Around The Grounds => The Sports Desk => Topic started by: DJC on July 10, 2024, 09:45:35 pm
Title: Opals and Boomers at the Paris Olympics
Post by: DJC on July 10, 2024, 09:45:35 pm
As a basketball tragic, I haven’t really given this as much attention as I should have.
First of all, congratulations are due to Joe Ingles, Patty Mills and Lauren Jackson for winning selection to their fifth Olympics. Loz’s selection is particularly admirable given that her last Olympics was London in 2012, she retired with a debilitating knee injury and is now 43 years young. Her form in the recent series against China suggests that she’ll get more than her share of court time in Paris.
Joe and Patty have had stellar careers but both will probably spend more time on the bench than on the court in Paris. Joe’s probably in better touch but Patty will still have his moments.
I think that the two most significant omissions from the Boomers are Chris Goulding and Matisse Thybulle. Goulding, by his own admission, was always going to struggle against the younger talent.
Thybulle’s defensive efforts at the last Olympics were outstanding but it seems that Brian Goorjian is after more offensive firepower than hard nosed defence. Goorjian is a wily operator and I’m sure that he knows what he’s doing.
Title: Re: Opals and Boomers at the Paris Olympics
Post by: ElwoodBlues1 on July 10, 2024, 11:07:52 pm
Fellow basketball tragic...both local NBL and abroad and I will be watching keenly on how the Boomers go especially. Thybulle is a poor shooter but we need him to play on some of the big name NBA stars and ply his trade as one of the best defenders in the NBA. Goulding of course is a great shooter at NBL level but no real surprise he has been over looked as he can't defend very well and doesn't handle the ball much as a guard either so is a bit of a one trick pony albeit it's a good trick. The Jackjumpers success has led to Jack McVeigh and Will Magnay being included in the team and McVeigh in particular has earned his spot imo. Clutch shooter and loves the big moments, Magnay is more of a rim protector rebounder and a defensive presence. Ingles and Mills are very lucky imo and while still handy players I would probably have left one of them out and gone a younger player. USA should win Gold given the NBA star power they have but hoping we can land a medal and avoid the USA on the way to the finals.
Title: Re: Opals and Boomers at the Paris Olympics
Post by: madbluboy on July 11, 2024, 09:35:24 am
We're in the group of death. No chance.
Title: Re: Opals and Boomers at the Paris Olympics
Post by: ElwoodBlues1 on July 11, 2024, 11:18:01 am
Going to be hard with Canada, Spain and the Giannis led Greeks in the same pool and I think thats why I might have gone with a few younger players rather than Ingles and Mills to get some experience for the future.
Title: Re: Opals and Boomers at the Paris Olympics
Post by: Milhanna13 on July 15, 2024, 01:35:22 pm
Its funny, Goorj's comments re selection seemed to indicate some of the selections were based on chemistry than anything. Usually at the olympics, 10, 11 & 12 rarely play, and it can be tough on the locker-room, if they dont realise this and want to play. So, often the last 3 spots are taken up by vets or by a young guy brought along for experience. i reckon Delly was bought along as the 12th man and Magnay is probably the ultimate team guy, that knows he is at the end of the bench (break glass in case of injury or foul trouble). reading between the lines, i reckon Thybulle was probably not keen on limited playing time, so they chose not to pick him instead.
Goulding's spot was definitely taken by McVeigh, who apparently was unstoppable at training camp, and then in one of the china games
Group of death will be tough. We lack offensive firepower (if Mills is rusty), outside shooting and rim-protection. Giddey is yet to prove he can be the focal point of offense.
But, you never know!
Title: Re: Opals and Boomers at the Paris Olympics
Post by: ElwoodBlues1 on July 15, 2024, 01:58:40 pm
Its funny, Goorj's comments re selection seemed to indicate some of the selections were based on chemistry than anything. Usually at the olympics, 10, 11 & 12 rarely play, and it can be tough on the locker-room, if they dont realise this and want to play. So, often the last 3 spots are taken up by vets or by a young guy brought along for experience. i reckon Delly was bought along as the 12th man and Magnay is probably the ultimate team guy, that knows he is at the end of the bench (break glass in case of injury or foul trouble). reading between the lines, i reckon Thybulle was probably not keen on limited playing time, so they chose not to pick him instead.
Goulding's spot was definitely taken by McVeigh, who apparently was unstoppable at training camp, and then in one of the china games
Group of death will be tough. We lack offensive firepower (if Mills is rusty), outside shooting and rim-protection. Giddey is yet to prove he can be the focal point of offense.
