Batum: "Win, nothing else" UPDATE: Game Day Thread. France wins in OT.
by Norsktroll on Aug 5, 2009 4:58 PM PDT
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PrintBrief recap: France beats Italy in overtime 88-77 (35-29 at the half). Nicolas Batum with 20 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist top scorer for France. He had some trouble at the free throw line making just 3 of 6. He also airballed the potential game winner in regulation. Two plays earlier he had converted a beautiful play "Roy-style", getting the ball in isolation before getting his defender off balance and going up for a three. France followed that up with a wide miss by Florent Pietrus and Ronny Turiaf getting his own board after a missed layup before Nic had the chance to win it, but Italy managed to get into overtime. There Nic played strong again, finishing two impressive drives with a layup over the board, hitting a three, rebounding and blocking a shot. Even younger Antoine Diot in his first game for the French national team closed out the game at the line with 4 made free throws in sequence. Belinelli was the top scorer for the game and for Italy with 26, getting hot in the second half. Italy was horrible from three, going 3 for 22. However France had some problems controlling rebounds without a true center all game, though they did win the battle for the boards 36 to 29 according to the official scorers.
Boxscore on L'Equipe (the downloadable file by the French federation isn't up yet)
Game recap on Fibaeurope.com in English
- - -
Good interview with Nicolas Batum on the eve of their first qualifying match for the EuroBasket against Italy. I translated a bit loosely, but you get the idea. With Tony Parker not yet available again after the Spurs commanded him back to Texas for further evaluations after a slight ankle sprain (the flight probably made recovery harder), and the Bulls not giving Joakim Noah free for the qualification (he was there for most test games), the French coach has to increasingly rely on Nic to take over more offensive responsibility, and at the same time guard the best wing player of the other team. A great opportunity for Nic to learn on the fly and under intense pressure, since in this phase of the qualification there is only one more place in the EuroBasket left and 6 teams battling it out. And probably the biggest hurdle is in their own group and in the first match: Italy, as the only team besides France in this qualification with multiple NBA players (Bargnani, Belinelli, Gallinari) as well as players from top European clubs.
Here are the players France will have available tomorrow 20:30 local time (11:30 am PT): Antoine Diot, Nicolas Batum, Jeanneau Aymeric, Alain Koffi, Johan Petro, Edwin Jackson, Yannick Bokolo, Florent Pietrus, Nando De Colo, Boris Diaw, Ronny Turiaf, Ali Traore.
As you can see Nic wears #5 for the national team. Photo via www.lefigaro.fr
The absence of Tony Parker, the very average last preparation game against Hungary (70-69): There are many reasons for concern before the first qualifying match of the French team for the Euro 2009 on Wednesday in Italy. But Nicolas Batum doesn't worry: "It will be hard, very hard. But it is not impossible, we know we will be ready."
Nicolas, without Tony Parker, what kind of game do you expect in Italy?
It will be hard, very hard. But it is not impossible, we know we will be ready. We know we can beat this team, as we know we can go down by 20. Now we must present a good image of the French team and go win in Cagliari. Nothing else.
Italy is presented as your opponent No. 1 in this group. What do you think?
Something very tough is expecting us down there. Italy will really want to get this win as much as we do because they want to qualify for the European Championship. The Italians won't let go, that we know.
The last match against Hungary going down to the wire (70-69), were you worried about the chances of "Les Bleus" (nickname of the French national team)?
No, not really. It is true that we made mistakes in this match, but it has allowed us to work and see that even if you have talented players and great individuals, you can lose a game. And I think that has done us much good.
In that game the absence of Joakim Noah and Tony Parker seemed to weaken the balance of the group. Will this be the case in Italy?
That has played a part, it's true. But even with these two key players not there, we should have won this match easily. I think that no player has played really well against the Hungarians. Apart from Florent (Pietrus) and Boris (Diaw), who showed exemplary leadership from start to finish.
If the qualification doesn't go well, two years on the galley will wait for France (meaning two years full of hard work to qualify for the Olympics, intense pressure, etc.). Do you have that in mind?
We know. But we do not want to think about that at the moment. Here, we simply want to take the games one after another, win every game and go to the end to see what is happening in Poland.
Even if you are still young/new in this group, have you found your place?
It is true that I have only been in the selection four times, but I already knew Vincent Collet (national team coach and his coach when he was still in Le Mans). Lets say that I have a good rapport with him.
