony Parker will miss the 2006 FIBA World Championship with a broken finger. Parker sustained the injury after getting his finger caught during France 's final friendly game against Brazil last Tuesday. He was initially ruled out of the opening two or three games but, coach Claude Bergeaud announced Parker would not play in Japan.
"Tony wanted to try and play with the injury but I didn't feel it was worth taking the risk." Bergeaud said. "He will not be playing in the tournament and will return to San Antonio to recover from the injury."
Parker's absence will change the entire make-up of the French team. Now, back-up point guard Aymeric Jeanneau is expected to take the starting role, with Joseph Gomis the first guard off the bench. France narrowly beat the 3pm (Japan time) deadline for submitting rosters to tournament officals and replaced the Spurs guard with Mamoutou Diarra.
SAPPORO, Japan, Aug. 18 -- posted by Jeff Dengate (NBA.com) on August 18, 2006, 6:30 a.m. ET
The 2006 FIBA World Championships have officially begun. And the U.S. means business.
The six teams here in Hakkaido, as well as the other 18 assembled in Sendai, Hiroshima and Hamamatsu attended opening ceremonies held in the respective cities. The 12-member American squad was the first to arrive and take its seats in Hakkaido, all dressed in navy blazers, grey slacks and red ties. One couldn't help but think of school children -- maybe private school children, given the uniforms -- as the US team sat quietly, if not a little antsy, awaiting the ceremony.
One observer had a different thought, however, as he watched the only team in the room: "Think one team's ready to play?"
The other teams, upon arrival, looked as though they were ready to play at any moment. Italy, Slovenia and China all wore the team-issued warmups; Senegal was garbed in formal robes -- orange for players, a beige for coaches.
Prior to the ceremony, the U.S. club posed for team photos in their navy blazers. After a number of snaps, LeBron James asked one of the photographers, Jesse Garrabrant, "Do we get these pictures, too?"
"Absolutely," was the reply.
"Don't say absolutely," James joked, "then I look in my mail (and they're not there)."
His teammates broke out in a giggle, but you could tell LeBron really wants a copy of those photos. It's those kinds of moments that remind you this team is out to create a memory it can cherish for many years to come. Those memories will only come with a certain colored medal in these World Championships. What color probably goes without saying.
SAPPORO, Japan, Aug. 18 -- posted by Jeff Dengate (NBA.com) on August 18, 2006, 4:30 a.m. ET
After practice, it was time for a little local flavor. Specifically, ramen from "Ramen Yokocho" or what's termed "Ramen Alley" on my map of Sapporo. There's also a "New Ramen Alley." Our destination of choice, however, is little more than a hallway with a dozen or so ramen shops lining it. The shops consisted of a small kitchen, a counter and a table or two at most. And if you're thinking ramen like you might find in any college freshman's cupboards, forget it. This was a hearty bowl of noodles, a fatty slice of pork, bean sprouts and bamboo shoots in a miso soup. Tasty. So good in fact that one well known guide book describes the alley as the one place in the city people will know and understand what you mean. If you read the last post, you'd understand what I mean, because there's very little English to be found.
How does this relate to hoops? Well, we were on our way back from practice and three of us were wearing our USA Basketball gear. The cook in the kitchen didn't understand a word we said, but knew we were with the team and wanted to strike up a conversation on sports. Somehow we ended up talking about the Yomiuri Giants, New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers. Well, it wasn't exactly talking or World Championships related, but it was the best we could do given we don't know Japanese.
After that, the NBA TV camera crew I was with jetted out to get some shots of the city sights. We visited a Shinto shrine -- Hokkaido Jingu -- where Emperor Meiji selected three dieties for the reclamation of Hokkaido and brought them to the shrine in 1869. At least, that's what the tourist brochure said. Shinto is one of the two major religions in Japan, along with Buddhism. The shrine was truly a delight, built of what seemed a type of cedar for the scent was quite pleasant.
Okay, so now we're ready for the World Championships to get underway. Within the hour, the team will take part in the opening ceremonies and we'll be ready for the games to begin.
SAPPORO, Japan, Aug. 18 -- posted by Jeff Dengate (NBA.com) on August 18, 2006, 3:00 a.m. ET
Well, after a long flight and a long overdue slumber we're live in Japan. More about the trip in a bit, but first a little about today's happenings.
