By Erik Jacobsen
Staff Writer
It wasn't easy, but the United States held off a serious challenge from Spain to capture the gold medal moments ago. Although it's great to see the U.S. win the big prize, this game only reinforces the fact that America's dominance in the sport isn't what it used to be.
Unlike some recent international competitions, there was no doubt that the Redeem Team was the best collection of players the U.S. had to offer. However, a deep and talented Spanish team was able pester the Americans and on several occasions was only a possession or two away from taking the lead and changing the entire complexion of the game.
The reality is that without Kobe Bryant or LeBron James, the U.S. probably loses this game. Gone are the days when the Americans have the three or four best players on the floor. The very best the U.S. has to offer is now only a player or two better than the next best team, and gold medals won't be forgone conclusions for the U.S. in future Olympics as long as players like Spain's Pau Gasol and Juan Carlos Navarro are on the floor.
Bryant certainly rose to the occasion late in the game, but his play was rightfully called into question by TV analyst Doug Collins on several occasions as Bryant took foolish shots and played suspect defense at times. Bryant's amazing talent made up for these shortcomings, but I'd have much rather seen the ball go through James and Dwayne Wade on every possession as those two consistently showed they have the poise and floor smarts to make wise decisions in crunch time.
While I'm analyzing the play of American players, I'll also give some props to former Illinois star Deron Williams, who should have a bright Olympic future after showing he can step up in key moments during his brief time on the floor during the second half against Spain.
Now it's time for goose bumps as the medal ceremony is about to begin.
The gold medals have just been passed out and the stateside Kobe hating has already resumed...lol
Dude, why are you hating on Kobe? In the crunch, he was the man. The team made sure the ball went through his hands -- because he's the best player in the world.
Foolish shots? That's what great players do, they feel like they can hit every shot. Sure, sometimes it bites you in the butt. But the willingness to take those shots, when everything is on the line is what makes the great ones great.
Kobe led the team in assists and blocked shots, plus scored 13 in the 4th quarter. What more do you want?
Gone are the days when the Americans have the three or four best players on the floor? What? Even the 12th best player on the US team (Boozer) is better than anyone on Spain. Gasol would not even make the US team. Navarro was an NBA scrub.
To the guy who said Gasol isn't as good as the 12th best guy on the U.S. roster, how do you explain that Gasol and Navarro worked the U.S. defenders over and over again during the gold medal game.
If the U.S. players were so much better, they'd have been able to stop those guys. Defense is a critical part of the game, and the U.S. players sometimes show they don't understand that. Therefore, they're not that good.