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Don't know about broadcasting yet. Maybe the RAI or Canal+ has something and that gets streamed on Justin.tv?
Highlights were posted online afterwards for the last test games, so I would be optimistic for that.
"I'm addicted to polo y'all...respect my fresh" - Travis25Outlaw
Apparently France fears they need to make a half-court buzzer beater :)
http://dailymotion.virgilio.it/video/xa2aca_nando-de-colo-tir-du-milieu-de-terr_sport
That’s what they are showing in the last training video on location in Cagliari where the team has arrived now.
One more note: Nic is the third youngest player in that selection after Jackson (19) and Diot (20) who both have never played for the senior team before.
"I'm addicted to polo y'all...respect my fresh" - Travis25Outlaw
Here is a nicer video from intra-squad training with Nic. He is in violet uniform, pretty easy to recognize. A bit frustrated at the beginning. Then going through some three point shooting.
"I'm addicted to polo y'all...respect my fresh" - Travis25Outlaw
by Norsktroll on Aug 4, 2009 3:00 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
As always, thanks 'Troll!
Good stuff. Jeez, translating from french, making the most comprehensive flowchart in the history of flowcharts, commenting.
Is there anything you can’t do besides actually play NBA ball?
I know less than half of you half as well as I should like, and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve.
In the picture
it looks like Nic is pissed because he already knows how to roll one up. Thanks for nothing coach.
My mom babysat Paul Allen
by shwa on Aug 4, 2009 4:48 PM PDT reply actions 8 recs
Ha ha
In Oregon they roll with the reverse grip but the Euro coach’s dont have that figured out yet
by southern oregon on Aug 4, 2009 8:35 PM PDT up reply actions
Lol shwa!!
That was a good one!! But yeah though, Batum is a Savage! No doubt about it he is gonna dominate! Batum and Roy will be effective on offense and defense like Jordan and Pippen! I Love this Blazer Squad!!! Rip City 4 Eternity!!!!!!!! kobe who??? P.S. ODEN WILL DOMINATE!!!!!!!!!!! Write that down!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
by blaze1 on Aug 5, 2009 2:31 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
another interview
The former Manceau Nicolas Batum (20 years old) will play on Wednesday night his first official game with les Bleus and will be charged with guarding Italy’s top scorer, Marco Belinelli.
Right off the bat how is your right shoulder, which has been troubling you since last Saturday?
It’s better. I practiced normally this Tuesday and it hurts less than yesterday. It’s tolerable. I can play without being bothered. In any case, during the game I won’t think about it.
How are you holding up before this game in Italy, where so much is at stake?
There’s a lot of pressure, you can’t hide that. The context will be special because we’ve been playing in a funny gym, small and run down. The atmosphere will be great. What’s more, the Italians are on the up again, it’s in our interests to be ready from the first second. In any case, we really can’t take a bad loss because we need to protect the following qualifiers which must take us to the Euros in Poland.
Concerning you in particular, the coach Vincent Collet gives you important offensive responsibilities but also the tough task of guarding Marco Belinelli, the offensive leader of the Italians. For a first official game with les Bleus, you won’t be without work.
During a year in the NBA with Portland, I got a taste of this type of challenge. It’s become somewhat normal. I Had to stop LeBron James this season, Belinelli is weaker even if he does benefit from a particular role with the Italians. He’ll shoot from anywhere, run wherever. I’m ready. The team as well, we’re ready.
Confident?
Yes, of course in my way.
by #10 on Aug 4, 2009 8:48 PM PDT reply actions 2 recs
another
The qualifications are going to begin. Tomorrow is the game against Italy…
I can’t wait to be there! The Italians are going to be ready but if we are serious, if we apply the advise of Vincent (Collet), we can succeed. We have to give everything, that’s all.
What can we [the French] expect in terms of atmosphere?
The worst! 40° © heat, a small stadium… a great atmosphere.
What will the French team build from for this game?
We especially have to play as a team. We can’t see forced individualism. We can’t think about your stats or someone else’s, but about one thing: win the game as a team.
The group was reshuffled, even disrupted, with the arrival of several new players. How is their integration going?
Very well. I know the most Antoine (Diot) [ex-teammate at Le Mans] and Edwin (Jackson) [French youth international, played in the Hoops Summit game] of course, but for Aymeric (Jeanneau) I think that it’s even easier to integrate. Antoine and Aymeric know Vincent’s tactics and the group is doing well.
What do Diot and Jeanneau bring compared to Gomis and Parker?