The team practiced at the Hakkaido Prefectural Sports Center today. The practice was broken into two parts: first was a walk through of some sets on an adjacent practice court for an hour, followed by a second hour on the actual playing floor in the arena.
Speaking of the arena, I was startled by it's size. In a word: cozy. The arena is somewhat football shaped and can't hold more than a few thousand fans, although we've heard some saying it holds upwards of 8,000. You get the sense the building is going to be loud if that many fans pour in. Well, that and because the court is alive; you can literally feel the players' movements vibrating the floor beneath you a good number of rows off the court.
The practice court down the hall is almost the same size and outfitted with two courts. At the end of one court is a rock climbing wall, but worry not, the structure was shielded by green padding to prevent any players from crashing.
All in all, the building is remarkably impressive, built sturdy while still being quite a sight to look at. The solid concrete and metal structure incorporates many glass and wooden elements, much different than what you find back in the States.
As for what actually took place in practice, Coach K highlighted some ways they got beaten by Puerto Rico in an exhibition as well as how the team can find success versus the the bigger Puerto Ricans, Chinese, and Slovenians -- the team's first three opponents
Coach K also reminded the team that this is the youngest World Championship team since 1990, when Krzyzewski was head coach of a team of college players. This year's squad has eight members under 25, which includes five under 22.
What the players lack in age, they make up for in big league experience and basketball is still basketball. So, it seems the US is ready for the preliminary round to get underway tomorrow afternoon. As for us NBA types, we're still battling the 13 hour time change to get ready for the tournament's start. The flight over here wrecked us and by the time we got to Tokyo, we realized we had far too many people to fit into our small hired van. I ended up hitching a ride with ESPN Insider Chris Sheridan and William Wesley, who were headed to the same hotel. Thanks, gents, for the lift.
When we arrived at the hotel last night, we found the hallway ceilings to be rather short, perhaps not even seven feet high. That, as you can imagine, poses problems for basketball players like Brad Miller or Chris Bosh, who are staying on our floor. One floor down, I saw Daniel Santiago -- the Puerto Rican team is stationed here too -- ducking the entire distance of the hall.
Finally, we've had our share of 'lost in translation' moments since arriving in Japan. Today we were provided with a driver and attache-turned-translater to help navigate Sapporo. Her English, while better than most here, was still difficult. Fortunately both she and one of the NBA TV producers in our party both spoke Italian. So, everything went English-Italian-Japanese and back again. It really turned interesting when she got mixed up and started speaking Italian to Japanese speakers. But alas, we made do. We'll have more from our short sightseeing trip around Sapporo in a short bit. Be sure to check back.
SAPPORO, Japan, Aug. 18 -- posted by NBA.com, August 17, 2006, 7:25 p.m. ET
A quick report from the Team USA and the headquarters at the Sapporo branch of the 2006 FIBA World Championship:
Team USA, along with China, Italy, Puerto Rico, Senegal and Slovenia, is sharing hotel headquarters in Sapporo. All clubs checked in on August 17th and each team had a one-hour time slot for a practice or shoot-around at the venue, a very cozy and well lit arena that lists capacity at 10,000 but seemed to be more of an 8,000 seat college arena type facility to one and all.
Bumped into Yao Ming and a few of his teammates last night at the hotel front desk. He looked great and was his usual classy self as he arranged a time with a Houston-based columnist on assignment in Japan to do an interview on the opening of the '06 World Championship - a basketball tournament that many are touting as the best tournament the sport has ever imagined.
The United States team had a very light shoot-around - much to the joy of about 25 or 30 international photographers who snapped away as Team USA shook off the long day and early wake-up & bus call in Seoul- 6:30am.
Today, the 18th, the team will conduct a full practice from 11am to 1pm (Japan time) and then participate in the official opening ceremony reception for the tournament which takes place this evening at 6:30pm (Japan time). The practice will be the final tune-up before the tournament officially begins on Saturday, Aug 19th.
Besides the USA vs. Puerto Rico match, many eyes will be trained on the Sendai bracket and the Argentina vs. France tilt. For some others, the opening day schedule in Hamamatsu and the Turkey vs. Lithuania matchup might be as interesting.
Official rosters for each of the 24 teams will be submitted to FIBA at a 3pm (Japan time) technical meeting that all teams must attend. Many of the basic tournament rules and all logistics will be explained and reviewed at that meeting, a tradition at all world tournaments.
