Team USA Basketball: Previewing The FIBA World Cup Roster

Aug 20, 2014; New York, NY, USA; The United States bench reacts during the second half of a game against the Dominican Republic at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

The Road to Spain

This team might not be what USAB envisioned six months ago, but after all the depletions; Coach K has a formidable crew that is able and ready to win the gold medal.

This is not a Dream Team, but it’s built like an NBA team, with roles defined and players talented enough to fill them.

The team is “matchup-specific,” and while USAB says that going big was meant to “throw a new look,” the real reason for going big is Spain. Not only is Spain playing in front of their countrymen, their frontline’s handiwork in the 2012 Olympics was alarming.

"[via BleacherReport.com] “The two sides met in the 2012 Olympic gold medal game. While Team USA eked out a 107-100 win, it clearly had issues containing Spain’s monsters in the middle. The Gasol brothers combined for 41 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists. Ibaka chipped in with 12 points and nine boards in 22 minutes off the bench.”"

53 points and 19 rebounds are too much for an international game. Limiting that would be the key to winning the gold.

Team USA doesn’t have a “real threat” in Groups C and D, and they should cruise to the finals. Once there, they won’t only face Spain the basketball team in the finals, they will face Spain as a nation. However, now that they have the tools to beat Spain once again, the only thing needed will be the fire to win it all.

Paul George’s injury was tragic, but it will be an accident worth winning for.

United we stand? That shirt says it all.