They are true point guards. For Antoine, who I know well, I know that defensively he brings a lot and he’s starting to have a very good skill level. For Aymeric, he brings a lot in terms of game vision and quality passes. I think that it will be very beneficial for us.
Tony not being there for the first game against Italy, it implies that other players take the offensive responsibilities…
Of course! Everyone must step up a notch. Flo (Piétrus) and Boris (Diaw) will have to score more points, that’s for sure.
Personally, it will be your first true game with les Bleus. How do you feel?
I’m very impatient! I can’t wait to be there, on the court, to give everything so that France qualifies. I just took a little knock on the shoulder, but it’s nothing, I’m ready.
Do you already know what your mission is against Italy?
You all know it, I have to stop Belinelli (laughs). I know how he plays, I did that all year, I’m not going to change my habits. Since yesterday I asked Edwin to play like him to help me practice. He liks playing off screens, with very hard screens. I saw the game against Canada, he’s in form, he’s the star of his country and he wants it. But I know that I can stop him.
by #10 on Aug 4, 2009 9:32 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
> I saw the game against Canada, he’s in form, he’s the star of his country and he wants it. But I know that I can stop him.
I love the sound of that. Right on Nic! Thanks very much #10. – Elgin
Without you out there, we're nowhere here
Thanks. Must be interesting for Nicolas to be the player everyone wants to interview.
"I'm addicted to polo y'all...respect my fresh" - Travis25Outlaw
Another testament
to the absolute brilliance of Kevin Pritchard! I bet this guy Claver is going to be a force for us as well. A guy on the offensive end who can score from anywhere on the floor. KP does his due diligence like no other. I might hire the guy to scout my daughter a husband.
by blaze1 on Aug 5, 2009 2:40 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Tom Ziller has a preview of the qualifier teams at NBA FanHouse
http://nba.fanhouse.com/2009/08/05/six-teams-battle-for-final-eurobasket-2009-spot/
"I'm addicted to polo y'all...respect my fresh" - Travis25Outlaw
As 'troll mentioned:
the added pressure caused by key players missing has got to be a plus for Nic’s development.
Thanks Norsktroll for the exciting update on our guy Nic.
Brandon Roy just destroyed everything in his path. There's your rational analysis -- Dave
Also: COMCAST SUCKS!
saw edwin jackson at the hoops summit
reminds me of jerryd
"It was like some sort of crazy torture in the movies. How do people do that so long without taking a breath? I think my ears are still ringing."
-Adrian Peterson, describing Autzen
Boxscore etc. here. Click on Live Group B in the right corner
http://www.eurobasket2009.org/en/
"I'm addicted to polo y'all...respect my fresh" - Travis25Outlaw
it's called BEING AGGRESSIVE
lol
The Princess of Blazersedge
Sports do not build character. They reveal it. - Casey Dillon Stengel
he get taken out?
"It was like some sort of crazy torture in the movies. How do people do that so long without taking a breath? I think my ears are still ringing."
-Adrian Peterson, describing Autzen
ya i recognize the way he carries himself
just was away from the comp for a sec
"It was like some sort of crazy torture in the movies. How do people do that so long without taking a breath? I think my ears are still ringing."
-Adrian Peterson, describing Autzen
love see no color man
"It was like some sort of crazy torture in the movies. How do people do that so long without taking a breath? I think my ears are still ringing."
-Adrian Peterson, describing Autzen
Love see play by play man
Without you out there, we're nowhere here
by 22baylor on Aug 5, 2009 3:23 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
NOOOOOOO he called Oden "dumb" remember?
lol
The Princess of Blazersedge
Sports do not build character. They reveal it. - Casey Dillon Stengel
Second weird foul on him too.
Any play where Italy has the ball ends in a foul. Either offensive or against France. I hate the way they play.
*Unless KP has a secret plan that makes this statement incorrect.
LMAO
The Princess of Blazersedge
Sports do not build character. They reveal it. - Casey Dillon Stengel
"You nervous guarding Bellynelly?"
“Uh, no, I guard real NBA players every game, I am not worried about Bellynelly, even if he masquerades as a real NBA player on the Italian team”.
That’s how I interpreted it.
M—
lol
"It was like some sort of crazy torture in the movies. How do people do that so long without taking a breath? I think my ears are still ringing."
-Adrian Peterson, describing Autzen
who was the french guy that dunked on the second possession?
