2023 Americup ... USA Gamethread(s)

[WinnerCircle]

I sure do love that Rickea is hitting a really good percentage of her free throws. One of the reasons Elena Delle Donne is among my all-time favorite players is that she is money from the line. I'd sure love to have a dozen excellent FT shooters take the floor for Tennessee next season.

Rickea and Jewel both are contributing after joining the team late for training camp following a 11 day foreign tour!! It’s clear with no bias that Rickea is the best player on the floor. It’s scary to think that I actually don’t believe she’s even had her best game yet. If the USA is going to win gold then RJ has to lead the wave !!

 

[chuckiepoo]

Lead the wave! Almost slipped, getting close….

 

[glv98]

Rickea and Jewel both are contributing after joining the team late for training camp following a 11 day foreign tour!! It’s clear with no bias that Rickea is the best player on the floor. It’s scary to think that I actually don’t believe she’s even had her best game yet. If the USA is going to win gold then RJ has to lead the wave !!

Don't forget Betts, she's been huge esp in light of Reese's disappointing play. With a ton of bias toward RJ, Betts has been more efficient and consistent. Rickea is obviously and undeniably the most talented and versatile player on the floor, she just needs to nail it like in the first half yesterday more consistently.

The very idea of Reese being a better WNBA prospect than Jackson is just silly. RJ does so many more things so much better.

Looks like the quarterfinal game will be against Columbia at 2:10 our time tomorrow. Good to get the early game going into the 3 day in a row finals.

 

[Ladyvolfan45]

Don't forget Betts, she's been huge esp in light of Reese's disappointing play. With a ton of bias toward RJ, Betts has been more efficient and consistent. Rickea is obviously and undeniably the most talented and versatile player on the floor, she just needs to nail it like in the first half yesterday more consistently.

The very idea of Reese being a better WNBA prospect than Jackson is just silly. RJ does so many more things so much better.

Looks like the quarterfinal game will be against Columbia at 2:10 our time tomorrow. Good to get the early game going into the 3 day in a row finals.

Reese is an elite rebounder and when she commits to it pretty good defensively. She is crafty but I get the sense she will take that COVID year because without improved offensive range and better footwork, her prospects in the wnba are limited no matter how great of a rebounder she is. Even she has to know this…

Her offensive game remains the same today as it was since being a freshmen at Maryland.

 

[glv98]

Her offensive game remains the same today as it was since being a freshmen at Maryland.

In this tourney, Reese's offense actually seems to have regressed. I don't remember her put backs being these wild, desperation scoop things. I also don't remember her free throw shooting being Shaq-like. If that doesn't improve markedly, teams will go totally hack-a-shaq on her this year.

Despite the GPA, I also think AR is crafty and smart enough to stay out of the killer draft next year. I also think she's smart enough, or hopefully for once has enough sound advisors, to take the embarrassment of this tourney as motivation. Maybe she really gets in the gym and works the rest of the summer, giving "the face of WBB" an internet rest for awhile. I actually hope not, bc this level Angel gives us a real chance.

I realize she got a double double yesterday, but that was due to really weak competition and was a result of some of the crazy scoops actually falling at the end of the run away game.

 

[WinnerCircle]

Don't forget Betts, she's been huge esp in light of Reese's disappointing play. With a ton of bias toward RJ, Betts has been more efficient and consistent. Rickea is obviously and undeniably the most talented and versatile player on the floor, she just needs to nail it like in the first half yesterday more consistently.

The very idea of Reese being a better WNBA prospect than Jackson is just silly. RJ does so many more things so much better.

Looks like the quarterfinal game will be against Columbia at 2:10 our time tomorrow. Good to get the early game going into the 3 day in a row finals.

I don’t put a lot of stock in these stats during international play. The game is different but basketball is basketball in respect to it’s clear who is helping the team.
Yes, Betts is a good player. I wouldn’t have her as my number 1, 2, or 3 option over Rickea, Reese, or Osborne though. Betts is contributing and is a difference maker.
It’s similar to Sara Puckett scoring 29 points on the foreign tour. Sara freshman year was better than Betts. But some people have loss all confidence in her based on the sophomore slump. Who is willing to say maybe Sara Bucketts! is back? This isn’t aim at you glv98, I’m just saying maybe give our players the same praise given to those representing other teams when they show great potential. Outside of Brazil in the USA group none of these teams are really good. Betts is taking advantage of her opportunities so that’s great for her. The style of play and constant double teams has hurt Rickea and Reese efficiency.
The fact is Rickea and Reese will elevate their level of play eventually because the talent they have is on another level. Best stats four games into a tourney like FIBA doesn’t equal to best player.. that’s just my opinion.

