Sheridan Hoops

A better basketball site. For intelligent readers, from veteran writers.
Keep scrolling down. Good stuff here.

Eurobasket: Quarterfinal previews

by

By Chris Sheridan

KAUNAS, Lithuania — This city is the birthplace and/or childhood home of Arvydas Sabonis, Sarunas Jasikevicius, Sarunas Marciulonis and Zydrunas Ilgauskas, and by the end of next weekend it will be the metropolis (to use that word loosely) where the latest European champion is crowned.

Eight teams have made it to the quarterfinals of EuroBasket, and the do-or-die portion begins Wednesday night with Spain-Slovenia and Macedonia-Lithuania.

Thursday’s games are France-Greece and Russia-Serbia, and the semifinals — which will determine which two teams qualify for the 2012 Olympics — are scheduled for Friday.

Here is a look at each of the quarterfinal matchups:

SPAIN-SLOVENIA — I previewed this game in some detail yesterday after speaking to Spanish coach Sergio Scariolo, and the determining factor as to whether Slovenia will have a chance will be their ability to slow down the tempo to a snail’s pace and stay within striking distance through the fourth quarter. That was the formula that served Russia so well four years ago when they upset Spain in the finals of Eurobasket 2007 in Madrid, so it is not an impossible thing to accomplish. But even if this becomes a halfcourt game of five-on-five sets, Spain has just too much size and talent in the low post with Pau Gasol and Marc Gasol, backed up by Serge Ibaka (four years ago in the loss to Russia, the Spanish team ran nearly every single play in the fourth quarter for Pau Gasol. Now, they have a second Gasol option, and Marc has looked every bit as good as his older brother over the course of this tournament.) Slovenia is missing several of its top players (including Bostjan Nochbar, who nonetheless has traveled to Kaunas to support his countrymen), and Spain will look to get the ball out of the hands of veteran guard Jaka Lakovic, a 33-year-old who spent the past five seasons with FC Barcelona after playing the previous four for Panathinaikos. PREDICTION: Spain by 19.

MACEDONIA-LITHUANIA — Folks back home in America should be pulling for the team from the former Yugolavia, because their point guard is an American from New Orleans named Bo McCalebb who attended the University of New Orleans, sat on the bench for an entire Las Vegas summer league when he was trying out for the Sacramento Kings, then headed to Europe. I profiled him a few days ago when I was in Vilnius for the second round, explaining how he has become one of the best players on the continent, leading his last two teams, Partizan Belgrade and Montepaschi Siena, into the last two EuroLeague Final Fours. He is under contract to Siena for two more seasons and has a seven-figure buyout, and he genuinely seems to enjoy the European lifestyle and the dedication of the fans. He is the second-leading scorer remaining in the tournament (averaging 20.6 points to Tony Parker’s 22.1), and his speed advantage over Lithuania’s lead-footed point guards will be a key factor. Only a last-second, banked-in 3-pointer by Sergei Monia of Russia in Monday night’s final second-round game kept Macedonia from going unbeaten in the second round, and they should not be taken lightly. If there is going to be a difference-maker in this game for Lithuania, it’ll likely be young, fresh and fly Jonas Valanciunas. PREDICTION: Lithuania by 2.

FRANCE-GREECE — If the Greeks were at full strength with Dimitrios Diamantidis, Sofaklis Schortsianitis and Vassilis Spanoulis, they would be formidable. But all three of those players are sitting out this tournament, and the Greeks are relying on Nick Calathes and Antonis Fotsis as their most important players. I really like Calathes’ potential, but he will be no match for Tony Parker, and as long as Joakim Noah’s bruised knee is sufficiently healed to allow him to get up and down the court, I don’t see the Greeks having much of a chance. (It doesn’t help that they are having internal issues, with one of their better players, Ioannis Bouroussis, having been benched for the second half of their most recent important game, against Russia last Saturday.) Then again, the French have a long recent history of playing great until the games become especially meaningful — a history they are constantly reminded of by folks in their homeland. But Boris Diaw and Nicolas Batum help provide a distinct talent advantage, and Parker is as hungry to lead his national team to the Olympics as he was in 2007 when he was the MVP of the NBA Finals and the Spurs swept the Cleveland Cavaliers. PREDICTION: France by 6.