"It was like some sort of crazy torture in the movies. How do people do that so long without taking a breath? I think my ears are still ringing."
-Adrian Peterson, describing Autzen
He and De Colo will join Victor Claver next season in Valencia. That team will be fun indeed.
"I'm addicted to polo y'all...respect my fresh" - Travis25Outlaw
Florent Pietrus is beasting with 10 already, Belinelli with 4
"I'm addicted to polo y'all...respect my fresh" - Travis25Outlaw
he’s not playing this year I think
"I just want a woman"- DrivetheLane
by The Arkitect on Aug 5, 2009 11:53 AM PDT up reply actions
Orlando didn't give him free after a wrist injury in the playoffs
"I'm addicted to polo y'all...respect my fresh" - Travis25Outlaw
they brothers or cousins or what?
"It was like some sort of crazy torture in the movies. How do people do that so long without taking a breath? I think my ears are still ringing."
-Adrian Peterson, describing Autzen
Brothers. Florent is a year older (28), and went undrafted in 2003. Scouting for the loss.
"I'm addicted to polo y'all...respect my fresh" - Travis25Outlaw
think he coulda made it in the league?
"It was like some sort of crazy torture in the movies. How do people do that so long without taking a breath? I think my ears are still ringing."
-Adrian Peterson, describing Autzen
Yeah, as a bench rotation player like his brother
"I'm addicted to polo y'all...respect my fresh" - Travis25Outlaw
I don't think so
Though he might be better than his brother for european competition, 6’7 215 lb PFs don’t easily earn rotations spots in the NBA…
Unless...
You are street rat crazy like Dennis Rodman & can rebound/defend at superstar levels.
Give him a camp invite !(Florent), trade rudy for Mikael 
tee hee
Regarding KP...
There are no "great" trades available right now, but... There should be plenty available before the trade deadline. He like the really smart kid in the candy store, instead of blowing his money on a bunch of tootsie rolls, he is going to wait until the price goes down on the big sucker.
by TheGreatDane17 on Aug 9, 2009 9:35 AM PDT up reply actions
De Colo coast to coast for the layup
"I'm addicted to polo y'all...respect my fresh" - Travis25Outlaw
COLO le costa de costa!!!
interesting listening to this in whatever language
"It was like some sort of crazy torture in the movies. How do people do that so long without taking a breath? I think my ears are still ringing."
-Adrian Peterson, describing Autzen
French
It’s funny that they do sound a bit like the Spanish announcers in the Olympics, with the color guy having a much deeper voice than the play by play announcer.
"I'm addicted to polo y'all...respect my fresh" - Travis25Outlaw
I'm really surprised FIFA didn't suspend Mancinelli for starting that brawl against Canada
"I'm addicted to polo y'all...respect my fresh" - Travis25Outlaw
Um Yeah.
It helps keep FIFA in the doghouse in my mind. But I already have little respect for them.. so it isn’t a big change.
What can you say, Europeans love violence.
*Unless KP has a secret plan that makes this statement incorrect.
We all love the violence
the Euros are just more tolerant
All that was missing was the fans getting involved, and it would have been "Malice in the Palace Part II"
You can bet the NBA would have handed out some suspension
"I'm addicted to polo y'all...respect my fresh" - Travis25Outlaw
Usually when I smash someone in the face with a blind-sided forearm
there are consequences.
I need to become a professional basketball player
Um.. did the Italian big man just flip the French guy off while he was on the ground?
*Unless KP has a secret plan that makes this statement incorrect.
Nic back in. Quite a lot of fouls already.
"I'm addicted to polo y'all...respect my fresh" - Travis25Outlaw
Fouled on the drive, goes to the line
"I'm addicted to polo y'all...respect my fresh" - Travis25Outlaw
this network is quick with the replays
i like
"It was like some sort of crazy torture in the movies. How do people do that so long without taking a breath? I think my ears are still ringing."
-Adrian Peterson, describing Autzen
The Italian Solution.
If the ball is stolen from me, fall down.
*Unless KP has a secret plan that makes this statement incorrect.
Huge Italian flop again. Should keep count.
*Unless KP has a secret plan that makes this statement incorrect.
The guy who just flopped will steal the starting spot from Petteri next year in Bologna :)
"I'm addicted to polo y'all...respect my fresh" - Travis25Outlaw
nick traveled?
"It was like some sort of crazy torture in the movies. How do people do that so long without taking a breath? I think my ears are still ringing."
