Basketball European Championship

[vucko117]

Is anyone watching Basketball. I know that Basketball is not popular in UK,but Serbia is in final so I need to share my joy with my forum friends

[Odrl]

Of course. I watched almost every game.

I can't say I'm too disappointed despite tonight's loss. Slovenia went from arguably being the 2nd favourite to being expected to crack in every game, with all the injuries and fatigue of the main players. If Slovenia beats Greece tomorrow, in the 3rd place game, all three medals will have gone to teams for group C. It wouldn't mean much to me personally, as it's just one place between 3rd and 4th, but it would be nice to finish with a medal, after all the bad luck. I think Slovenia can only improve in next year's WC, with the addition of Udrih, Bečirović, Smodiš and a healthy Dragič.

As for Serbia, this team was always going to be awesome once the players have matured a bit, but I didn't expect it quite yet. Admittedly, the draw did open up a bit in the last 8. Russia and a tired Slovenia were as good as they could have got. But you can only beat whomever is in front of you. Teodosić showed balls of steel tonight and you have to wonder why he's been frozen out at Olympiacos in the last two seasons. I can see this team causing some problems for Spain tomorrow. We know Tepić and Veličković perform well in the big occasion games such as this. And along with Krstić, this is a handy little group of players.

It's also going to be a clash of two styles. The fast paced American type of game, against the more traditional European composed and methodical game. At this moment in time, Spain has a better group of players, but that was the case two years ago as well. My heart will be with Serbia tomorrow.

[vucko117]

Of course. I watched almost every game.

I can't say I'm too disappointed despite tonight's loss. Slovenia went from arguably being the 2nd favourite to being expected to crack in every game, with all the injuries and fatigue of the main players. If Slovenia beats Greece tomorrow, in the 3rd place game, all three medals will have gone to teams for group C. It wouldn't mean much to me personally, as it's just one place between 3rd and 4th, but it would be nice to finish with a medal, after all the bad luck. I think Slovenia can only improve in next year's WC, with the addition of Udrih, Bečirović, Smodiš and a healthy Dragič.

As for Serbia, this team was always going to be awesome once the players have matured a bit, but I didn't expect it quite yet. Admittedly, the draw did open up a bit in the last 8. Russia and a tired Slovenia were as good as they could have got. But you can only beat whomever is in front of you. Teodosić showed balls of steel tonight and you have to wonder why he's been frozen out at Olympiacos in the last two seasons. I can see this team causing some problems for Spain tomorrow. We know Tepić and Veličković perform well in the big occasion games such as this. And along with Krstić, this is a handy little group of players.

It's also going to be a clash of two styles. The fast paced American type of game, against the more traditional European composed and methodical game. At this moment in time, Spain has a better group of players, but that was the case two years ago as well. My heart will be with Serbia tomorrow.

First congrats Slovenia on great tournament and great game tonight. I hope that you will win bronze medal tomorrow. I almost got a heart attack tonight
Few things about Teodosic. He is a really strange player. He always starts really badly with lots of mistakes but as the game goes on he is just getting better and better. And yes he has a HUGE B***S. Perovic and Krstic were great tonight. We were lucky because Lorbek was fouled out and Nachbar was playing 2nd half with 4 personals.I was shocked with Jagodnik! He almost become a national hero tonight Luckily for us Teodosic played a game of his life. And I think that he must leave Olympiakos because he will always be in the shadow in that team. What happened to Sani and Smodis? Before tournament no one expected a medal let alone the FINAL! We were pleased with first 6 place. Our goal was to qualify for the WC. So this is a great success for Serbia. We have very young team without any Superstar. And that is great,because everyone are playing with their hart if you know what I mean. I will not sleep tonight. And remember we have beat Spain in first match already! But Gasol and Rudy weren't ready. It will be really tough match especially for us. But then again we were European champions few years back and we want our trophy back And the pressure is on Spain as they never were European Champions. Hopefully great match

[Odrl]

Yeah, everyone can crack under the pressure, it happend to Spain in the 2007 final. But it's always harder to beat someone for the second time in a tournament. I'm sure they'll be up for the game. I think the key for Serbia will be not to let Spain force their own tempo upon the game. Kind of like an Ebdon playing against an O'Sullivan. You need to play to your strengths. Not going to be easy in any case, as Spain is quite versatile and can adapt to any style and tempo. But in a "run&gun" type of game, Spain would be a heavy favourite.

What happened to Sani and Smodis?

Sani was left out because he was injured at the time the fitness training started. Smodiš played a minute or two in the group stages, but was struggling with a back injury and was really only there for morale. We lost lost Dragić for the last couple of games, as well as Beno Udrih a week before the championships. You never know, it might have worked for us in the end, as we avoided the "too many good players" trap, but on paper, it would look a lot more impressive with everyone on board.

[vucko117]

agree on everything with you. But you know we have something that no other time is having. We have Dusan Ivkovic... With this team he is the only one who can made it to the very end. Slovenia is having a great team. With Udrih and Sani... Too much stars

[Odrl]

So, it didn't work out for either of us in the end. Spain played its best game of the tournament tonight. With a performance like this, I think they were unbeatable in this championship. Serbia lacked a bit of experience I guess. You can't expect a team of players mostly younger than 23, to play with the kind of composure that was required tonight. Could be a different story in a couple of years though.

Spain should be tested a bit more at the WC next year. They should still start as 2nd favourite behind USA, but I expect a couple of other teams to play a bigger role. A complete Slovenia and Greece, and the more experienced Serbia will be medal contenders in my opinion. There is also Tukrey as the hosts, and possibly an improved Lithuania, should they get the wildcard.

Anyway, I think we can both take a lot of positives from this championship, and I look forward to next year.

[vucko117]

well we are all pleased No one expected silver medal I am over the moon. Just a pitty that it was such a big difference in final. They crushed us WC is going to be awesome! Dont forget argentina,always dangerous!! France are also great team. And maybe even Germany if they get a wildcard. I would love that as I am Nowitzki fan And sorry for Slovenia. I was really hoping that you will get first medal in history Maybe next year About Spain. They are soooooo dominant. Almost as Yugoslavia from 1995 until 2002.. But they are a bit old now. They can play next year and perhaps year after that but then... It's going to be tricky for them. IMO Serbia is only team who changed entire team,it is going to be interesting when all other teams start involving younger players into big stage. Altough without a lot of superstars it was high quality EC...