RUSSIA-SERBIA — Just a hunch, but I like his to be the closest game of the quarterfinals, and I am a big believer in Russian coach David Blatt’s ability to make the right adjustments and play calls to put his team over the top. He has been one of the most successful coaches in Europe for quite some time now (he holds dual American-Israeli citizenship, he grew up in Framingham, Mass. and attended Princeton), he has kept his two best shooters, Sergei Monia and Victor Khryapa, fresh by limiting their minutes, and he has gotten Timofey Mozgov back to having a level of confidence that George Karl robbed from him. Serbia also has a genius coach in Dusan Ivkovic, whose young team came within a whisker of beating Turkey in Istanbul last summer in the semifinals of the World Championship. Nenad Krstic will be relied upon to carry the load in the low post, but Mozgov can limit him if he stays out of foul trouble. That means the key player for Serbia could be point guard Milos Teodosic, who has spent the past four seasons as the floor general for Olympiacos. The Serbs have an especially balanced team, yet they are not quite as experienced as the Russians. PREDICTION: Russia by 1.

 

Comments

  3. I’m happy to find a lot of helpful info here within the submit, we’d like work out more techniques in this regard, thank you for sharing.

  4. I’ll gear this review to 2 types of people: current Zune owners who are considering an upgrade, and people trying to decide between a Zune and an iPod.

  8. I’ll gear this review to 2 types of people: current Zune owners who are considering an upgrade, and people trying to decide between a Zune and an iPod. (There are other players worth considering out there, like the Sony Walkman X, but I hope this gives you enough info to make an informed decision of the Zune vs players other than the iPod line as well.)

  9. Howdy very cool site!! Guy .. Excellent .. Wonderful .. I will bookmark your web site and take the feeds additionally…I’m happy to find a lot of helpful info here within the submit, we’d like work out more techniques in this regard, thank you for sharing.

  12. Valuable information. Lucky me I found your web site by accident, and I’m shocked why this accident did not happened earlier! I bookmarked it.

  14. Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I’ve truly enjoyed surfing around your blog posts. After all I will be subscribing to your rss feed and I hope you write again very soon!

  17. I’ve been exploring for a little bit for any high-quality articles or weblog posts on this kind of area . Exploring in Yahoo I at last stumbled upon this web site. Reading this info So i am satisfied to express that I have a very excellent uncanny feeling I discovered exactly what I needed. I so much no doubt will make certain to don’t forget this site and provides it a look regularly.

  22. I just couldn’t depart your site before suggesting that I really enjoyed the standard info a person provide for your visitors? Is going to be back often to check up on new posts

  23. You actually make it seem so easy with your presentation but I in finding this matter to be actually one thing which I believe I might never understand. It seems too complicated and extremely huge for me. I’m taking a look forward for your subsequent post, I’ll attempt to get the grasp of it!

  25. I admire the valuable information you offer in your articles. I will bookmark your blog and have my children check up here often. I am quite sure they will learn lots of new stuff here than anybody else!

  26. I was very pleased to find this web-site.I wanted to thanks for your time for this excellent read!! I definitely having fun with every little little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you blog post.

  29. Apple now has Rhapsody as an app, which is a great start, but it is currently hampered by the inability to store locally on your iPod, and has a dismal 64kbps bit rate. If this changes, then it will somewhat negate this advantage for the Zune, but the 10 songs per month will still be a big plus in Zune Pass’ favor.

  30. Hello! I’m so grateful I found your internet site. I really discovered you by mistake, whilst I was exploring on Reddit for something diffrent. Anyway, I’m here right now and would just decide to say thank you for the brilliant write-up and a all-round interesting blog site (I additionally really like the theme / design). I don’t have time to look through all of it at the moment but I had book-marked it as well as included your RSS feeds, so if I have time I’ll be returning to learn more. Please do continue the amazing work.

  31. I have enjoyed looking around your site and reading various posts. Eurobasket: Quarterfinal previews is a well written article about a very captivating issue. I cannot wait for your planned updates.

  32. I’ll gear this review to 2 types of people: current Zune owners who are considering an upgrade, and people trying to decide between a Zune and an iPod. (There are other players worth considering out there, like the Sony Walkman X, but I hope this gives you enough info to make an informed decision of the Zune vs players other than the iPod line as well.)

  39. Hello, I feel I can see the matter through your eyes as I look at it the same way & just wanted to thank you for your time and research. On a side note I think you would like this home building website I found before I found this one. There is loads of great views just like yours. They have everything from A-Z for when you are in the market for building a custom estate in Perth. Just thought I would help

  42. Hi. I wanted to drop you a quick note to express my thanks. I’ve been following your blog for a month or so and have picked up a ton of good information as well as enjoyed the way you’ve structured your site.

