Looking ahead to Olympic basketball 2008
For me the global basketball competitions, such as the World Championships and Olympic games are some of my most looked forward to sport and at the same time most intriguing sport. Contrast of styles, David v Goliath, the passion of playing for your country and the fact that these events don't take place every year adds to the anticipation........ this pretty much sums up why I'm so keen on it.
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For me the global basketball competitions, such as the World Championships and Olympic games are some of my most looked forward to sport and at the same time most intriguing sport.
Contrast of styles, David v Goliath, the passion of playing for your country and the fact that these events don't take place every year adds to the anticipation........ this pretty much sums up why I'm so keen on it.
The US to me have looked like a fish out of water in recent world events. Beaten by being out hustled, out played by superior defensive systems, superior team interplay and team work.
To perhaps sum it up best The Canterbury Crusaders a rugby team here in New Zealand, that wins the Super 14 title most years, has a saying. A champion team will always beat a team of champions.
There has also been another significant contributing factor to the USA lack of success in recent events. That being, matches being played under International rules. There are some key changes from NBA rules to International rules which include :
-NBA has a 7.24 metre 3 point line at the top of the arc. International rules has 6.25.
-In the restricted area (they key) NBA has a 4.88m wide rectangle. International rules has A trapezoid 3.6 m (12') wide at the free throw line and 6 m wide (19' 8.25") at the baseline.
-NBA has four, twelve minute quarters. International rules has four ten minute quarters.
-Zone defense is legal in the NBA and under International rules. However in the NBA a defensive player is not allowed to stay in the key for longer than three seconds if not guarding an opponent. Under International rules you can.
-International rules sees a smaller court length than the NBA.
-In the NBA the penalty is awarded on the 5th team foul in each quarter (on the 4th in OT), or on the second in the last two minutes, whichever comes first.
International rules sees it awarded on any team foul after the 4th of each quarter (i.e. on the 5th) unless the foul is an offensive foul; overtime is an extension of the 4th quarter.
-On a technical foul the NBA sees 1 free throw and possession at the point of the interruption. International rules sees 2 free throws and possession at mid court.
I won't list anymore but there are literally another 20+ rule differences! So you can see why a player coming from the NBA would have a tough time adjusting!
Very interestingly just earlier this week, The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) has made a ruling that will see many of the current International rules overturned and replaced by the current NBA rules. The changes will take place from 2010. In my opinion this is huge for the US turning around their recent poor showings at world events.
Some team lists are still to be finalized but the main rivals for the US look to be Spain and Argentina. The event commences in China on August 8. On August 19 they will reach the quarter finals, two days later are the semi finals, with the final on August 23. All finals games are one off games.