Olympic Men's Basketball Predictions

With the Olympics officially starting today I thought it would be proper to do a post on something about it.

Predicted Order of Finish
Group A
1. Argentina
2. Lithuania
3. Australia
4. Russia
5. Croatia
6. Iran

Argentina is just too much to handle with 4 NBA stars in Manu Ginobli, Luis Scola, Fabricio Oberto, and Andres Nocionoi. The Argentines have the size and shooting ability to beat anybody. I think they have too much firepower to be beaten in group play. Lithuania and Australia could both give them a run for their money though, but both should be vying for second place.

Group B
1, United States
2. Spain
3. Greece
4. Germany
5. China
6. Angola

The USA will come out of Group B undefeated. This is their year, they finally have the chemistry, better overall talent, and shooting to get it done. Spain could give them fits with their zone defense and size but I think USA will come out on top with their athleticism and skill. Greece could also pull off some upsets after stunning the USA in 2004.

Quarterfinals:
Spain over Australia
Argentina over Germany
Lithuania over Greece
United States over Russia

Semifinals:
Spain over Argentina
United States over Lithuania

Finals:
Gold: United States over Spain
Bronze: Argentina over Lithuania


In the end I really do think the United States will get it done. This is their year to bring gold back to the states. The tandem of Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, Dwayne Wade, Carmelo Anthony, and Dwight Howard will not be stopped. U.S. Basketball is starting to look like its old self again. Mike Krzyzewski has put together a team that knows how to play true fundamental basketball. They finally have the talent, firepower, team play, defense, and shooting to get it done. The talent is there and now they finally have all the keys. The USA team will bring gold back to America for the first time since 2000.