  43. I still cannot quite assume that I could possibly be one of those reading the important guidelines found on your website. My family and I are truly thankful for your generosity and for giving me possibility pursue my own chosen profession path. Thanks for the important information I obtained from your web-site.

  44. WONDERFUL Post.thanks for share..more wait .. ?There are actually loads of details like that to take into consideration. That could be a great point to bring up. I provide the ideas above as basic inspiration however clearly there are questions like the one you convey up where the most important thing will probably be working in sincere good faith. I don?t know if best practices have emerged round issues like that, however I’m positive that your job is clearly recognized as a good game. Both girls and boys really feel the affect of only a moment’s pleasure, for the rest of their lives.

  47. I hope you never stop! This is one of the best blogs I have ever read. You have got some mad skill here, man. I just hope that you do not lose your style because youre definitely one of the coolest bloggers out there. Please keep it up because the internet needs someone like you spreading the word.

  51. Youre so awesome, man! I cant believe I missed this blog for so long. Its just great stuff all round. Your design, man…too amazing! I cant wait to read what youve got next. I love everything that youre saying and want more, more, MORE! Keep this up, man! Its just too good.

  53. There are some attention-grabbing time limits on this article but I don’t know if I see all of them center to heart. There may be some validity however I’ll take maintain opinion till I look into it further. Good article , thanks and we wish extra! Added to FeedBurner as nicely

  54. Lady Gaga cried for a few days as soon as she learned how exactly how successfully her newest album sold. The singer was powerless to keep her feelings in check because she was so overwhelmed due to the upbeat response to her LP ‘Born This Way’ as soon as it was launched last month.

  56. I admire the valuable information you offer in your articles. I will bookmark your blog and have my children check up here often. I am quite sure they will learn lots of new stuff here than anybody else!

  64. As you get mature, the to locate health conditions will probably alter. May some sort of dark beer digestive tract bring about ailments? Is usually men’s menopause your fantasy or maybe a real guys health issue? Could androgenic hormone or testosterone therapies help you experience small once more? Acquire solutions to all these and other males well being issues.

  67. Hands down, Apple’s app store wins by a mile. It’s a huge selection of all sorts of apps vs a rather sad selection of a handful for Zune. Microsoft has plans, especially in the realm of games, but I’m not sure I’d want to bet on the future if this aspect is important to you. The iPod is a much better choice in that case.

  68. I’ve been surfing online more than 3 hours these days, yet I never found any fascinating article like yours. It is pretty value sufficient for me. Personally, if all site owners and bloggers made excellent content as you did, the internet can be a lot more helpful than ever before. “No one has the right to destroy another person’s belief by demanding empirical evidence.” by Ann Landers.

  71. Superb blog! Do you have any suggestions for aspiring writers? I’m planning to start my own blog soon but I’m a little lost on everything. Would you suggest starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid option? There are so many choices out there that I’m totally confused .. Any recommendations? Many thanks!

  74. Superb guide and additionally simple to make sure you recognize description. Exactly how can Document keep performing obtaining authorization to make sure you publish component for the post into my approaching e-newsletter? Providing correct credit scores in your direction all the article writer and additionally website to website wouldn¡¯t deemed a dilemma.

  77. Fantastic post! I was actually searching for information about proper dog training but stumbled on this post and found it really interesting and valuable. Keep up the wonderful work you are doing here.

  78. Nice post. I learn something more challenging on different blogs everyday. It will always be stimulating to read content from other writers and practice a little something from their store. I’d prefer to use some with the content on my blog whether you don’t mind. Natually I’ll give you a link on your web blog. Thanks for sharing.

  80. Amazing blog with a lot of extremely use bits of important information! It is such a excellent feeling to finally uncover such a useful resource. I have been exploring the site for over an hour now and have truly uncovered a lot. Just wanted to let you know 🙂

  81. Extremely rated post. I be taught one thing completely new on different blogs everyday. Deciding on one . stimulating to read the paper content material from other writers and learn a little one thing from their website. I’d like to use sure of this content on my blog you’re mind. Natually I’ll give a hyperlink right here we’re at your web-site. Respect your sharing.

  85. Wow! This could be one particular of the most useful blogs We’ve ever arrive across on this subject. Actually Great. I’m also a specialist in this topic so I can understand your hard work.

  86. I wanted to give thanks to you for this great read!! I definitely loved each and every little bit of it. I have you bookmarked your website to see the new stuff you post.

