Olympic News and Scores

Good to see Brad Newley and the Boomers get on track today. Newley led all scorers with 24.

Spain 72 defeated Germany 59 boxscore

"Spain’s tenacious, hounding defense limited Germany’s NBA superstar Dirk Nowitzki to just 11 points on five of 15 shooting." - FIBA.COM recap

Australia 106 defeated Iran 68 boxscore

"That’s the monkey off our backs,” Brad Newley said after their first win here in Beijing. - FIBA.COM recap

China 85 defeated Angola 68 boxscore

"It feels great, when you win at the Olympics, in front of your home fans it is special,” Yao Ming said to FIBA.com. recap

Lithuania 86 defeated Russia 79 boxscore

Lithuania’s veteran point guard Sarunas Jasikevicius said, “It puts us in a good position to fight for the first place in the group." - FIBA.COM recap

USA 92 defeated Greece 69 boxscore

"Greece may have snuck up on the United States two years ago in Japan but the Americans were ready and waiting on Thursday night at the Wukesong Arena." - FIBA.COM recap

Argentina 77 defeated Croatia 53 boxscore

Other News

Pat Mills spends some time with FIBA.COM and answers a few questions.

"Australia coach Brian Goorjian launched a stout defense of under-fire center Andrew Bogut after the Boomers' 106-68 win over Iran." - fiba.com read more

Nowitzki loves the attention in Beijing.

"I want to meet Messi. If you see him, tell him I said, 'hello'," Kobe told the Olympic News Service after the win over China. - fiba.com read more

Boti Nagy talks about Shawn Redhage's Olympic role. I tend to agree.

Rivals.com and Pat Mills

My main man DJ Leon Smith talks about the Spanish photo shoot gone wrong.

NBL News

Hat tip to fellow blogger World Hoops Blog. (I do your enjoy your blog.) I offended him early in the week by thinking he was an Aussie. We all make mistakes, so I hope this American that gets a lot of traffic from the South Pacific area can forgive me?

Might need to keep a close eye on A Stern Warning as his Portland Blazers cannot take a trick with injury. Keep your head up champ, you could have been a Sonics fan!

Corey "Homicide" Williams talks about him and Rosell Ellis to be best import combo in the league.

Check out Global Basketball Trotter and find out who Andrew Bogut's new Milwaukee teammates are.

Adelaide 36ers coach Scott Ninnis talks about his team's abilities.

South Dragons beat the Melbourne Tigers.

Gold Coast Blaze lose to Purdue Boilermakers. boxscore

As reported here last week, Fox Sport is back..somewhat.

Everyone Loves A Blooper - Weightlifting is Dangerous in Beijing

Question Of The Day

"Goorj, we found our games, they are that way."

Text messages, e-mails and general conversation centred around one thing today, "What is wrong with the Boomers, JR?"

There is no doubting the Australian Boomers (0-2) are struggling to find any type of team cohesion right now, but their Olympic campaign is not over yet. Lets allow the next three games to play out before we pass judgement on their performance at Beijing.

Cast your mind back to the Sydney Games of 2000 . The Boomers got out of the blocks very slow during that tournament but managed to win the games that were necessary to win to advance to the medal rounds. They ended up playing in the bronze medal game.

Fast forward to 2008 and the same situation has been presented. The Boomers have looked down right dreadful during their first two games (Croatia and Argentina) but they will see there next game against Iran as a momentum builder. Iran are considered to be the easy beats of this pool so if the Boomers are to get on track, they need to win this one.

Confidence is a wonderful thing and it is only one game away. If they get past Iran, Russia is the next hurdle. Russia is 1-1 at the time of this blog so the game against Australia will be key to advancing for both teams.

That game right there might be the grand final for both teams as far as advancing to the next round.

Australia finishes pool play with Lithuania (2-0). Not exactly a team you want to be playing in a must win situation. Depending on the results of the other games played, it might just come down to that.

How will the Boomers be able to turn their fortunes around?

Start to get some production out of our big men. The quartet of Andrew Bogut, Matt Nielsen, David Andersen and Chris Anstey were suppose to be one of the team's strengths. None of these guys have been heavily involved in anything. Sure they have themselves to blame to some degree, but has anyone created and easy dunk or layup to get something happening for these guys? No!

Self pride will have to kick in you would think. The body language of many of the players is not positive. When times are tough you just need to go out there and let it "fly". What you have been doing previously has not been working so change your approach to the game.

Ball moment has been non existent and this had made all players look bad and the offense anemic. Besides Pat Mills, no player has found an offensive groove so it is imperative that the five on the court work together to create some easy opportunities for each other so team confidence can be found.

Last night against Argentina it looked like each player was trying to take it upon themselves to make it happen. It is a team sport so you need to have faith and use your teammates.

I will harp on it again, 9 assists last night. That is showing you how much team work is happening at the offensive end.

Although the Boomers have been disappointing to date, the final chapter in this story is still to come. Lets hold out judgement until the Olympic Games are over and the Boomers final result is known.

