Group A
- 1. Argentina – Strong enough to top this group... I will give them the benefit of the doubt because I did have Aussies here. Either way, they will meet in the latter stages and Aussies will defeat them then.
2. Serbia – Lucky for them they will have a full squad for the games against the better teams of the group.
3. Australia – Originally had them first… but changed it up before I posted. But I think they could top the group if results fall their way.
4. Germany – Young squad might turn some heads without the leadership of Dirk this time round
Group B
- 1. USA – Will go undefeated through group stage…
2. Slovenia – A sleeper for the medal matches?
3. Brazil – I’m a fan of Splitter, he will be good for the Spurs.
4. Croatia – Will definitely make next phase ahead of Iran and Tunisia.
Group C
- 1. Greece – Suspensions of Fotsis and Schorsanitis shouldn’t hurt the team against China or Puerto Rico. These guys will still top the group!
2. Turkey – Home crowd will help these guys for sure.
3. Puerto Rico – I can see these guys taking third place ahead of Russia and China. I believe they are in good form this year.
4. Russia – It was hard for me to pick this one here. I want China to go thoruhg. They have size on their roster and versatility but poor guard play. The deciding factor was no Yao Ming and without Yao, China couldn’t even win the 2009 Asia Championship – they came second. I went with Russia despite their poor form. I think they will scrape through ahead of the Chinese.
Group D
- 1. Spain – By now everyone knows I am a big fan! Title chances took a big knock with the injury to Calderon though!
2. France – Another sleeper for the latter stages?
3. Lithuania – Traditionally a good national side but have not seen much of them since 08 and the makeup of the squad I believe has changed a lot since then with more young blood.
4. New Zealand – It’s either them or Canada. I’m going with our Trans-Tasman rivals!
Round of 16
- Argentina def Croatia
France def Puerto Rico
Greece def New Zealand
Australia def Slovenia
USA def Germany
Turkey def Lithuania
Spain def Russia
Brazil def Serbia
Quarter Final
- Argentina def France
Australia def Greece
USA def Turkey
Spain def Brazil
Semi Final
- Australia def Argentina
Spain def USA
Bronze Medal Match
- USA def Argentina
Gold Medal Match
- Spain def Australia
Final Standings
- 1. Spain
2. Australia
3. USA
4. Argentina
All-Tourney Team
- Splitter (Brazil)
Scola (Argentina)
Durant (USA)
Navarro (Spain)
Mills (Australia)
On the bubble: Rose (USA), Spanoulis (Greece), Delfino (Argentina), Turkoglu (Turkey), Fernandez (Spain), Andersen (Australia)
Some Thoughts
- Australia have a strong frontcourt and Patty Mills will be a handful for opposition defences. It comes down to our wing players to step up on both ends of the court. I think they are the darkhorse, we’ve been 9-1 so far in exhibition matches. Might not count for much but they are still looking good with wins against some decent competition (Argentina in 3 games, France, Slovenia and Brazil).
I put Brazil through to the quarters but on second thoughts, probably should have Serbia advance. Either way, they ain’t getting past Spain. Brazil is a strong team but injury might derail their tourney. If Splitter is hurt, I don’t have Brazil getting past round of 16 because they will have lost their starting centre. Push Serbia through to get beaten by Spain!
I think that Spain will beat the Americans in the semi-final. They have a squad that has played together for years and even without Pau and Calderon will be a good strong team.
Spain and USA is really a toss-up but I think the lack of size up-front will hurt Team USA a lot. Teams like full-strength Greece, Serbia, Spain will give them a lot of trouble.
I have Turkey advancing far because of being at home. With the crowd behind them and a team that isn’t that bad (in comparison to China in Beijing), I think they can get through to at least the Quarters unless they play a powerhouse like Spain.
After one last look, I think that Argentina will top Group A. I changed it accordingly. Either way, depending on who Aussies play, I think they can make it all the way to the medal stages. We match up well.
I know these final standings are pretty bold but if we get favourable matchups, Aussies are sleepers to medal. No one will expect it coming! It’s going to be a competitive tourney!
It should've been 93-79 though! The officials didn't count one of Mantas Kalnietis' free throws. Check out my video 