  87. I’ll gear this review to 2 types of people: current Zune owners who are considering an upgrade, and people trying to decide between a Zune and an iPod. (There are other players worth considering out there, like the Sony Walkman X, but I hope this gives you enough info to make an informed decision of the Zune vs players other than the iPod line as well.)

  88. When I originally commented I clicked the Notify me when new comments are added checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get four e-mails with the same comment. Is there any way you can remove me from that service? Cheers!

  90. Definitely one of many challenges which individuals starting a brand new on-line company face is that of acquiring visitors to their net site.

  91. I’ve been absent for some time, but now I remember why I used to love this blog. Thanks, I’ll try and check back more often. How frequently you update your web site?

  92. Whats up intelligent points.. now why did not i consider these? Off subject barely, is that this page pattern merely from an strange installation or else do you use a customized template. I exploit a webpage i’m searching for to enhance and well the visuals is probably going one of the key things to finish on my list.

  93. Many thanks for posting this, It’s simply what I was researching for on bing. I’d so much comparatively hear opinions from an individual, barely than an organization internet page, that’s why I like blogs so significantly. Many thanks!

  94. Hey intelligent points.. now why didn’t i consider these? Off subject barely, is that this web page pattern merely from an bizarre installation or else do you employ a customized template. I exploit a webpage i’m seeking to improve and well the visuals is likely one of many key things to complete on my list.

  96. I want to voice my affection for your kindness in support of people that must have assistance with this important theme. Your personal dedication to passing the solution along had been certainly effective and has surely permitted folks much like me to achieve their goals. Your entire warm and helpful help and advice entails this much to me and a whole lot more to my fellow workers. Thank you; from all of us.

  97. hello anyone, I was just checkin out this great site so i like the basis want to know ,, and also have not do, in case anyone would like to come with an enjoyable conversation over it, please visit my site on myspace, i’m michael duivis jacob johnson

  101. I image this may well be diverse upon the written content material? even so I still imagine that it can be appropriate for virtually any type of topic subject material, as a result of it would frequently be pleasing to resolve a heat and pleasant face or maybe listen a voice whilst preliminary landing.

  102. I was very happy to seek out this internet-site.I wanted to thanks to your time for this wonderful read!! I undoubtedly enjoying each little little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you weblog post.

  103. Hi,

    ich habe Ihre Webseite bei der Suche nach Notarztkursen im Internet gefunden. Schauen Sie doch mal auf meiner Seite vorbei, ich habe dort viele Testberichte zu den aktuellen Staubsauger Robotern geschrieben. Sie finden dort u.a. Berichte über Modell der Firma iRobot oder Klarstein oder auch viele Ersatzteile, Akkus etc. Ich hoffe, Sie schauen mal auf meiner Seite vorbei.

  106. There are lots of posts around near this, I do think taking there reference could experience made this spot or article really informative. I am not expression this information is not good. Simply I need to pronounce that the info provided here was unique, merely so it will be more close to complete, supporting with other former information get been actually good. The points you obtain touched here’s vital, thus I most certainly will spot many of the information here to develop this actually good for entirely the newbie’s here. Thank you for this data. Actually helpful!

  108. There are a few fascinating time limits on this page however I don’t determine if I see every one of them center to heart. You can find some validity however I most certainly will take hold opinion until I check into it further. Good article , thanks and now we want extra! Added onto FeedBurner as properly

  112. There are some interesting points in time in this article but I don’t know if I see all of them center to heart. There is some validity but I will take hold opinion until I look into it further. Good article , thanks and we want more! Added to FeedBurner as well

  113. Dont mean to hate so hard but these are dedicated fans and you need to undersell positive news man. I’m half your age and I know some rules of writing that you havent even learned. Step your game up Chris Sheezey.

  114. ***ESPN and NBA scum I meant***

    My reports are telling me that talks have stalled since owners are sticking to a hard cap stance and they are in no rush to negotiate again, meaning at least half the season can be lost. They also dont mind losing the entire season. Thanks Joe Johnsons and Rashard Lewis’s of the league for getting retarded contracts. Stop bringing peoples hopes up Chris. Is there a dislike button for your site on facebook?

  115. Chris you idiot nice new article when your site first came up saying that theres a good chance the nba season wont be lost just to get publicity for your site. I thought u were one of the few reputable nba sports writers out there. Turns out you’re “experienced” nba and AP scum.

Recent Posts

Categories

Archives