To that end, the United States faced one of the more difficult aspects of the preparations for this great competition and that was to get the USA team roster down to 12 players. San Antonio's Bruce Bowen flew back to the States yesterday. He is such a class act and - very importantly - he is still very much a part of the USA effort to win gold - here in Japan - and at future international tournaments. Bruce Bowen will be a HUGE part of USA Basketball for many years to come.
SEOUL Aug. 16 -- posted by NBA.com, August 16, 2006, 4:36 a.m. ET
The trip in Korea is starting to wind down as the team flies on Thursday morning to Sapporo, Japan to get ready for Saturday's opener of the 2006 World Championships. On Tuesday here, the team played their last exhibition game and had their most complete performance. Although Korea certainly was not the same caliber as the USA's first four opponents, the Americans execution was terrific for four quarters. LeBron James started out strong with 19 points in the first half and finished with 23 for the game. The outcome was never in doubt as the team rolled to a 116-63 win over the host team.
The USA team was met with an early wake up call on Wednesday as they left at 8:30 a.m. for a 90 minute trip to Camp Casey, a US Army Base in Tongduchon, South Korea. Although the drive was long, the trip was outstanding. The team practiced in a beautiful (and cool this time) gymnasium. The entire gym was filled with military personnel who again loved seeing the Americans run out in their fatigues. Chris Paul gave an impassioned welcome to the troops which gave us all chills and then Coach K ran the team through a short practice.
After the practice, the team went to the mess hall and ate with the troops. As it was on Monday, each player mingled with the troops as well as signing autographs and taking pictures. At lunch, the sergeant general presented Jerry Colangelo and Coach K a silver-plated tomahawk in appreciation for the visit. The tomahawk is a symbol for the troops at Camp Casey and was an extremely nice gesture. Coach K, in turn, presented the troops a signed basketball of everyone from the team that they could display at the base. Again, the visit was one of the highlights of the trip.
Once lunch was over, the team boarded back on the bus and headed back to the hotel. With the traffic, it took almost two hours. But there was no question, the trip was worth it. When you are in that environment, you can just feel how appreciative the troops are of the players and how appreciate the players of the troops. Both visits were memorable for all involved.
It's game time!! Puerto Rico awaits in Sapporo on Saturday and the team can't wait to get the tournament started.
SEOUL Aug. 14 -- posted by NBA.com, August 14, 2006, 2:29 a.m. ET
It's been an adventurous couple of days here in Seoul. For the first time on Sunday, the team had to prepare for an afternoon game. To this point, all the games were at night, but the team had to create a different routine for the 2 p.m. start here in Korea.
Coach K decided to have a meeting in the morning at 10:30 a.m. to go over the game plan and the team boarded a 12:30 p.m. bus for the arena. The arena was very old, and pretty dirty. Not sure if it had air conditioning or not, but it was awfully hot in there. There were also mosquitoes throughout the place, even out on the floor!! It certainly wasn't what any of us are used to.
The coaching staff had put the team through some tough practices in hot gyms leading up to this game so it seemed like the perfect environment. And it turned out to be. The team jumped to a 29-11 first quarter lead on Lithuania and never allowed them to even challenge. At one point, the USA had a 36-point lead before settling in on a 111-88 win. Carmelo Anthony was outstanding again. Coming back from his knee injury, Carmelo scored 19 points on six of 12 shooting to lead Team USA. Carmelo has emerged as a leader on this team. It's probably no coincidence that Team USA's worst half so far (the second half vs. Brazil) was when Carmelo was out with an injury.
When the Team USA schedule came out several weeks ago, today (August 14) promised to be one of the most special days on the trip. It didn't disappoint. The team departed by bus at 9:30 a.m. to head to Yongsan Military Base for practice and an opportunity to see some American troops. When we arrived at the base, we went to the gym and it was packed. Not a seat to be had. Troops were there with their families for their one opportunity to see NBA players at their base.
Of course, no one at the base knew what was to come next. The team ran onto the floor in army fatigues!!! The crowd just loved it. It was a great sign of solidarity with the troops. Now, it was extremely hot in the gym, but the coaches and players enjoyed wearing the fatigues because they wanted to show respect and you could just tell how much the troops appreciated it. It was a chilling moment when the team came out ... truly awesome.
