Congrats to Kirk making it to the team. With all the guys coming back that dropped there is going to be more competition assuming that all of them will be there. I doubt all will be there but if they are it is going to be hard on the coaching staff to pick who they want. I hope they do pick 2 true point guards for the Olympic team though.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Bulls guard Kirk Hinrich was cool to the idea of an extended commitment to international basketball not long ago, but now that he is one of the chosen ones, he's ready to give new meaning to the term global warming. On Thursday, Hinrich was one of 12 players chosen to represent his country in the World Championship in Sapporo, Japan, where the United States hoped to set the bar after its bitter disappointment in the 2004 Olympics. National team director Jerry Colangelo and head coach Mike Krzyzewski made the joint announcement. "I'm just excited to move forward with the team and to have this opportunity," said Hinrich, who reconsidered his earlier decision after talks with his agent, family members and Bulls officials. Expected to stabilize the backcourt as a defender, passer, ballhandler and perimeter shooter, Hinrich will back up Chris Paul at point guard. "It has been great, one, to get to play with these guys, and two, to get to know them," Hinrich said of the experience. "To have the chance to represent my country and get USA basketball back on top is an exciting opportunity. I'm just having a lot of fun with it."</div> Source
It's good to see that Kirk made the roster. I probably won't be able to watch the games at all because of where I live, and the fact that Canada didn't qualify. So I'll just have to rely on the computer. Hopefully he plays awesome which will lead to him getting serious consideration for the Olympic team. The US team could use a point guard like Kirk on their team, someone that doesn't need to be flashy to get the job done. Should be interesting these next couple of weeks to see if the US's work pays off.
Is anyone going to watch tonight’s game? It starts at 12:00 central time. The Yankees/Sox game is still going on so it will keep me entertained until the USAB game begins. I will probably end up watching the first half and if it is a blowout, call it a night. This the final tune up game before the competition itself starts hopefully Hinrich shines.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Deadly Assassin:</div><div class="quote_post">Isn't the game the start of the World Championships?</div> Your right my mistake I was under the impression they had one more exhibition game. Guess not?
I was watching some of the 1st quarter and I fell asleep, so I missed the rest of it. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">The USA's offensive showing, in addition to Anthony's 21 points, was powered by 15 points from Kirk Hinrich (Chicago Bulls) and LeBron James (Cleveland Cavaliers), 13 points from Dwyane Wade (Miami Heat), Chris Paul (New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets) was credited with 11 points and game bests of nine assists and five steals, while Dwight Howard (Orlando Magic) posted 10 points and a U.S. high seven rebounds.</div> Rest of the article Box - http://usabasketball.com/seniormen/2006/06_mwc_box1.html Hinrich scored 15 points in 17 minutes. He also shot great from 3 point, 3-5. And he made all 6 of his free throws. I didn't watch the start, but were the first 5 guys on the box score the starters?
I saw the game last night and Kirk and Johnson did a great job shooting the three. But Arroyo had another great game against us.
Kirk seems to be putting up consistant numbers, which is good. The three pointers seem to be dropping nicely and 6-6 from the foul line is awesome. Shot the most free throws or tied with Lebron maybe? He's playing well... keeping up with the 'big three' I guess they could be called.
I know this is Hinrichs thread but Noc is playing too so I just want you guys to know his stats if you haven't seen them already. Argentina beat France 80-70. Noc had 18 points 7 rebounds and 4 assists and shot 7-13 from the field, 2-4 from 3P, and 2-2 from FT.
Dam, Noc is doing good. I forgot about him on the Argentina team because they don't really talk about it on ESPN. But, I can't change the thread title, if someone that could can you please change it to The Bulls National Team thread or what ever. I saw the game today mourning against China. Kirk played pretty well, he few steals or assisted steals, a couple of offensive and defensive boards, a turn-around 3-pointer, a layup and went 1-2 from the FT line.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting SP23:</div><div class="quote_post">Dam, Noc is doing good. I forgot about him on the Argentina team because they don't really talk about it on ESPN. But, I can't change the thread title, if someone that could can you please change it to The Bulls National Team thread or what ever. I saw the game today mourning against China. Kirk played pretty well, he few steals or assisted steals, a couple of offensive and defensive boards, a turn-around 3-pointer, a layup and went 1-2 from the FT line.</div> Changed it to the “World Championships Thread”. Team USA dominated today against China here is the box score. Kirk had an average game only scoring six points though.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Best Kept Secret:</div><div class="quote_post">Changed it to the “World Championships Thread”. Team USA dominated today against China here is the box score. Kirk had an average game only scoring six points though.</div> Thanks. He didn't shoot much though, but he did play some great defense with 3 steals. He was also on the glass for a couple offensive and defensive boards that I remember, he finished with 6. He should've had more assists, but they guys didn't knock down the shots. Was pretty much an average game though from the offensive stand point. Went 2-3. 1-1 from 3-point.
Kirk had a decent game but the team as a whole played really well except the start of the 2nd half when China went on a run. Noc had 7 points and 8 boards playing 18 minutes, but he shot bad 1-6 from the field, 1-4 from 3P. He went 4-6 from FT. They won 107-72 against Lebanon.
This is going to be a huge issue for us in 08’, injuries during the Olympics that is. Chances are at that time more than half our team will be out representing their respective countries. Just off the top of my head Gordon, Deng, Sefolosha, Hinrich, and Noconi if even one of those guys goes down with an injury it will be a huge blow to our squad. Not to mention the mental fatigue they will be suffering from going into the season after playing competitive basketball for the previous two months. As far as these championship games go Argentina is looking like a powerhouse (again), they have blown out every team they have faced. I think they will be America’s only true challenge during these World Championship games. Although, America has overwhelming talent, the inexperience on the team will cost them when they face Argentina.
Usa beat Slovenia today 114-90 and are now 3-0. A good showing, but they have yet to have a true challenge. Here is the box score Hinrich 5 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists solid game.
Nocioni settle any doubt his ankle would bother him hit 9 of 9 (5 of 5 beyond the arc) for a perfect 100% shooting for 23 points.