-Adrian Peterson, describing Autzen
I've never heard of an instant catch/pass being called a travel.
*Unless KP has a secret plan that makes this statement incorrect.
Poor three point shooting on both sides so far for European basketball
"I'm addicted to polo y'all...respect my fresh" - Travis25Outlaw
Nic with quick hands on defense. It almost looks like he plays SG on offense and against the Italian PF on defense.
"I'm addicted to polo y'all...respect my fresh" - Travis25Outlaw
first commercial yet?
awesome. like soccer
"It was like some sort of crazy torture in the movies. How do people do that so long without taking a breath? I think my ears are still ringing."
-Adrian Peterson, describing Autzen
was hopin for one of those cool
softcore Euro commercials. Got Mc D’s instead.
lol
those are great
"It was like some sort of crazy torture in the movies. How do people do that so long without taking a breath? I think my ears are still ringing."
-Adrian Peterson, describing Autzen
OMG
They just had a softcore animal porn commercial!!!
LOL
Are you satisfied?
*Unless KP has a secret plan that makes this statement incorrect.
dang i missed it lol
"It was like some sort of crazy torture in the movies. How do people do that so long without taking a breath? I think my ears are still ringing."
-Adrian Peterson, describing Autzen
France 35 – Italy 29 at the half. Nic 5 Pts, 3 Rbd, Pietrus with 14 and 2. Bargnani harmless 2 and 1. Gigli Italy top scorer with 7.
"I'm addicted to polo y'all...respect my fresh" - Travis25Outlaw
Boxscore etc. here. Click on Live Group B in the right column.
http://www.eurobasket2009.org/en/
It was actually trailing the feed by about a minute, which is rare.
"I'm addicted to polo y'all...respect my fresh" - Travis25Outlaw
France with 54%, Italy with 42% due to very poor three point shooting (0/8) (rounded up)
"I'm addicted to polo y'all...respect my fresh" - Travis25Outlaw
Isn't that a movie about alternate lifestyles with JLo and Man-hoe?
Good news that they are scoring through their big man though, right?
*Unless KP has a secret plan that makes this statement incorrect.
35-29 France.
At the half.
Nic playing as well as anyone else, but no one except Pietrus is playing that big.
Beware of people beginning to hit the three in the second half. It would change the game.
*Unless KP has a secret plan that makes this statement incorrect.
wait women's basketball?
that coach had a amazing mullet
"It was like some sort of crazy torture in the movies. How do people do that so long without taking a breath? I think my ears are still ringing."
-Adrian Peterson, describing Autzen
That Sandrinis sp? woman is playing like Tim Duncan!
*Unless KP has a secret plan that makes this statement incorrect.
More exciting than the men's game
Is it the zoidal key?
The smokin Russians
apparently all play tennis.
what happened in the women's game they look kinda excited
"It was like some sort of crazy torture in the movies. How do people do that so long without taking a breath? I think my ears are still ringing."
-Adrian Peterson, describing Autzen
o
congrats to france
"It was like some sort of crazy torture in the movies. How do people do that so long without taking a breath? I think my ears are still ringing."
-Adrian Peterson, describing Autzen
By the way, if you missed it above it's an away game in Italy. That's why France gets little applause :)
They will play them again at home. And Finland at home and away. Then the winner of the other group.
"I'm addicted to polo y'all...respect my fresh" - Travis25Outlaw
Is it simply whoever has the best record is the winner?
Or is it top two?
If you know a site that explains it feel free to make me read it there.
*Unless KP has a secret plan that makes this statement incorrect.
Only the best one. There is only one more spot in the EuroBasket left and 6 teams battling it out in 2 groups.
France didn’t play good enough in the last EuroBasket and in the first qualifying round last year, where Turkey and Israel sneaked in ahead of them. The qualification mode is pretty complicated. Once they have qualified, they would be in a group with Germany, Russia and Latvia in the EuroBasket in September. There the mode isn’t easy too, but we can worry about that then when Rudy and hopefully Nic are playing.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EuroBasket_2009_qualification
"I'm addicted to polo y'all...respect my fresh" - Travis25Outlaw
by Norsktroll on Aug 5, 2009 12:44 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Photoshop request.
Nic Batum = Napoleon Bonaparte
*Unless KP has a secret plan that makes this statement incorrect.
The chat on justin.tv is also funny, but too fast for me. Full of French guys who don't have a subscription to Canal+
"I'm addicted to polo y'all...respect my fresh" - Travis25Outlaw
He was pretty poor in the second quarter.