 

[Volfan2012]

The two most efficient players as far as scoring on the team are Betts and Spear. Rickea has been a leading scorer, but not shooting her usual percentage or getting the points per shot attempt she usually gets. Jewell is of course a small sample of shots taken. Right now I would say the top player on the team is Betts and Rickea is a close second for what they have done on the court. I like Rickea and Betts together more than I like Rickea and Reese. I think Reese fits better in a backup role with Barker. I would be rolling Betts and Rickea out there at least 30 minutes a game and Reese and Barker getting the other ten. I see Betts and Rickea as our power duo and then you just add your best three perimeter shooters to the lineup. I am hoping we can have something similar at Tennessee with Key and Rickea and three point shooters like Wells, Spear, and Darby, Ace, or Puckett on the perimeter. I know Key is not Betts but she could give us some of what Betts gives team USA as far as size and shot blocking ability.

 

[WinnerCircle]

In this tourney, Reese's offense actually seems to have regressed. I don't remember her put backs being these wild, desperation scoop things. I also don't remember her free throw shooting being Shaq-like. If that doesn't improve markedly, teams will go totally hack-a-shaq on her this year.

Despite the GPA, I also think AR is crafty and smart enough to stay out of the killer draft next year. I also think she's smart enough, or hopefully for once has enough sound advisors, to take the embarrassment of this tourney as motivation. Maybe she really gets in the gym and works the rest of the summer, giving "the face of WBB" an internet rest for awhile. I actually hope not, bc this level Angel gives us a real chance.

I realize she got a double double yesterday, but that was due to really weak competition and was a result of some of the crazy scoops actually falling at the end of the run away game.

That’s not likely going to happen. LSU is about 75% sportsmedia/social media hype machine. They are even pushing the AR agenda on social media as “doing AR things” on the USA team page via highlights. During last season, I said various times that I didn’t feel LSU was as talented a team as some others but they willed their way to a championship with some luck at key moments.
Two of their best players didn’t make the cut for team USA and some other key players graduated. They are once again relying on the sportsmedia/social media hype to present this unbeatable label of a super team. But right now unless the non conference schedule reflects last years there is no way they don’t lose several games with the improvement of the SEC.
I don’t see any way beyond on paper they are the #1 team in WCBB to start the season.

 

[Coach Jumper]

Reese is an elite rebounder and when she commits to it pretty good defensively. She is crafty but I get the sense she will take that COVID year because without improved offensive range and better footwork, her prospects in the wnba are limited no matter how great of a rebounder she is. Even she has to know this…

Her offensive game remains the same today as it was since being a freshmen at Maryland.

agree with all of this

 

[Darth_Vol]

The two most efficient players as far as scoring on the team are Betts and Spear.

Not sure how you get that with Spear. She isn't shooting particularly well, and she is the only player on the roster who has yet to get to the free throw line - which is pretty remarkable averaging about 20 minutes in four games...

 

[WinnerCircle]

Lead the wave! Almost slipped, getting close….

Where is this going? Fill me in.

 

[chuckiepoo]

Where is this going? Fill me in.

There has been an exceedingly exuberant participant on the forum recently that will pop in, cross a couple of lines, get generally ignored across the site, then return under a new name. …we’re watching, but we generally watch any new poster. Welcome, btw.

 

[glv98]

The fact is Rickea and Reese will elevate their level of play eventually because the talent they have is on another level. Best stats four games into a tourney like FIBA doesn’t equal to best player.. that’s just my opinion.

My disagreement is I don't think Reese has next level talent except in rebounding, which is important of course. I think Betts is already a better offensive post player. But that's just my opinion. She's also 4 inches taller.

I do agree that part of Rickea's lower than usual efficiency is due to the defensive pressure she's getting when no one else can score and also to not getting foul calls she'll get during the LV season. That's why it's great to see her hit fts the way she has.

 

[Volfaninfl2]

Brackets of the FIBA Women's AmeriCup 2023

Here’s the brackets. Looks like we play Colombia at 12:10 tomorrow.

GO USA!

 

[Ladyvolfan45]

In this tourney, Reese's offense actually seems to have regressed. I don't remember her put backs being these wild, desperation scoop things. I also don't remember her free throw shooting being Shaq-like. If that doesn't improve markedly, teams will go totally hack-a-shaq on her this year.

I personally think that is the result of her not being in a gym for months and focused on NIL stuff. She will probably get back to form when she is training routinely again.

But she will has to improve her game offensively all around to have success at the next level.