Side Note: Speaking from my own Olympic experience, I hope the players are taking in some of the other Olympic events. It is an amazing feeling when you watch a fellow countryman do something special and it takes your mind off of your own performance.

What Everyone Is Saying About The Boomers

Just In: Australain Opals continue to roll towards Olympic gold with defeat of Korea. boxscore

Boomers bounced by Argentina - Sydney Morning Herald

Boomers Stick with Losing Formula - livenews.com.au

Boomers Go Bust - sportal.com.au

Mills provides a spark for Australia - insidebayarea.com

Odds and Ends with Pat Mills - Slam Online

Fans left unhappy by Seven's coverage - Herald Sun

Bogut's Boomers a Bust - The Salt Lake Tribune

Mills plans three-flag party - smh.com.au

"He's going to be great" - Manu Ginobili on Pat Mills - insidebayarea.com

Who's Hot - Spanish 17 yo PG Ricky Rubio vs Russia

NAsh Challenge Building Momentum & Beijing Hoops

All systems go for Men's Basketball.

While the world was talking about and celebrating the start of the Beijing Olympics, I had my own party as I celebrated my rookie appearance on Yahoo.com's - Ball Don't Lie.

I think the correct way of saying this is a huge hat tip to JE Skeets and his The 10-Man Rotation article.

Makes me start thinking of creating my own movement, Rod Benson style.

While I'm tipping my hat, I must include A Stern Warning. He is teaching me and looking out for me in this dangerous world of blogging. He pumps up my tyres via Ball Hype as well. Thanks.

I don't wish to keep harping on it but the free throw challenge started by Steve Nash is gaining momentum.

US hoop mag, Dime, has jumped on board as well.

World Hoops Blog is all over the contest as well. Cheers knackers.

Unbelievable what knocking down free throws can do!

Lets move on, shall we.

Today saw the women hit the hardwood (all scores here) at the Olympic Games and tomorrow will bring the first day of the men.

I take a look at all six games that will take place tomorrow.

Russia vs Iran (9am China)

Russia has slid under the radar leading into these Games. They won the European Championship last year but everyone seems to have forgotten this when they discuss medal possibilities.

This is a great warm up game for Russia.

Flag bearing Russian Andrei Kirilenko and Co will have too much for Iran's 7'2 Hamed Ehadadi and his teammates.

If there is heavy smog the Russians may break a sweat.

Germany vs Angola (11.15am China)

Germany's NBA pair of Dirk Nowitzki (Dallas) and Chris Kaman (Clippers) should control the boards which will limit Angola's scoring opportunities.

If the Germans start out sloppy, look for Angola's trio of Olimpio Cipriano, Joaquim Gomez and Eduardo Mingas to cause some problems.

I'm predicting Angola to upset someone at these Games. If Germany takes them lightly, they could be the first victim.

In the end the Germans will be too big, too strong for the African Champs.

Spain vs Greece (2.30pm China)

Game of the round. Both teams would be thinking they will be around the mark when the medals are being decided. Neither team will want to start their Olympic campaign with a loss.

Spain is star studded with NBAers Pau Gasol, Jose Calderon and NBA castoffs Juan-Carlos "Nissan" Navarro and Jorge Garbajosa. Also they have talented youth on the roster (Marc Gasol, Ricky Rubio and Rudy Fernandez) to give them depth.

Greece on the otherhand rely on great team play to get them the "W".

Sure Antonis Fotsis and Vassilis Spanoulis can light it up in a heart beat but it is the unselfish play of Dimitris Diamantidis and Theo Papaloukas that sets the tone for this team.

Greek centre Ionnis Bouroussis needs to stay out of foul trouble against the Gasols. Bouroussis is a player that can have an effect on the game at both the offensive and defensive ends, but foul trouble will hinder his ability to have an impact on the game.

In the end I feel the Spaniards have too much firepower for the Greek's sticky team defense.

Lithuania vs Argentina (4.45pm China)

If the previous game is not the game of the day, then this one is.

Lithuania is not as talented as they have been over the previous three Olympics, but while Saunas Jasikevkius is controlling the point guard position, the Lithos will be in any game.

Argentina on the other hand have all their studs in uniform. Manu Ginobili, Fabricio Oberto, Luis Scola, Andreas Nocioni and Carlos Delfino are one hand but I feel the pressure to perform is on Pablo Prigioni.

The point guard spot has usually been controlled by Pepe Sanchez but he is no longer with the team. Sanchez was a great PG at the international level. He had the ability to control a game without scoring a point.

Now it is Prigioni's turn. They are the defending gold medallists so he needs to perform well if the South Americans are to repeat Athens effort.

Argentina to win this game because of their superior depth everywhere.

Australia vs Croatia (8.00pm China)

This could be the game that sees the winner advance through to the quarter final round.

The Boomers (Aussies) have been building nicely during their warm up games and look ready for a strong Olympic campaign.

Over the past month these two teams have met three times. Croatia won two games while Australia managed a solo win.

Should we read into these results? I don't think so. The health of Andrew Bogut's ankle should be more of an issue.