But, you never know!
The China games were a bit misleading as the Chinese brought a inexperienced U21 team with none of their stars, McVeigh will be an interesting player to watch as he will be undersized and hoping the refs are as forgiving as they are in Australia and call everything but I doubt it... Magnay might get a few more minutes than expected imo as he will be needed as a rim protector vs the athletic bigs that most of the other teams have. Agree on the firepower, Giddey isnt a great outside shooter and the two old blokes in Mills and Ingles might have to step up and play more minutes if we cant get points out of the starters.
Title: Re: Opals and Boomers at the Paris Olympics
Post by: Milhanna13 on July 17, 2024, 09:58:59 am
The China games were a bit misleading as the Chinese brought a inexperienced U21 team with none of their stars, McVeigh will be an interesting player to watch as he will be undersized and hoping the refs are as forgiving as they are in Australia and call everything but I doubt it... Magnay might get a few more minutes than expected imo as he will be needed as a rim protector vs the athletic bigs that most of the other teams have. Agree on the firepower, Giddey isnt a great outside shooter and the two old blokes in Mills and Ingles might have to step up and play more minutes if we cant get points out of the starters.
It looks from the US and Serbia games that Magnay has the back up centre role over Reath - did not see that coming. Apparently they trust his defence more than Reath
delly, joe and reath to be 10,11,12
Title: Re: Opals and Boomers at the Paris Olympics
Post by: ElwoodBlues1 on July 17, 2024, 02:24:48 pm
It looks from the US and Serbia games that Magnay has the back up centre role over Reath - did not see that coming. Apparently they trust his defence more than Reath
delly, joe and reath to be 10,11,12
Yep Magnay is ahead of Reath and will join McVeigh in the NBA on a 2 way deal imo.Nice to see Mills shoot well vs Serbia too.Our first opponent is Spain which will be a big test and I think we can put up a good showing.
Title: Re: Opals and Boomers at the Paris Olympics
Post by: DJC on July 28, 2024, 10:13:16 am
The Boomers have carried their pre-Olympics tournament form into the Games with a good win over Spain, despite Dante Exum’s injury. Patty Mills has really turned the clock back and is playing like a younger version of himself.
I think that Brian Goorjian has put together a well-balanced and in form squad.
Title: Re: Opals and Boomers at the Paris Olympics
Post by: ElwoodBlues1 on July 28, 2024, 12:04:23 pm
Ugly game to watch thanks to Spain going the knuckle but a satisfying result. Mills was very good and I thought Magnay stood up when things got rough. USA aside we are as good as anyone and can make it to the podium for a medal IMHO.
Title: Re: Opals and Boomers at the Paris Olympics
Post by: Professer E on July 28, 2024, 07:05:12 pm
Aren't Spain a top 3 side EB? If so, that's a pretty fair result I reckon.
Title: Re: Opals and Boomers at the Paris Olympics
Post by: madbluboy on July 28, 2024, 07:12:26 pm
Aren't Spain a top 3 side EB? If so, that's a pretty fair result I reckon.
Prof, Spain are ranked second by FIBA in the world but at this Olympics I think are ranked behind us at about 6th or seventh. They have a few past and present NBA players and had decent leadup form in the games they played but are not seen as a threat like they have been before. FIBA rankings can be misleading as a lot of the NBA players dont front up and more locals play in their sanctioned tournaments and world championship games. Canada are the No2 ranked team courtesy of their NBA stars and Serbia and Germany would round out the top 4. France have a softer pool and the most hyped player in the world in Victor Wembanyama but have been playing poorly in leadup games but I expect them to improve and being the home team they may sneak into the top 4. The USA should win easily given their star power but often their teams dont gel that well and the personalities work against each other but history shows that their depth in talent usually wears other teams down and its often their bench players who play best.
Title: Re: Opals and Boomers at the Paris Olympics
Post by: DJC on July 28, 2024, 07:42:23 pm
The "official" FIBA Olympic rankings as at 24 July are: 1. USA 2. Germany 3. Serbia 4. Canada 5. Australia 6. France 7. Spain 8. Greece
However, that doesn't mean a great deal and none of those teams, even the USA, are unbeatable.
Title: Re: Opals and Boomers at the Paris Olympics
Post by: madbluboy on July 29, 2024, 11:30:40 am
The Yanks smashed Serbia (who are way better than us), no one is beating them.