So many turnovers going to the key it looked like.
But he appears to be one of the few French team members that box out. France + Przybilla would rock.
*Unless KP has a secret plan that makes this statement incorrect.
I was never much of a Diaw fan, but the guy is versatile and just physically stronger than most players on his position(s)
"I'm addicted to polo y'all...respect my fresh" - Travis25Outlaw
tre for nick
"It was like some sort of crazy torture in the movies. How do people do that so long without taking a breath? I think my ears are still ringing."
-Adrian Peterson, describing Autzen
whats score can't read that
"It was like some sort of crazy torture in the movies. How do people do that so long without taking a breath? I think my ears are still ringing."
-Adrian Peterson, describing Autzen
46-47. Will likely stay a close game.
"I'm addicted to polo y'all...respect my fresh" - Travis25Outlaw
Oh god, Petro shooting floaters. Not exactly the game plan. They are missing Parker, and De Colo isn't much of a replacement.
"I'm addicted to polo y'all...respect my fresh" - Travis25Outlaw
Drop an easy rebound out of bounds.
*Unless KP has a secret plan that makes this statement incorrect.
Lol, that's probably how he feels right now with the lead slipping away
"I'm addicted to polo y'all...respect my fresh" - Travis25Outlaw
Nic is the best rebounder with 5, Mancinelli also with 5 for Italy
Noah would help there
"I'm addicted to polo y'all...respect my fresh" - Travis25Outlaw
Another OR for Italy
Are they the Blazers or something?
*Unless KP has a secret plan that makes this statement incorrect.
How badly would the blazers kill either of these teams if we played them?
by philthebballplayer on Aug 5, 2009 12:58 PM PDT reply actions
One of those 123 - 43 type of games.
*Unless KP has a secret plan that makes this statement incorrect.
France would already kill if they had Parker and Noah. Stupid NBA team :)
"I'm addicted to polo y'all...respect my fresh" - Travis25Outlaw
Though understandable that the Bulls aren’t exactly eager to read about a guy like Gigli or Mancinelli flattening Noah in a game that is meaningless to them.
"I'm addicted to polo y'all...respect my fresh" - Travis25Outlaw
Maybe if the euro league actually policed its players they wouldn't worry so much.
:rolls eyes:
*Unless KP has a secret plan that makes this statement incorrect.
Combination of the big paint and short 3
Make for an odd combination.
And some ugly basketball so far.
The zone will change after the 2010 world championships
"I'm addicted to polo y'all...respect my fresh" - Travis25Outlaw
De Colo hits for 3
That France is playing Diot as a player with 0 games for the national team is telling a lot
"I'm addicted to polo y'all...respect my fresh" - Travis25Outlaw
What is the score that we can't read?
*Unless KP has a secret plan that makes this statement incorrect.
Batum breaks some ankles... haha...
*Unless KP has a secret plan that makes this statement incorrect.
You got to make your free throws Nic. Nate won't be amused.
"I'm addicted to polo y'all...respect my fresh" - Travis25Outlaw
Somehow I'm missing timeouts taken at the right moments
"I'm addicted to polo y'all...respect my fresh" - Travis25Outlaw
Nic TRIPLE TRIPLE TRIPLE. He is in BRoy mode.
"I'm addicted to polo y'all...respect my fresh" - Travis25Outlaw
I loved that sequence. Isolation taking the full responsibility when the clock went down and going up for the shot.
"I'm addicted to polo y'all...respect my fresh" - Travis25Outlaw
some ugly shooting in this one
maybe there was a good party last night. 5 straight points by our nicholas!
Ugh, Nic was so good, but they ran the clock down too far with bad shooters having the ball
"I'm addicted to polo y'all...respect my fresh" - Travis25Outlaw
Problem appears to be.
Nic is the best at driving and breaking down the defense off of a screen.
Nic is the best at passing off the drive.
Nic is the best at catching and shooting the shot.
*Unless KP has a secret plan that makes this statement incorrect.
Wildman Turiaf
Saves France from himself!
*Unless KP has a secret plan that makes this statement incorrect.
came back to the comp at a pretty good time
hows nick doing?
"It was like some sort of crazy torture in the movies. How do people do that so long without taking a breath? I think my ears are still ringing."
-Adrian Peterson, describing Autzen
I wouldn't mind a buzzer beating J by Nic here.