If Bogut is healthy we have a strong front line to compete with anyone, let alone Croatia.

I'll say it again though, CJ Bruton needs to control the situation for the Boomers to be at their best.

Croatia is another team that is not as strong as they once were but they still have enough to scare most.

NBAer Roko Ukic (Raptors) and former Net Zoran Planinic are talented enough to cause Aussie coach Brian Goorjian some headaches.

If the Boomers are to make some noise in Beijing they need to win this game.

Aussies to win for me.

USA vs China (10.15pm)

This game is going to be filled with emotion. For the host nation China, they have sat around all day waiting for their game to arrive.

Yao and Co have an expectation to live up to in their homeland. There is some pressure there for them to succeed. Don't forget, Dell Harris got this team to the quarter final in Athens. They are at home now.

The USA or should I say "redeem team" have made it know they are in Beijing to get back what they feel they deserve. The gold medal. They want to get the first game out of the way.

Yao will pose some problems for the USA as the red, blue and white lack size inside.

The trouble for the Chinese is point guard Liu Wei will struggle against the USA's pressure defense which will limit Yao's impact on this game.

I'll be keeping an eye on newly acquired New Jersey Net Yi Jianlian to see if him and the coach are getting along a little better than during their warm up games.

USA to win this very easily. Will China be able to bounce back though?

News

Quote of the Day

"At the 1996 worlds, I got into it with Alonzo Mourning and Shawn Kemp, and I told them: 'If either of you want to fight me, one of you will never walk again." Words from former Australian Olympian Andrew Vlahov, courtesy of ESPN.

Group A Olympic team breakdown by ESPN's Chris Sheridan and here's Group B.

Five flag bearers are basketballers.

Carlos Boozer to Europe? Andrew Bogut is a Aussie at heart!

Boomers press conference before first game. (video footage)

Croatian game is all about credibility for Boomers.

Patrick Mills gets a wrap from NBA players.

Aussie players get mentioned in ESPN's Chad Ford article.

Josh Smith re-signed by the Hawks. He was a Grizz for a minute.

Kobe to test global market.

LeBron to test Europe waters as well.

Click here to see Pat Mills and Joe Ingles during the Opening Ceremony.

Singapore Gone From NBL But Looking to Play In Asia

The Slingers had a two year roar in the NBL.

I'm not sure when this story grew legs but it is happening. The Singapore Slingers will not play in the NBL in season 2008/09.

What I'm hearing though is all player contracts will be honoured and the club is trying to play 15 exhibition games in Singapore in the upcoming months.

I'm not sure what playing exhibition games will do for a franchise without a league but I do not know the Singapore market at all.

This concept is interesting but knowing Bob Turner he must have something in the pipeline. Maybe the Slingers will join an Asian league? Would the Chinese CBA look at a team from Singapore?

I'm sure there is more to this story to come out over the next few days. I will do my best to keep you guys in the loop as it happens.

From now and until the Olympics roll around I'm going to give my scouting report on each member of the Boomers.

David Andersen

Performing in his second Olympics Andersen will be looking to have a massive Games. He has proved himself in Europe and the NBA would not shell out enough to get his services, so Andersen will be looking to prove that he is worth every penny he is paid.

strengths: May have the most well rounded offensive game of any of our interior players. Andersen will go close to leading the team in scoring. He can score his points by banging down low and going to his turn around "J" or stepping out to about fifteen feet.

He is also quite comfortable trailing the play or stepping out to three and knocking it down. Hopefully this option does not become a steady diet but his ability to stretch the defense should help create space down low for Andrew Bogut to operate.

Maybe Andersen's biggest strength is his offensive rebounding ability. He truly has a nose for the ball and gets himself easy second chance points or extra possessions for his team. This stat can really help get a team over the line in a tight game.

weakness: If he has to chase a perimeter orientated four around, this is not his game. Andersen can play some solid low post defense and helps and talks it up great on on-ball screens. He and Bogut need to "eat glass" for the Boomers to reach the medal rounds, so Andersen needs to hit the D glass with the venom he does at the offensive end.

overall: Andersen needs to have a monster Olympics for the Aussies to do well. He has an offensive game to match the best in the world at his position. How he and Bogut work together will be key.

If Andersen has a huge Games, the Boomers could play themselves into a medal game while the NBA will be begging for him to come and play.

Articles:

Mills a boon for Boomers.

"It's a good feeling, it's cool, it's a new step for me," Low said yesterday afternoon, just hours after landing in Honolulu on a flight from Salt Lake City. "I made a good decision. I'm excited to go." Words from Derrick Low, the Sydney Spirits new import. Courtesy of the Honolulu Advertiser.

Geelong Supercats need to create history to win title.

The Spirit show the kids of Armidale some skills but forget to tell the newspaper they are not the Razorbacks anymore.

Spain get by Argentina, again.

Latvian and Warriors centre Andris Biedrins set to sign a six year extension.

Australian Opals belt Brazil, 99-62 (boxscore coming), in Wollongong tonight.

Check out this latest Corey "Homicide" Williams video.