Title: Re: Opals and Boomers at the Paris Olympics
Post by: ElwoodBlues1 on July 29, 2024, 11:47:16 am
The Yanks smashed Serbia (who are way better than us), no one is beating them.
Shot it well from long range did the USA and Durant had 23 from the bench...Serbia rely on NBA star centre Jokic but he hasnt had much help from his teammates. Serbia are a bit over-rated imo and I think Canada are way better...
Title: Re: Opals and Boomers at the Paris Olympics
Post by: DJC on July 29, 2024, 02:18:49 pm
Shot it well from long range did the USA and Durant had 23 from the bench...Serbia rely on NBA star centre Jokic but he hasnt had much help from his teammates. Serbia are a bit over-rated imo and I think Canada are way better...
I know you can't rely too much on the Basketball Showcase results but we had a convincing win over Serbia who seemed to be fair dinkum in their approach to the game. Confidence plays a big part too and I think the Boomers are confident that they can take it up to any team. Time will tell ...
Title: Re: Opals and Boomers at the Paris Olympics
Post by: DJC on July 29, 2024, 10:22:08 pm
Opals smashed by Nigeria 75-62.
Sandy Brondello needs to pull a rabbit out of the hat.
Title: Re: Opals and Boomers at the Paris Olympics
Post by: ElwoodBlues1 on July 29, 2024, 10:43:47 pm
I don’t think the Opals were expecting such a physical game … although after Liz Cambage’s work, the Nigerians will always have a decent crack.
Good point on Cambage, probably a bit of extra motivation to beat us..
Title: Re: Opals and Boomers at the Paris Olympics
Post by: dodge on July 30, 2024, 04:34:51 pm
I like the idea of breakfasting as an Olympic sport - is it judged or raced? Fastest to make and eat quinoa porridge and not throw up?
Title: Re: Opals and Boomers at the Paris Olympics
Post by: ElwoodBlues1 on July 31, 2024, 09:26:28 am
Canada too good for us 93-83...good start but once they got going it was clear they were way superior and showed why the FIBA rankings don't mean much as they are clearly the best team behind the USA and if you look at their team it's easy to see why as it's stacked with NBA talent. Paid for not picking Thybulle and going with too many oldies. Need other results to go out way now to progress..
Title: Re: Opals and Boomers at the Paris Olympics
Post by: DJC on July 31, 2024, 11:02:25 am
Our scoring just dried up and I don’t think Canada’s D had all that much to do with it; perceived pressure rather than actual pressure?
Canada, on the other hand, absorbed our D and just kept rolling along.
Title: Re: Opals and Boomers at the Paris Olympics
Post by: ElwoodBlues1 on July 31, 2024, 01:04:04 pm
Our scoring just dried up and I don’t think Canada’s D had all that much to do with it; perceived pressure rather than actual pressure?
Canada, on the other hand, absorbed our D and just kept rolling along.
Canada had to bench ShaiGA after getting into foul trouble but when he came back on the game changed and we couldn't handle him and Barrett who was knocking everything down and no one really playing any defense on him. Next is Greece with Giannis...
Title: Re: Opals and Boomers at the Paris Olympics
Post by: DJC on August 02, 2024, 05:01:34 pm
The Opals managed a win over Canada but made hard work of it.
France is undefeated and gave both Canada and Nigeria a touch up. We have to beat France and hope that Canada beats Nigeria.
Title: Re: Opals and Boomers at the Paris Olympics
Post by: DJC on August 03, 2024, 03:54:39 pm
The Boomers are through to the second round despite a lacklustre performance against Greece. Canada held on to defeat Spain 88-85 and that got the job done for us :)
We will have to lift our game if we are to progress.
Title: Re: Opals and Boomers at the Paris Olympics
Post by: ElwoodBlues1 on August 03, 2024, 04:07:39 pm
The Boomers are through to the second round despite a lacklustre performance against Greece. Canada held on to defeat Spain 88-85 and that got the job done for us :)
We will have to lift our game if we are to progress.
Got lucky but dont see us progressing, there is some talk of players unhappy with the coach and leaving Thybulle out didnt impress some players if you believe the rumours. Cant see Brian Goorjian being retained as coach....
Title: Re: Opals and Boomers at the Paris Olympics
Post by: DJC on August 03, 2024, 04:10:22 pm
Got lucky but dont see us progressing, there is some talk of players unhappy with the coach and leaving Thybulle out didnt impress some players if you believe the rumours. Cant see Brian Goorjian being retained as coach....