The practice was a spirited one. The players wanted to put on a good show for the troops and they did. LeBron James had an amazing dunk where he put the ball through his legs in the air and dunked it (much like Vince Carter's dunk in the 2000 NBA Dunk Contest). Dwight Howard also had some amazing dunks of his own ... enough so that many of us were telling him he needed to be in this year's NBA Dunk Contest. We'll see if he does. Let's hope so. After what we saw today, he would incredibly entertaining.
After the practice, the team changed and then got on the bus to the dining hall. Each player, coach and staff member ate their lunch with the troops. And they truly did eat with the troops. There was not designated areas for the team. They sat at the same tables and mingled with the troops, took pictures, signed autographs. LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony at one point actually went behind the counter and began to serve food. Coach K and Jerry Colangelo mingled one of the leaders of the base.
The trip was obviously very impactful on the players. Afterwards, two players were saying how much they appreciated what the troops do for our country and how they learned not to take anything for granted. As we said at the top, this day promised to be special and it exceeded all expectations. It was truly a memorable day.
Tomorrow, the US plays their last exhibition game vs. South Korea. The tournament is just five days away.
SEOUL Aug. 11 -- posted by NBA.com, August 11, 2006, 10:23 a.m. ET
It was an early wake up call for Team USA today. The team had a 9 a.m. practice at Hong Kong University before heading to the airport for the flight to Seoul. Although it wasn't the longest flight (only three hours), the travel day was a long one. Most of us left the hotel at 8:45 a.m. to get ready for practice and then we didn't arrive into our hotel in Seoul until 9:30 p.m. When we arrived at the airport in Seoul, there was a large contingent of media and fans to greet the team. Jerry Colangelo and Elton Brand took a few minutes to talk to the media and explain how exciting it is for Team USA to be here in Seoul.
The drive from the airport to the hotel took almost two hours!!! By the time we got here, everyone was worn out. The team had a quick meal before retiring to their rooms for the evening.
Tomorrow, the day will start with a press conference with the Korean media at 9:30 a.m. Coach K, LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony and Dwyane Wade will all be present to represent the team. Then the team will practice at 11 a.m., their last full practice before their exhibition game vs. Lithuania. Now, that is a game we are all looking forward to.
Speaking of Carmelo, he practiced hard both days since his injury versus Brazil and he appears to be just fine. Should be no problem with him playing on Sunday vs. Lithuania.
HONG KONG Aug. 10 -- posted by NBA.com, August 10, 2006, 3:42 a.m. ET
After a day off (and a day to enjoy Hong Kong), the team held practice at Hong Kong University. It was a small, quaint gym with light blue walls, certainly not one of the state of the art NBA arenas or practice facilities that the team is used to. But, it was the perfect setting for what Coach K and his coaching staff had in mind for practice.
The practice was very intense and very physical. Coach K focused his drills on what the USA didn't do well against Brazil, free-throw shooting and finding shots against a zone defense. Plus, he focused on the physicality of the international game and playing through contact. It was one of the most entertaining practices to watch so far.
The Hong Kong media was able to watch the team scrimmage and then had ample opportunity to meet and talk to the team following practice. Also, several members of the team took pictures and signed autographs for some US military personnel.
The team will practice early tomorrow morning in Hong Kong before boarding a plane for Seoul early tomorrow afternoon.
HONG KONG Aug. 9 -- posted by NBA.com on August 8, 2006, 6:15 p.m. ET
After a few days in Guangzhou, China, we're in Hong Kong now. With a day off, we've had some time to think about things. Here are some thoughts, Larry King style, on the 2006 version of the United States Senior National Team and their opponents, about 10 days before the FIBA World Championship of Basketball:
At this year's World Championship basketball fans will see just how good Darko Milicic is and will be. Come September, you will understand why he was taken at No. 2 by Detroit in 2003. ... Lithuania will be a team to be reckoned with, trust the ghosts of Marciulionis, Sabonis and Kurtinaitis. ... Linus Kleiza can play and he will be among LTU's leading scorers. ... People will talk a lot about the youth of the USA team, especially with the likes of Wade, Paul, James, Anthony and Howard leading the way. But youth will be served on a number of teams from around the world, especially: Italy, Brazil, China and Serbia. ... Serbia, by the way, will be playing its last tournament as "Serbia and Montenegro." In the future, Montenegro will field its own national team much the same as the other former Yugoslavian provences. ...