It’d be pretty nifty. Especially after that Turiaf brick.
Yes! Yes! In the face!
So, is that airball my fault then? :)
Yes! Yes! In the face!
by LeafHawk on Aug 5, 2009 1:23 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
That's what I get for opening my trap.
Sorry French people. At least the game’s not over!
Yes! Yes! In the face!
batum...
"It was like some sort of crazy torture in the movies. How do people do that so long without taking a breath? I think my ears are still ringing."
-Adrian Peterson, describing Autzen
air ball lol
"It was like some sort of crazy torture in the movies. How do people do that so long without taking a breath? I think my ears are still ringing."
-Adrian Peterson, describing Autzen
it tied?
"It was like some sort of crazy torture in the movies. How do people do that so long without taking a breath? I think my ears are still ringing."
-Adrian Peterson, describing Autzen
I bet Jack White never thought Seven Nation Army would become a sports anthem.
Especially not a sports anthem in Europe.
Yes! Yes! In the face!
some good lookin ladies in the stands
"It was like some sort of crazy torture in the movies. How do people do that so long without taking a breath? I think my ears are still ringing."
-Adrian Peterson, describing Autzen
The best-looking girls I met in southern Spain
were all French. They make them right over there.
The Michael Ruffin of BlazersEdge, cuz Amlmart said so.
by BlazersOrBust on Aug 5, 2009 1:28 PM PDT up reply actions
De Colo reminds me of Sergio. And not in a good way. Dribbling down the clock and bricked threes.
"I'm addicted to polo y'all...respect my fresh" - Travis25Outlaw
C'mon guys...
Let’s try running a play….
"I'm a man, but I can change.....if I have to......I guess." - Red Green
NICK!!!
"It was like some sort of crazy torture in the movies. How do people do that so long without taking a breath? I think my ears are still ringing."
-Adrian Peterson, describing Autzen
And a rebound.
I swear he is the only French player without greased hands.
*Unless KP has a secret plan that makes this statement incorrect.
nick get a block too?
"It was like some sort of crazy torture in the movies. How do people do that so long without taking a breath? I think my ears are still ringing."
-Adrian Peterson, describing Autzen
terrible defense
france doing the ole
"It was like some sort of crazy torture in the movies. How do people do that so long without taking a breath? I think my ears are still ringing."
-Adrian Peterson, describing Autzen
NICK for three!
coldblooded
"It was like some sort of crazy torture in the movies. How do people do that so long without taking a breath? I think my ears are still ringing."
-Adrian Peterson, describing Autzen
score?
"It was like some sort of crazy torture in the movies. How do people do that so long without taking a breath? I think my ears are still ringing."
-Adrian Peterson, describing Autzen
78-75
Italy has to shoot the three.
*Unless KP has a secret plan that makes this statement incorrect.
Bad pass!
France ball + 3 pt lead!!!
*Unless KP has a secret plan that makes this statement incorrect.
free throw time...
"It was like some sort of crazy torture in the movies. How do people do that so long without taking a breath? I think my ears are still ringing."
-Adrian Peterson, describing Autzen
He will be...
On defensive end he is easily the best.
*Unless KP has a secret plan that makes this statement incorrect.
I am really glad that Nic is getting this experience
It will help his offensive game in the NBA. – Elgin
Without you out there, we're nowhere here
They go over Diot, who has NEVER played a game for France. Amazingly cool guy.
"I'm addicted to polo y'all...respect my fresh" - Travis25Outlaw
the guy trying to get credit for the game ending 3, i mean.
by teenagemutantninjabayless on Aug 5, 2009 1:41 PM PDT up reply actions
ya that was weird
maybe the points matter. in tie-breaking situations and what not
"It was like some sort of crazy torture in the movies. How do people do that so long without taking a breath? I think my ears are still ringing."
-Adrian Peterson, describing Autzen
You're right
Points matter, if Italy beat France next week in the second game, point differential could be important.
I wrote a brief recap and updated the post
I guess a key to the game was Italy shooting 3 for 22 from outside the line :) And France not controlling all those boards.
"I'm addicted to polo y'all...respect my fresh" - Travis25Outlaw
Great Experience for Nic...
He had a couple defensive lapses but was the “go to guy” on the other end… Good stuff and boy do I wish it was Blazer season!!!
That Sport + Pub
Had some serious physics going on.
*Unless KP has a secret plan that makes this statement incorrect.
Nice work
Nic did a really good job. It seems he is growing his game a bit.
