FIBA Euro Basket 2009

Today starts the Euro basket 2009, in Poland.

After difficult games, France managed to qualify for Euro (only going through some kind of loser bracket).

While some nations are obviously going to deliver (Spain, Greece, Croatia, Lituania, …), some like France are outsiders. I’ve been disappointed with French national team’s results for quite a while now, especially considering the potential of the team and the number of players who currently are in the NBA. I think France does not have good shooters, no strong and tall center, their FT% is ridiculous, … and they lack of regularity. The time where I woke up very early to watch every single game of France at Sydney’s Olympics in 2000 is far behind now…

So tonight, I’m gonna watch France vs Germany (without Nowitzki), knowing that France could very well lose or win by 20 points. Then I’m gonna pray they make it to the Olympics…

It’s like Mulder in the X-files, “I want to believe”…

France vs Germany – Half time update:

Not surprisingly France is behind (4 or 5 points). Let’s sumarize:

- France sucks at FTs (nothing new)

- Tony Parker/ Boris Diaw transparent, but really what is Boris Diaw doing on the court, does he even wants to play?

- Big up to Ronny Turiaf, so active and into the game… I even forgive his low % at FT. Big up to Florent Pietrus for his defense also.

- I think De Colo is bringing the spark offensively, but in defense, caramba!!! Always late …

- Anyway generally speaking France is not defending…

Mmmm, so what it’s gonna be in second half?

Update after the game

What if Tony Parker had not scored these three baskets at the end of Q4?

Some comments about the game:

- Boris Diaw, wakkkkkeeeee upppp and move your ass… It looks like you have the mobility of a center

- Ronny Turiaf was great in this game, though some defensive mistakes and FTs %

- FTs! FTs! PUT THEM IN! Come on they are professional players and they barely score 1 out of 2…

- Same thing for 3 pointers. Tony, when you see it’s not going in, it’s not going in!

- Surprised by Nicolas Batum, first time I really see him play in a game. Maybe needs to shoot more and be more agressive and it will be perfect.

- Koffi, just no comment, same goes for Bokolo (who barely entered the game anyway).

- Guys, D-E-F-E-N-S-E! Although I saw improvement in Q4, but the first 3 quarters were a joke.

After this game I watched most of Spain vs Serbia.  Quite easy win for Serbia, surprisingly, especially considering they don’t have any star this year.