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<< Previous Next >> -------------------- September 6, 2007 Summer thoughts
Team USA wins! There really were no other expectations for the squad, but it's still a relief to know that things did go as planned. But don't worry, these ball players still haven't redeemed themselves yet, for the two previous Olympics and World Championships. As impressive as their undefeated run was in the tournament of the Americas, those who look carefully can still notice that the top teams only sent a "representative" squad. Pretty much just enough firepower to get the job done: such is the case of Brazil and Argentina. Not that we don't applaud the U.S' effort, but we just simply would like everyone to know all the facts, rather than foolhardily believing, all is finally well again. Did you have a hard time finding which TV stations the games were broadcast on? Oh you don't have a cable or dish subscription? Though luck because the games were on ESPN-U, FSN, and NBATV. In the glory days of USA basketball they would've definitely been Nationally broadcast on ABC, perhaps even CBS and ABC would've got in on the action. Since these were not NBA games (ABC and its network have a lock on those) we suppose they were free for the taking by the highest bidder. And whoever that would've been would've locked up an exclusive deal for the whole tournament - had they been assured of a US victory. The heavy hitters didn't bite. See? We're not the only ones still skeptical of USA basketball. Even corporate America with its seemingly unending cashflow is holding back. We doubt the US can significantly improve its squad for the Olympics in 2008. They can upgrade some positions, but they key would be to do it whithout loosing any key player. What they need most is familiarity with each other. Still (well) coming to Vegas? The NBA had talked about having a franchise in Las Vegas, during the 2007 All-Star game. Now everything is in perspective. The reason why nearly all professional teams had stayed away from Vegas is because of the fear of gambling and other activities that might compromise the integrity of teams' results. Now that the NBA, despite not having a franchise in the Sin city, is feeling first hand the effects of gambling activities on its operations, is a march towards Vegas, something anyone in their right mind still hoping for? Vegas would be nice but with all the bad press NBA stars have racked up over the years about gambling away there, and the current situation we see this as an omen of things to come. For the NBA's purposes it's a location that best serves as an exhibition and showcase destination. Such as...the All-Star game, the Olympic qualifying tournament, summer leagues, etc. Nice way to gain new fans with all those affluent tourists. But only on special occasions. << Previous Next >> Back to 2006-07 archive © 2001-2007 H o o p s C o r n e r . c o m, All rights reserved Terms of service Privacy policy Contact |
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