In '99, Argentina was the young upstart team, narrowly missing out on qualification to the 2000 Olympics because of the low number of FIBA America qualifying places (not) gained at the '98 Worlds. Argentina caught a stacked USA in the semifinal at San Juan while Steve Nash led Canada over the host. The US and Canada went on to Sydney. ... Well, in 2006, Brazil reminds us of the '99 Argentine team. Be warned world. ... No "Nene" hurts the Brazilians more than they can handle, however.
When Mike Wilbon of PTI is looking forward to a USA vs. Puerto Rico tune-up game on ESPN2, you know this World Championship is on the MAP! Mike? Circle August 19th and get to Sapporo for a real treat. ...
New York Knick fans will delight in the fact that Frederic Weis has earned the starting spot on France's World Championship team and that Ronny Turiaf -- of Gonzaga fame -- will be his trusty back-up. Calling Vince Carter, calling Vince Carter. Fred Weis will be guarding the lane. Calling Vince Carter? ...
Lebanon will be coached by an American named Paul Coughter. Google that name.
New Zealand coach Tab Baldwin has been running his side all over the world looking for some game. The team returned to Auckland sick and tired, as some viral infection was haunting many. Now - they are playing a friendly vs. Qatar.
These teams are Very, Very, Very good: Spain, Lithuania, Argentina, greece.
These can beat any team on any day: Slovenia, italy, Brazil, Puerto Rico, Turkey, Serbia and Montenegro, France.
Guangzhou, CHINA, Aug. 8 -- posted by NBA.com on August 8, 2006, 4:15 p.m. ET
Coach K decided just to have a team meeting this morning instead of driving all the way to the gym on the day of a back to back. The plan for the day was to have the team meeting, checkout of the hotel at 6 p.m. and then drive to the game, which was an 8 p.m. tipoff.
The checkout scene was actually very funny. I guess because the hotel employees knew this would be the last time they would see the players, 10-15 hotel employees were at the front desk taking pictures and getting autographs of Team USA. It was a bit frenetic, but controlled. Certainly not your usual checkout scene.
The crowd was very active again tonight. Team USA was up by as many as 16 points in the first half but Brazil came back to take the lead before the US team prevailed. The team faced quite a bit of adversity. First Carmelo Anthony, who was off to a very good start, hyperextended his knee late in the first half and did not return. And then in a weird sequence midway through the third quarter, Dwyane Wade, who had three fouls, received an offensive foul and a technical foul back to back. Since a technical foul counts as a personal in international basketball, Dwyane was out of the game -- just like that!!! I'm not even sure he realized it at first. It was one of the differences from NBA basketball that the team is trying to learn.
Joe Johnson made a big steal down the stretch and the USA team upended Brazil 90-86. it was a big sigh of relief for all of us. But, Coach K seemed to take it all in stride. He knew the team needed to be pushed so that he could see what he had in a tight spot. And his players came up big when it counted.
After chowing down some pizza on the bus on the way to the airport, the team and staff flew from Guanghzhou to Hong Kong, checking into the team hotel at 3 a.m.
The team will take tomorrow off before resuming practice in Hong Kong on Thursday afternoon.
Guangzhou, CHINA, Aug. 8 -- posted by NBA.com on August 8, 2006, 12:56 p.m. ET
We caught up with Team USA assistant and Phoenix Suns head coach, Mike D'Antoni after the USA's 90-86 win over Brazil in China on Tuesday. Here's Coach D's blog:
|
When Carmelo Anthony went down with a hyperextended knee, the US offense went with him.
Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE/Getty Images |
This is a learning experience that we'll need to capitalize on to get better. There's a reason we've struggled the last few years.
The biggest thing we learned was how to attack the zone and just how when you're up 16, you need to take advantage of that. There are too many things that can wrong in a game, and you have to play every possession hard.
As for not creating the turnovers that we did against Puerto Rico and China is that Brazil is a much better team. We did create turnovers, but not quite as many as we had before. Again, being up 16, we didn't take care of things and let them come back. We may have panicked a bit and put a little pressure on ourselves.
You've got to give Brazil credit. They played well and moved the ball real well without turning it over.
And we didn't make good decisions with the ball. We made awful decisions with the ball. We got a little loose and we didn't get the fastbreak points we normally do cause we turned it over a few times. And we really got outrebounded. Sometimes the ball bounces crazy and Anderson Varejao is a heck of a rebounder.
Again, it was a good win because our guys have never been in this position. If you win by 40 every night you can tell them how tough it's going to be, but until they experience it, you won't know how they'll handle it. But this is a stepping stone for them.
