Bill Walton said during the broadcast that Puerto Rico is ranked 11th in the world.

Lets not forget Bill Walton is an idiot.

actual quote during the broadcast from Bill Walton

"and we can't say enough what a really really great human being Dwyane Wade is."

This is also the same person who mercilessly butchers the English (or I guess Spanish) language by calling Carlos Arroyo's team "Porto Reecko".

that's how i pronounce it!!

I pronounce it (Pooh-where-toe Rrrrrrrrrr-eeek-a).

i think redd, like chauncey and kobe, got a pass for this particular competition. i think he's getting married or some such. but he may yet be on the 15 man squad in the future.

Looks like Brazil gave the US all they could handle. Melo went down and the tide turned.

http://www.suntimes.com/output/baske...spt-usa09.html

I have friends telling me that the US should trump all, but I think they are looking strictly at names and star power. Disregarding that some of these Int'l squads are very well coached and prepared for what is a different game.

IMO, the US got past PR and China strictly on talent. Without the benefit of NBA referees, the tougher Int'l squads will provide very stiff challenges.

So far Wade and LeBran do not appear to be giving very much. I would be very interested if not getting calls had something to do with it. Perhaps they are not as agressive knowing the bail out whistle will not be there.

My impression is the no one is playing a lot of minutes which may explain some of the difference. Actually playing end to end defense may be causing them to take it a bit easier on the offensive end too.

I've looked some for box scores but they don't seem forthcoming so it's hard to tell what role each player has.