Goorj has said that this is it for him.
Title: Re: Opals and Boomers at the Paris Olympics
Post by: DJC on August 05, 2024, 02:20:14 pm
Convincing win by the Opals over France to progress to the next round. Well done ladies!
Title: Re: Opals and Boomers at the Paris Olympics
Post by: LP on August 05, 2024, 02:36:12 pm
Convincing win by the Opals over France to progress to the next round. Well done ladies!
I've been trying to work out if that was an upset or expected, I find the Women's team rankings can vary widely from site to site, Australia appears anywhere from 4th to 9th.
But it looks like on average France is ranked ahead of Australia so an upset?
Title: Re: Opals and Boomers at the Paris Olympics
Post by: Milhanna13 on August 05, 2024, 05:06:04 pm
boomers beat Serbia in the warm ups (without one of their guns), so we CAN win this one. probably depends on which Patty Mills turns up, and if we can contain turnovers to a minimum
Title: Re: Opals and Boomers at the Paris Olympics
Post by: DJC on August 06, 2024, 01:51:19 am
boomers beat Serbia in the warm ups (without one of their guns), so we CAN win this one. probably depends on which Patty Mills turns up, and if we can contain turnovers to a minimum
The good Patty turned up and the Boomers had a very good win over Serbia.
Title: Re: Opals and Boomers at the Paris Olympics
Post by: DJC on August 06, 2024, 10:07:54 am
I've been trying to work out if that was an upset or expected, I find the Women's team rankings can vary widely from site to site, Australia appears anywhere from 4th to 9th.
But it looks like on average France is ranked ahead of Australia so an upset?
The rankings are hard to follow. As I interpret them, the Opals are ranked higher but France was the favourite based on tournament results and home games advantage.
It was a good win either way.
Title: Re: Opals and Boomers at the Paris Olympics
Post by: ElwoodBlues1 on August 06, 2024, 01:36:58 pm
The good Patty turned up and the Boomers had a very good win over Serbia.
I think we will win tonight but that previous warm up game had one of their keys in Bogdan B being rested so i think it will be closer...Giddey will be the MVP is my prediction.
Title: Re: Opals and Boomers at the Paris Olympics
Post by: DJC on August 06, 2024, 02:13:46 pm
The Opals play Serbia too.
Title: Re: Opals and Boomers at the Paris Olympics
Post by: madbluboy on August 06, 2024, 04:37:17 pm
Opals should win easily.
Boomers will get smashed, we won't be able to stop Jokic.
Title: Re: Opals and Boomers at the Paris Olympics
Post by: ElwoodBlues1 on August 06, 2024, 05:20:01 pm
Boomers will get smashed, we won't be able to stop Jokic.
Reckon they might have more trouble with Bogdan Bogdanovic who had 30 points at a high clip vs Sth Sudan who Serbia struggled with until the last part of the game and who are novices with a group of Aus NBL players in the team. If it wasnt for Bogdanvic shooting the lights out they would have got knocked over imho..
Title: Re: Opals and Boomers at the Paris Olympics
Post by: madbluboy on August 06, 2024, 05:38:43 pm
Jokic is the best player in the world. There is a huge difference when he sits on the bench, that's when they're vulnerable.
Title: Re: Opals and Boomers at the Paris Olympics
Post by: DJC on August 06, 2024, 10:51:41 pm
Impressive first quarter from the Boomers.
Let’s hope they can keep it up 🤞
Title: Re: Opals and Boomers at the Paris Olympics
Post by: DJC on August 06, 2024, 11:22:25 pm
Serbia fought hard in the second but the Boomers maintained their ascendancy.
The subs to get a defensive or attacking five on court are fascinating.
Title: Re: Opals and Boomers at the Paris Olympics
Post by: DJC on August 07, 2024, 12:00:13 am
Too many turnovers in the third 🙄
Title: Re: Opals and Boomers at the Paris Olympics
Post by: DJC on August 07, 2024, 12:31:07 am
Against the odds, Patty Mills takes it to extra time 🙏
Title: Re: Opals and Boomers at the Paris Olympics
Post by: DJC on August 07, 2024, 12:42:45 am
Not good enough 🙁
Title: Re: Opals and Boomers at the Paris Olympics
Post by: ElwoodBlues1 on August 07, 2024, 08:08:08 am
MBB was right, thought Jokic took control when we had momentum and a 24 point lead then they wore us down. Mills was good as was Giddey but apart from maybe McVeigh we didn't get much from the rest. Been some selection mistakes and it reminds me of a football club I follow...
