The United States basketball team destroyed Spain today 119-82 to advance to the medal round. This should come as no surprise. The U.S. has been abusing the competition since they got off the plane in Beijing and will no doubt bring home the gold and make up for the sins of the 2004 team that had to settle for the bronze.

Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, Dwayne Wade, Carmello Anthony and other members of the “Redeemed Team” are showing the rest of the world that you don’t mess with the U.S. when it comes to basketball.

Ok, so we’ve sent our best professionals to go and beat up on countries like Spain, Greece, China and Angola.

Big deal!

We used to send our best college players to do that. We did for decades and were very successful. But after we came home with the bronze in 1988 with college players, the powers that be thought it was time to send in the big guns and create the ultimate “Dream Team”. That team featured the likes of Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, John Stockton, Charles Barkley and Michael Jordan. It may have been the biggest one-sided battle against the world since the U.S. invaded Grenada 25 years ago.

The U.S. has always been a basketball country and always will be. Having said that, I think that if we went back to sending our best college players to Beijing we still would come back home with the gold.

Imagine a college Dream Team or Redeem Team featuring Kevin Love, O.J. Mayo, Michael Beasley, Derrick Rose, D.J. Augustin, Brook Lopez, Joe Alexander, Brandon Rush, Tyler Hansbrough, Chris Douglas-Roberts, Roy Hibbert, and I’ll even throw in George Hill.

Do you agree that this team would not be able to challenge the rest of the world? They may not destroy the field as the current team is doing, but they are certainly good enough to win the gold.

If we are so determined to send in our professionals, then why not add a few college players or go half pro and half college? After Beijing we would have made our point. We’re the best and everyone knows it. It’s now time to reconsider allowing some of our best amateurs back in the Olympics.

Post from: EveryJoe

It May Be Time To Give The Olympics Back To The College Players

Rush and Love were expected to declare, but to me, Arthur is a surprise. He averaged 12.8 points and 6.2 rebounds, which are average stats. Arthur did not sign with an agent, so he could always back out and return to school. This is the second time that Rush has declared himself eligible for the draft, so his NCAA eligibility is gone.

Love is one of the top big-men in the draft and could easily be a top 5 pick, depending upon which teams end up in the top 5 of the draft lottery.

I’m sure we’ll here of more underclassmen declaring in the upcoming days.

Post from: EveryJoe

Let the underclassmen exodus to the NBA begin

North Carolina – the number 1 ranked team in both major polls is unbeaten at 8-0 and is a good as advertised. Tyler Hansbrough is a monster, and the depth and athleticism of the Tar Heels make them a solid pick to win it all.

Georgetown – the Hoyas are 7-0 and appear ready to dominate the Big East. With Roy Hibbert and DaJuan Summers leading the way, the Hoyas will be a tough team to match up with in the tournament.

Kansas - the #3 ranked Jayhawks are 9-0 and have managed to keep their focus despite the legal issues of star guard Brandon Rush. The Jayhawks have five players averaging double figures in scoring which will serve them well when March rolls around.

Louisville – the Cardinals are 5-2 so far and were tripped up by Dayton at home last week. Louisville suspended their second leading scorer, Derrick Caracter, for violating team rules. Losing Caracter’s 13 points and 7 rebounds per contents will definitely hurt the Cardinals chances at reaching the Elite 8.

Memphis – the Tigers are 7-0 and ranked #2 in the country. Led by Derrick Rose and Chris Douglas-Roberts, Memphis is perhaps the most athletic team in the country. They have proven they can play in up-tempo games as well as half-court contests.

Oregon - the Ducks are a very quiet 7-1 this year and are ranked #16 in both polls. Not many people are talking about Oregon outside of the Pacific Northwest, but don’t be fooled – 5 Ducks are double digit scorers, led by guard Malik Hairston, and they can play with anybody in the country.

Tennessee – the fans on Rocky Top are thrilled with the Vols this year, as they have started out the season with an 8-1 record. Guards JaJuan Smith and Chris Lofton form one of the best backcourts in the country. If they can get through the brutal SEC East relatively unscathed, Tennessee could easily make a deep run in the NCAA tournament.

UCLA - freshman sensation Kevin Love has led the Bruins to an 8-1 record and a #8 ranking. The only hiccup in the Bruins’ season so far was a 2 point loss to #4/5 Texas at home. If Love can continue his stellar play, you can pencil in UCLA for a trip to the Elite 8.

Post from: EveryJoe

Early report card on projected Elite 8 teams

Answer: show up on your appointed court date to resolve things.

Apparently, Kansas guard Brandon Rush didn’t get the memo…

Rush was arrested on Thursday for failing to appear in court on traffic charges. Rush was charged with driving with a suspended license, speeding, driving on the wrong side of the road and having no proof of insurance. These charges stem from two separate incidents. Rush was released from jail after posting a $500 bond.

Kansas head coach Bill Self indicated that Rush would not be suspended for the arrest and would play in the Jayhawks next game on Saturday against DePaul.

Way to go Coach Self – way to let your player off the hook. How about teaching the kid a lesson in obeying the law and being responsible for your actions? Rush missed his scheduled court date and should be punished. Instead, he’ll be in the starting lineup on Saturday.

Absolutely pathetic.

UPDATED: December 12th – Rush apologized for missing his court appearance, claiming that “I just got confused on the dates and never showed up for my court date”.

Apparently, Rush is unfamiliar with exactly how a calendar works. And now we find out that his hearing for failing to appear in court won’t occur until after the basketball season is over.

How convenient.

And since Rush isn’t going to be punished by the Jayhawks, he will be able to play the rest of the season without suffering any consequences for his actions, or lack thereof.

Here is hoping that Rush spends part of his free time learning how to tell time correctly.

Post from: EveryJoe

UPDATED: Long arm of the law nabs Kansas’ Rush

Collins, who averaged 16 points in the Jayhawks first two games this season, will be out of action for at least 6 weeks.

The loss of Collins further depletes Kansas’ thin backcourt, and head coach Bill Self and the Jayhawks will be in full scramble mode to keep the ship afloat until Rush and Collins return from their injuries.

With Rush and Collins in the lineup, Kansas is one of the top 5 teams in the country. Without them, they will struggle to stay in the top 25.

Post from: EveryJoe

Injury bug hits Jayhawks again