Can coach K lead Team USA to glory?

As we count down to the FIBA Basketball World Championships being held in Turkey later this month, the matter causing the most confusion at present is precisely who will play point guard for team USA? It’s not like the country with the most successful league in the world are short of options, but ask anyone who’s ever tried to create a dream team, in any sport, too much choice usually equals a headache for the selector!

Team USA national director Jerry Colangelo has until August 26 to trim the roster to its final 12 players. Those 12 players will represent the U.S. in the country’s first major international basketball tournament since the 2008 Beijing Olympics, in which the USA won (an expected) gold medal.

Team USA have not been as impressive in this particular tournament since 1994, finishing a disappointing third in both 1998 and 2006 and not placing at all in 2002 where they were, indeed, the hosts. How they could do with a gold this time around, and it would go some way to making them more relaxed in the build up to the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.

With so many guards to choose from, including some of the  best, Coach Mike Krzyzewski’s job is a tough one to say the least. In an international game where the emphasis is generally on guard play and outside shooting, as opposed to the half-court offense game played in the NBA, thus making the point guard the main catalyst of the team.
Boston Celtics guard Rajon Rondo was selected by Coach Mike in USA’s 86-55 exhibition victory over France recently, achieving six points and six assists in 19 minutes. He was paired alongside Chauncey Billups (Denver Nuggets), who was playing shooting guard for the USA.
There are, however, many other qualified point guards who dream of leading Team USA to international glory, with some of the top candidates for the position listed below:

Rajon Rondo (Boston Celtics) – Boston’s MVP, Rondo was the main man last season as Boston marched through to the NBA Finals, and he was equally important when they won the title in 2008. When dribbling with the basketball, there’s no one better than Rondo and his field stats (assists especially) make impressive reading.

Chauncey Billups (Denver Nuggets) – The veteran is a natural born leader with championship winning experience. Amazingly talented on the ball, Billups is a benefit to any team. He scored 17 points against France where he played shooting guard alongside point guard Rajon Rondo.

Derrick Rose (Chicago Bulls) – The young Bulls point guard has talent in abundance but may be deemed by coach Mike as too inexperienced to be given the responsibility. A gifted athlete, Rose knows his way around the court and he gets around it at speed and with finesse.

Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors) – Curry is probably the best shooter in the team and as such is extremely valuable but not necessarily a better point guard than the guys mentioned above. He’s limited in terms of experience and so could best be used coming off the bench to nail more than a few jump-shots.

Russell Westbrook (Oklahoma City Thunder) – He may not be the greatest shooter but he’s incredibly skilled in all other areas. Still only 21, Westbrook may be overlooked this time around due to lack of experience.

Why not share your thoughts on who should get the nod from coach Mike, and be sure to do all of your basketball betting at Titan Bet, where you can enjoy the market’s most competitive odds.

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