We did have a couple of injuries. Dwyane Wade had a cut over his eye and he's fine. Carmelo Anthony hyper-extended his knee. He's fine, he probably could have come back in if it was necessary. We'll give him a couple of days and he'll be fine.
We did miss 'Melo after he went out. He was hot and losing him was a big blow.
Besides winning the game and weathering the adversity, we hung in there, made some good defensive stops in the fourth quarter and what we'll take away is we'll work on the things we feel we can make better and do a better job on it. We have two or three weeks to make it better and I think we will.
Guangzhou, CHINA, Aug. 8 -- posted by NBA.com on August 8, 2006, 12:50 p.m. ET
On Tuesday, We caught up with Team USA forward Dwight Howard after the US's 90-86 win over Brazil at the Guangzhou Gymnasium. Here's what the man with the broadest shoulders in the NBA had to say about the tight contest:
 Howard |
This was pretty much a wakeup call. I don't think we came out in the first five minutes of the third quarter like we should have. That was a learning experience, and we know we should have had the intensity we did when we played China. Though, I think we really picked up the defense at the end of the fourth quarter.
What did we learn? We need to stay on top of teams, especially when we get out in front. We're not playing in the NBA right now, we're playing in other countries against other countries. We feel like it's us against the world.
After the game, Coach K said it was a tough game, and that next time, we need to come back with better intensity the next game.
Guangzhou, CHINA, Aug. 8 -- posted by NBA.com on August 8, 2006, 11:55 a.m. ET
Whew! That was close, 90-86. The US missed a lot of foul shots down the stretch, but managed to pull that one out. In his postgame talk to the players, Coach Mike Krzyzewski said the US needed a game like that, because the US will face stronger teams, and the US needs to be prepared for any adversity. That being said, Coach K said the US needs to play better than it did Tuesday.
We've also caught up with Coach Mike D'Antoni, Dwight Howard and Brazil's Leandro Barbosa. We'll have those for you in moments.
Guangzhou, CHINA, Aug. 7 -- posted by NBA.com on August 7, 2006, 2:33 p.m. ET
Day 2 in Guangzhou -- After a morning shootaround, the team went over to Guangzhou Gymnasium for their gameday shootaround. China shot before the US and were leaving the floor as we got there. Yao Ming looked pretty healthy but his ankle injury is most likely going to keep him out for tonight.
After shootaround, the team went back to the Royal Mediterranean Hotel for the team lunch and then some relaxation time before heading back to the gym for the first game of the China Basketball Challenge.
Speaking of the hotel, the kindness of the Chinese people really comes through. They have people to escort you everywhere to make sure you have what you need. They escort you to breakfast, lunch and dinner ... to the elevator .... to the bathroom outside the dining room. And when you leave the dining room, about eight women say in unison, "Thank You". It's really overwhelming the way we've been treated here.
During the break, Shane Battier and Brad Miller went with a few USA Basketball and NBA staffers to a local electronic store to find some deals. Unfortunately, the mere presence of Battier and Miller led to a very chaotic situation in the store. Each was followed around the store by autograph and photo seekers. Flash bulbs were flashing all over the place. It became unmanageable so NBA security escorted the players back to the hotel. Again, the popularity of the players here in China was obvious. It's hard to imagine how popular Battier will be here in October when he officially takes the court as Yao Ming's Rockets' teammate.
After a team dinner, the United States Senior National Team departed the hotel for their second exhibition game --- this time facing the host country China. USA struggled a bit in the first quarter but rolled after that, winning, 119-73. Two games down and two very solid performances. Coach K talked after the game to the media and told them that this team has no MVPs because it's about the team. That attitude seems pervasive amongst the team. Dwyane Wade and Carmelo Anthony did not even play until the second quarter tonight. The team has bought into the program and so far, it has seen great success.
Next up: Brazil tomorrow night at Guangzhou Gymnasium.
Guangzhou, CHINA, Aug. 7 -- posted by NBA.com on August 7, 2006, 11:46 a.m. ET
After USA Basketball's 46-point win over China in the China Basketball Challenge on Monday, Team USA coach Mike Krzyzewski blogged with NBA.com about the game, the atmosphere and what impressed him .
