Long-time NBA coach names key US rivals at Olympics: “France, Yugoslavia, Russia and China” / News



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The United States national team began preparations for the Tokyo Olympics last Sunday and unexpectedly bumped into Nigerian basketball players (87:90). After such a slap from the African team, veteran NBA basketball player and coach Byron Scott did not wrap himself in cotton.

“I can’t say it’s unexpected, it’s the most unexpected loss in American basketball history,” the three-time NBA champion told TMZ. “When the United States plays Nigeria, it should be difficult to get along.”

Despite the painful start of the American constellation in the friendly game cycle, Scott, who has worked as a coach for various NBA teams for 18 years, does not lose faith in the national team.

“Hopefully it’s a wake-up call for them. You have to be prepared. I’m not too concerned about the United States game. Now, a lot of negatives are focused on them. In a team you have a squad of stars and they have to learn to playing with each other and building a great formation. The most important thing is team basketball. With Gregg Popovich and the entire coaching staff that has him, I wouldn’t be worried at all, “Scott said.

While the US national team will not be helped this year by players like LeBron James, Steph Curry or James Harden, the team still has many bright early NBA stars.

Kevin Durant, Damian Lillard, Jayson Tatum, Devin Booker, Zach LaVine and other basketball players who also play important roles on their teams will travel to Tokyo.

Despite these famous names, Scott emphasized that the days when the United States national team came to the Olympics to collect a medal prepared for them are long gone.

“The gold medal has not been awarded in the United States for some time. The basketball world has caught up with the United States, now it is much more difficult for them to win the gold,” said an All-match participant twice. NBA Star. – Of course, this is still a task that you can really accomplish. If I had to bet my money, I would bet it on the United States team. “

However, when the conversation turned to the favorites to give an equal fight to the Americans, it became clear that Scott not only did not know who would play in the Olympics this year, but he also did not know the exact names of some of the players. state.

“I think France will be fine this year, Yugoslavia and Russia are always showing good basketball. There is always a team at the Olympics that can surprise. I think it will be China,” the coach said with confidence.

If we were to talk about the Sydney 2000 Olympics, Scott would be absolutely right, but after 21 years, we will not see China, China, Russia or Yugoslavia, which have not existed at all since 2003.



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