I’m really anxious right now
Working at the Olympics for me is first of all an opportunity to watch the games, follow press conference and be able to catch a glimpse of team practices from time to time. This way I’m getting a better grasp on what’s going on here, especially considering I’ve never been to the Olympics as a head coach. I get to keep up with what coaches do, how they prepare for games and which strategies they use.
The overall level of organization seems pretty good. For sure, the organizers face lots of challenges, especially when it comes to issues like distances, transportation and security. I can say they are definitely making progress in those areas.
Our broadcasts will naturally start on Sunday. Sky Italy, the company I’m with here in London, will air all the games, but personally I’ll be covering the top two contests that day – USA versus France and Russia versus Great Britain. The latter will be a very important clash by the way, as both teams really need to start the tournament the right way.
I’m really anxious right now. Haven’t had a chance to follow the warm-up games leading to the Olympics so I’m really looking forward to watching quality basketball in person.
Speaking of favorites, everybody is betting on the final showdown between USA and Spain. When you look at the field, if one of those powerhouses doesn’t make it to the final game, it’ll be considered among the biggest upsets in history.
Then again, the hype doesn’t mean much before you actually start playing. If you look closely you’ll see that Spain, for example, is hampered by a number of nagging injuries to some of the key players. And USA seems to be lacking size as a team that has no true centers with the lone exception of Tyson Chandler. Also, its young players will inevitably feel pressure at some stage of the Games. They know they absolutely have to bring home the gold, so I imagine it could get to them during a close, must-win game.
In reality, USA is the only surefire favorite. After that a number of teams could challenge. Russia, Argentina and Brazil are clearly in the mix with Spain. It’ll be a good tournament.
The format of the Olympics, in my opinion, favors veteran teams. It gives players a day off in between games and coaches also have more time to prepare tactically and technically for each game. I believe that one day of rest between games will help increase the level of play at the tournament.
I don’t really expect to see new approaches and strategies from the majority of the top teams. They are set in their ways, accustomed to playing a certain style that’s been around for a long time. Also, short preparation period doesn’t actually encourage tactical creativity. Still it’s been very interesting, for example, to see Team USA try to establish a new style as they learn to play without a true offensive center. Mike Krzyzewski is facing a task of covering for the lack of size with the overwhelming abundance of quickness and athleticism. USA might very well emerge as the most creative team of the tournament.
Despite having a young squad overall, the Americans will be alright from the leadership standpoint. Kobe is a true elder statesman on that team. He leads them on the court, he’s the most vocal player in the locker room, and he always comes through for them in tough times. I’m sure he’ll prove himself a great leader once again in London.
As for Russia, I watched highlights and summaries of the warm-up games, talked to Dima Shakulin and Andrey Vatutin and I can say the team has talent. Russia’s ability to spread the floor, drive to the basket, make cuts and use their quickness defensively will really help them. Given what I’ve seen so far, I won’t be surprised if David Blatt’s team plays a major role in the tournament.