We came prepared to play, and we played hard and unselfish today. I think we've acclimated ourselves well to the long trip and the new time zone with the huge time difference from Las Vegas, but the main thing tonight how well we played.
|
Coach K liked what he saw from his big men on Monday.
Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE/Getty Images |
And a run like that is something that just happens. The group we had on the floor (which included LeBron, Kirk Hinrich and Brad Miller) was just one of the different combinations we're trying. We're seeing how these guys play together. Hinrich played unbelievably good basketball in that quarter and Brad Miller, he was terrific.
We still need to work on some things. We had more talent on the floor than they did, but initially, we didn't guard the extended dribble very well. We were rushing on defense and their guards got by us. And we also didn't defense the ball-screen as well as I would have like, and that's something we'll need to do better throughout the tournament. Against all these teams, the ball screen is huge part of international ball, so that's something we need to concentrate on.
I thought our big guys came forward. Chris Bosh, he hit a three-pointer late, but earlier in the game, he had two really tough three-point plays. Brad and Elton also scored a bunch of points. Over 40 points came from those three guys. That five position will help us immensely. And I was impressed considering we haven't really developed our post offense in practice.
We just haven't concentrated on it as much as our fast break offense and our shooters and drivers. We have some of the leading and most explosive scorers in the NBA: LeBron, Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony, Gilbert Arenas, Joe Johnson. That's a lot of firepower. That, and developing an offense based on the different, trapezoidal lane they have in the international game, it takes some time. But those guys in the post looked great today.
As for the tour itself, we've just started our journey. The mood here in China is a great, great environment. The people love the NBA and top quality basketball. It really set in when we were getting on the bus to leave the hotel. There must have been a thousand people surrounding the bus, literally moving with us as we left. We got caught in some traffic and the people who were following us actually were moving fast in and out of traffic than we were.
It just shows there's a genuine excitement for the NBA game.
Guangzhou, CHINA, Aug. 7 -- posted by NBA.com on August 7, 2006, 11:33 a.m. ET
It was a full house here in Guangzhou. Dwyane Wade and Yao Ming addressed the crowd, Wade in Enlgish and Yao in Chinese (of course). Fans stormed the court to have their pictures taken with the two superstars. At first, it was a little chaotic, but it turned out to be fine.
One person couldn't take any more pictures of Wade, Yao or anything else. An errant Wade pass during the game broke the video camera.
In the game, LeBron was great. The US started slow again, but picked it up in the second quarter, and with LeBron leading the charge, the US went on that incredible third quarter run.
The atmosphere in the arena was great as fans cheered a lot for both teams.
As for the US defense, which is getting a lot of notice, the pressure was great against Puerto Rico, but seemed a little scattered against China. I was impressed with China's ability to handle the pressure. On offense, the US continued to attack the hoop and did a great job of sharing the ball.
In his post game address to the players, Coach K noted that Tuesday's game against Brazil could be a benchmark. Still, everyone is feeling good right now.
|
Brand and Wade share a light moment in Guangzhou.
Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE/Getty Images |
We were able to catch up with Elton Brand after shoot-around this morning. He blogged about the reception Team USA received in China, what the team needs to work on in these next two exhibition games against China and Brazil and who is keeping the team focused for their quest for a world title.
Elton Brand: I've been to Japan and Thailand, but I've never been to China before. Magic [Johnson] told us what it would be like when we arrived here. He let us know that the fans here would appreciate us like NBA fans do.
As for our mindset, Coach Krzyzewski is helping keep our focus with all this fanfare going on around us. We understand the outside stuff is part of the trip, but Coach K keeps reminding us that our goal is to win a world championship. We know we'll get to have some fun, but when we're on the court, we're all about business. Essentially, we have to keep our focus ... on keeping our focus.
One of the things we're going to work on in these next two games is not overcommit on defense. We can't go for the steal everytime. We'll still be aggressive and we'll still play the passing lanes, and if it leads to a steal, that's cool. Against China, who has a lot of height, we'll use our quickness on the perimeter to aggravate them.
We're going into this game with a lot of confidence but we worry about looking past the next game. We can't think to ourselves that we won by 40 last time and that the next game will be the same. But we're confident that we can depend on each other and that we can cover each other's weaknesses on the court. We appreciate each other's support. Again, that's Coach K reminding us of that.
Also, it helps that we have a lot of support and we appreciate those people who are supporting this team and rallying behind us.