Her development IMO comes down to her putting in the work over the next year or two. Or if she continues to focus on cashing in NIL, she will remain about the same

 

[glv98]

Brackets of the FIBA Women's AmeriCup 2023

Here’s the brackets. Looks like we play Colombia at 12:10 tomorrow.

GO USA!

That's Mountain Time. We're 2 hrs ahead, so the game is 2:10 eastern, as posted upthread.

 

[Volfaninfl2]

That's Mountain Time. We're 2 hrs ahead, so the game is 2:10 eastern, as posted upthread.

In the group phase when they listed 14:40, that was 2:40 ET. If they’re changing how they list it, that’s confusing, but thanks if you’re correct.

 

[glv98]

In the bracket you posted it does say 12:10/2:10. But alot of the other games have started at :40. Not sure

 

[Volfan2012]

Not sure how you get that with Spear. She isn't shooting particularly well, and she is the only player on the roster who has yet to get to the free throw line - which is pretty remarkable averaging about 20 minutes in four games...

She has the most made threes 6 for 17, Kelly is 1 for 3, Osborne 3 for 11, Gray 1 for 7, and she has 22 points for 22 shot attempts which is right there with every guard except Kelly who has 27 on 25 shot attempts. Kelly has been to the line 13 times. She has been a little passive in the games I agree trying to be a team player. She is the only player that has played 80 minutes or more and has only 1 turnover.

 

[Volfaninfl2]

In the bracket you posted it does say 12:10/2:10. But alot of the other games have started at :40. Not sure

I was looking also here under Final Phase, where it says 12:10 is 18:10 GMT. The brackets say 12:10 (GMT-6). It is confusing.

https://www.fiba.basketball/womensamericup/2023/competition-schedule

 

[Volfaninfl2]

glv98, please reread my above post, I had to edit.

 

[DarkPhoenix]

I'm surprised by this, but, imo, Betts has been our best player in this tournament so far. Very, very efficient. 96-40 USA, with under 3 minutes to play.

I’m not surprised, I called Betts talent during the portal season and I was told she wasn’t good because she didn’t play much at Stanford.

 

[DarkPhoenix]

She is, but is also very erratic and very volatile. She needs a firm coaching hand. Will be interesting to see if she gets it this season.

Betts is doing this while not being particularly mobile! Once she gets more time in the strength and conditioning room she's going to be a monster. She already has far better post moves and offensive skills than Angel. Not sure how they continue to justify starting Reese over Betts except as a face saver for AR.

How would u compare Betts to Key?

 

[Darth_Vol]

She has the most made threes 6 for 17, Kelly is 1 for 3, Osborne 3 for 11, Gray 1 for 7, and she has 22 points for 22 shot attempts which is right there with every guard except Kelly who has 27 on 25 shot attempts. Kelly has been to the line 13 times. She has been a little passive in the games I agree trying to be a team player. She is the only player that has played 80 minutes or more and has only 1 turnover.

She has basically been USA's Tess Darby - simply launching threes and protecting the ball - but offering little as far as playmaking, creating offense for herself or teammates, or drawing fouls. That will obviously have to change when she arrives in Knoxville...

 

[WinnerCircle]

There has been an exceedingly exuberant participant on the forum recently that will pop in, cross a couple of lines, get generally ignored across the site, then return under a new name. …we’re watching, but we generally watch any new poster. Welcome, btw.

Thanks for the welcome, although that’s an interesting breakdown. I actually post regularly on other message boards across sports and this one has by far the most adversarial tone when there’s opposing views. I’m just getting the handle of the ignore feature and will use it to block out reading nonsense like I’ve seen about Jewel Spear based on international play.
I enjoy talking basketball, so hopefully being confident in my analysis isn’t crossing lines when it’s a valid point.
You seem to be a fair poster and I enjoy reading your brief but interesting posts.
Tennessee has two players on team USA (one is undoubtedly to me the best player on the team through 4 games) and one of them is finding her shot as the best shooter on the team. You’ll think she wasn’t a 3-time all ACC player and 2-time team USA member before ever wearing the LV jersey if you read this thread.
She has already been wrongfully discredit due to a few games in international basketball. In 2021, this is the same player that made her debut on team USA and started before several highly recruited players.
Despite having one of the busiest off-seasons she has ever had and coming off a 11 day journey overseas. Again one of the best shooters in WCBB and dropped 30 pts on some experts #1 portal player in a head to head game and now all of sudden she’s targeted by someone on this board.
I just don’t think there should ever be a place to say things to take away from the players that are why this board even exists.