Title: Re: Opals and Boomers at the Paris Olympics
Post by: DJC on August 07, 2024, 11:18:00 am
It was a good effort to take it to extra time but we lack the depth of talent and rely too much on a 21 year old baby Boomer. I don’t think swapping a few players in the squad would change that.
The refs could have been a little kinder to us 🤔
Title: Re: Opals and Boomers at the Paris Olympics
Post by: ElwoodBlues1 on August 07, 2024, 12:29:41 pm
It was a good effort to take it to extra time but we lack the depth of talent and rely too much on a 21 year old baby Boomer. I don’t think swapping a few players in the squad would change that.
The refs could have been a little kinder to us 🤔
Leaving Thybulle out was a shocker imho and going with too many oldies was another mistake...Ingles and Delly might as well have been driving the bus and made less than minimal contributions. Nick Kay was another passenger and have never seen what others have seen in him and playing in the Japanese leagues for the money doesnt make him a great player and would have preferred someone like Jack White or Xavier Cooks in the team who have at least been on NBA rosters.
Title: Re: Opals and Boomers at the Paris Olympics
Post by: LP on August 07, 2024, 01:41:20 pm
It's interesting to debate selection, personally going back a bit I think professionals entering the Olympics was when it all went wrong.
For many sports the Olympics were seen as the gateway to a professional sporting career, now it's just become another revenue stream for established professionals and I find it distasteful. The next generation are squeezed out.
I'd much rather be watching the next generation of players, the kids at the beginning, rather than the same old same old 40yos playing made for TV game styles. They should make these professionally affiliated sports at the Olympics limited to Unders or something like that so countries invest in the sport not just business.
For what it's worth, with all the "assistance" the old blokes get now to stay on the court, how do they even get past WADA to qualify for the Olympics, I mean their off-season is a shopping cart full of "assistance" and procedures?
Title: Re: Opals and Boomers at the Paris Olympics
Post by: Milhanna13 on August 07, 2024, 02:04:01 pm
It was a good effort to take it to extra time but we lack the depth of talent and rely too much on a 21 year old baby Boomer. I don’t think swapping a few players in the squad would change that.
The refs could have been a little kinder to us 🤔
Hard to beat Euro refs on a Euro court.......
Jokic the difference. Turnovers (some the result of a 21 year old who played out of his mind, but still lost a bit of control) and controlling the defensive boards were the other big differences
really great effort against a seasoned class team
Title: Re: Opals and Boomers at the Paris Olympics
Post by: DJC on August 07, 2024, 10:36:31 pm
The Opals were far too good for Serbia. Looks like they’ll be taking on USA in the next round.
Title: Re: Opals and Boomers at the Paris Olympics
Post by: ElwoodBlues1 on August 09, 2024, 02:31:20 pm
USA vs France in the Mens final...Serbs took it up to the USA but copped what they gave us with a big comeback from the Americans led by Steph Curry banging in 36 points from the carpark and Embiid had the better of Jokic. France got over the flashy Germans with their bigs led by Wemby and Gobert playing some great defense and restricting the Germans gun guard Schroder who has been a great performer boht in the Olympics and at the world champs. Id expect the USA to take care of the home team and record another Gold Medal but its taken probably the best USA/NBA team ever selected to get them there. Serbia and Germany will be a game worth watching for Bronze, very even, just fancy Jokic and Bogdan B who played well vs the USA will get the Serbs home... Its appears the Aus team are hunting for a new coach and the younger players want a NBA coach next Olympics...Scott Roth from the JackJumpers has also been mentioned..
Title: Re: Opals and Boomers at the Paris Olympics
Post by: Professer E on August 09, 2024, 11:39:43 pm
Need to pick players, particularly younger players, on merit not keep going back to blokes who are now unfortunately past it.
Title: Re: Opals and Boomers at the Paris Olympics
Post by: DJC on August 10, 2024, 09:34:05 am
The USA has now won nine from nine against the Opals at the Olympics … and they probably didn’t pick their strongest squad.
The girls have a chance to bring home dirty gold.
Title: Re: Opals and Boomers at the Paris Olympics
Post by: DJC on August 11, 2024, 09:57:42 pm
Congratulations to the Opals on their hard fought win over Belgium for the Bronze.
Belgium certainly wasn’t in my likely medal chances but they really gave it a good crack.