Medal games preview
Saturday 28 August 2004
United States vs Australia
Things Australia have to do if they want a shot at the gold:
* Defence
The defence last night from the Aussies was ordinary. It got better towards the end of the game but they got beaten a few too many times off the dribble and the interior D was soft (though LJ's foul trouble prevented her from playing D at full speed in the first half). The Aussies have to remember that defence isn't about quickness (though it helps), it's primarily about positioning. There was some piss poor positioning yesterday (I'm looking at you Suzy Batkovic and Belinda Snell) and the Aussies can't afford to do that too often today.
* Rebounding
Boxing out was ok yesterday but has to get better as well. Yolanda Griffith and Lisa Leslie are huge offensive boarders and it's no use playing good D, if you can't grab the ensuing rebound.
* Ball-handling and decision making
I have no doubt the US will press Australia as much as possible. Kristi and the gang have to keep their cool and not do silly things like dribble your way into trouble.
* Coaching
Hey Jan:
#1 Consider your matchups carefully. Sporn on Oliveira was a huge mistake yesterday. Yes, Sporn on Leslie isn't going to work either.
#2 Consider your subs carefully. Why is Tranquilli getting court time? She doesn't do anything on offence *or* defence. Why isn't Sandy getting PT? She can shoot, pass a bit and isn't worse than Tranquilli on D.
#3 Consider your offensive plans. Way too much "Lin Dunn" offence yesterday. Why not have some more screens, to give some space for the slashers and the shooters? Jan deserves props for not implementing a rigid system like Tom Maher. It wouldn't hurt to have a bit more organisation in the offence though.
The only real question mark with the US is their perimeter shooting. If they're cold from the outside and Australia throws up a zone, things could get interesting.
I think the US are simply too good for Australia (and Jan's coaching doesn't help). However, the ladies believe that they can take it out and I hope they can defy the odds. Go Aussies!
United States by twelve
Russia vs Brazil
How badly does Russia want a medal?
That's the big question. I know Brazil wants to win a medal badly but the Russians may think that since they're out of the running for a gold, they may decide to tank the bronze medal game.
That would be a real shame if they did. Russia outmatch Brazil in nearly every department and beat them comfortably in the pool game. The Brazilians will have to rediscover their perimeter game and push the tempo if they want to win. If the Russians put effort into it, I think they can outlast Brazil with their interior strength and rebounding.
Russia by fifteen (if they don't tank). If they do tank, Brazil could win by at least fifteen to twenty