Guangzhou, CHINA, Aug. 7 -- posted by NBA.com on August 7, 2006, 12:35 a.m. ET
We're here at practice in Guangzhou and Coach K had the USA team run through a one hour and 15 minute shoot-around. The US practice followed China's practice. After a morning shootaround, the team went over to Guangzhou Gymnasium for their gameday shootaroundYao was in the house, but it's unclear as to whether or not he'll play. Speculation has it he may (emphasis on may) play a couple of minutes in tonight's game. Former NBA player, Wang Zhi Zhi also practiced with the Chinese team.
Remember, tip off is 8 a.m. ET for the USA vs. China in the China Basketball Challenge. We'll be there for it. You can watch the contest at 9:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2.
Guangzhou, CHINA, Aug. 6 -- posted by NBA.com on August 6, 2006, 8:40 p.m. ET
As we look ahead to game day on Monday, let's recap the first full day in Guangzhou on Sunday..... the day began with a 30-minute bus ride to Guangzhou Gymnasium for practice. Amazing how many people were outside the arena, holding signs and yelling for players. ....
The Gym was very hot. Apparently, it was the first time they were using the air conditioning. ..... Coach K ran the team through a practice. He wanted to have the team scrimmage but due to some floor issues the team was only able to run through some drills and some offensive and defensive sets preparing for China. ....
A large Chinese media contingent came for practice. They enjoyed the opportunity to watch team practice and then had accessibility to Coach K, Jerry Colangelo and the players. .... While team was practicing, NBA Commissioner David Stern conducted a three-hour media circuit with key media in the Chinese community ...
Appearances, appearances, appearances. LeBron James and Dwyane Wade both did corporate appearances while Clyde Drexler and Darryl Dawkins also got out into the community. ...
The team spent part of the day trying to figure out how to use their cell phones to call their friends and families. Also, attempting to convert their electricity needs from 110 watts in the US to 220 watts in China. The team is down 2 X-boxes as a result of this process ....
The team was fully attired in its USAB-made team blazers, ties and slacks in attending the mayor's reception in the hotel. Team looked sharp and professional and was present at the gathering with the Chinese and Brazilian national teams. Dwyane Wade was seen mingling with former Heat teammate Wang Zhi Zhi while other USA team members mingled with other international dignitaries and players. Commissioner Stern, NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer Adam Silver and Heidi Ueberroth, President, Global Marketing Partnerships and International, were also present at the festivities.
Guangzhou, CHINA, Aug. 6 -- posted by NBA.com on August 6, 2006, 1:10 p.m. ET
Wondering what the itinerary looks like for the U.S. Men’s Senior Nation Team for game day on Monday, August 7, here’s sneak peak … Breakfast at 8, team meeting at 9, shootaround at 11 followed by lunch at 12:30 … pre-game meeting at 4:30 …Game time: 8:30.
Guangzhou, CHINA, Aug. 6 -- posted by NBA.com on August 6, 2006, 8:47 a.m. ET
Another sign this team means business ….no family members were allowed on the flight over to Guangzhou, China …when will family members be allowed? Not until the team reaches the World Championship medal round in Japan .
Guangzhou, CHINA, Aug. 6 -- posted by NBA.com on August 6, 2006, 7:21 a.m. ET
Shortly after upon arrival, once the team settled in, there was a reception banquet for all the teams in China which includes USA, China and Brazil. NBA Commissioner Stern and USA Basketball Managing Director Jerry Colangelo were there along with the mayor of Guangzhou. The USA team looked great with their matching Blazers and ties. Yao Ming was present for China as well as Andersen Varejao from Brazil. Proir to that Commissioner Stern was at the Jr NBA Jr. WNBA event in Guangzhou and then later he went to the Coca-Cola event where LeBron James made an appearance and chatted with enthusiastic fans.
Guangzhou, CHINA, Aug. 6 -- posted by NBA.com on August 6, 2006, 7:21 a.m. ET
Practice lasted for two hours.
Coach Mike Krzyzewski wants them to focus on basketball, but a "fun mission too".
Mike D'Antoni says game vs. China is a matchup of China's size and USA's athleticism. USA is going to run ... Similar to Phoenix, but much more emphasis on defensive pressure.
Coach Krzyzewski during press conference was asked who would be named captain, LeBron, Carmelo or D-Wade? He would not say, but said that all of those guys are in the running.
RSS Feeds
NBA.COM is part of the Turner Sports and Entertainment Digital Network