I hope I can get a bunch of championships, like 15. " - Greg Oden
Thanks, Norsktroll.
I enjoyed it.
*Unless KP has a secret plan that makes this statement incorrect.
by staylost on Aug 5, 2009 1:47 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Thanks all for commenting, to chuky and the guys providing the stream that was very on time.
"I'm addicted to polo y'all...respect my fresh" - Travis25Outlaw
I don’t think his playing time and scoring will jump that much with the crowed shooting guard and small forward positions, though he will show improvements. Generally I’m also against giving Most Improved Player to a sophomore, since they should be improving. I suppose he could make the rookies-sophomore game at the All-Star weekend, where he just missed out last year. He is showing some good signs playing for France, that will definitely help him – and increase his popularity at home and abroad if France qualifies and he also plays good at the EuroBasket.
"I'm addicted to polo y'all...respect my fresh" - Travis25Outlaw
doubtful
barring a trade, he’ll prob get less minutes with the addition of webster
"It was like some sort of crazy torture in the movies. How do people do that so long without taking a breath? I think my ears are still ringing."
-Adrian Peterson, describing Autzen
I feel batum
deserves the starting spot. He played last season very well and even exceeded expectations. Webster really needs to prove himself? And can Batum play the 4?
With his size and current weight, not in the NBA. Even against a guy like Bargnani he is small. Diaw can do it, but even he is on the smaller side. Nic is a natural small forward, but he is showing an improved ball handling and play creation on the national team. He could further develop that and handle the ball more e.g. on the second unit or pushing the tempo against some teams, a la Prince, Turkoglu, etc.
"I'm addicted to polo y'all...respect my fresh" - Travis25Outlaw
Nic stands out the most...if you ignore De Colo.
by TappedPotential on Aug 5, 2009 6:50 PM PDT up reply actions
why is #11 stroking nick's foot
and why is tony parker so cool he doesn’t even have to wear a uniform.
We gon to win de playoffs! -Rudy
by Steve Guttenberg on Aug 6, 2009 10:59 AM PDT up reply actions
Nicolas Batum celebrates the win with his teammates, via http://www.lequipe.fr
"I'm addicted to polo y'all...respect my fresh" - Travis25Outlaw
Nice picture
Thanks Norsk and everyone for the whole enchilada. – Elgin
Without you out there, we're nowhere here
Watched the game. Great Job!
By Batum and his teammates coming from behind and winning this game! PTBlazers did it a lot last year and Nic was prob used to it. Nic seemed to be channeling BRoy in the 4th and OT. Definately makes for an exciting game as us Blazers fans know! Hope they do well against future opponents to qualify.
It’s amazing to see what a year of NBA season can do.
1. Confidence in defense, (going up against the LeBron’s daily)
2. All the weight room work has bulked him up (At least more than he was)
3. 82 games worth of valuable game exp. and practices to work on his game.
And then he gets to show it all for his Country! I’m glad he’s on our team!
Channeling Roy in the 4th and OT
A chill just ran up and down the spine of GMs and coaches across the NBA.
The ability to concentrate and come through in the clutch can be contagious. When one of your teammates does it over and over again, it can build your confidence. You know the guy is human, you know he makes mistakes, and yet you see him raise his game in the fourth, and you start to think, “I could, too.” And you just get the sense that “We are going to win this type of game” — and the team that actually believes it is going to win usually does.
If Brandon’s clutchness begins to be contagious, look out. Especially if a player with the potential of Nic catches it.
Others have said it, though few agreed — this kid could end up better than anyone on the roster. It’s not that I expect that to happen, but he is so young, no one knows what he is going to become.
When I rule the world, everyone will know how to use Excel.
He wasn’t quite clutch yet with his airballed game winner, but at least he took over the responsibility (and his coach trusted him with it) to have the ball in his hands for the last shot after Turiaf couldn’t come through on the previous attempt with 10 seconds to go, he almost completely ran down the clock, and after not making it he kept his confidence up for the OT where he did make some big plays.
"I'm addicted to polo y'all...respect my fresh" - Travis25Outlaw
Right, of course
But in international ball, to be the go to guy at his age? I know Parker is out, but even so….
When I rule the world, everyone will know how to use Excel.
Anybody got a link to watch the game now?
Or failing that, highlights? The previous France games have shown up eventually – is this one out there somewhere?
Highlights from France vs. Italy, incl. an interview with Nic and all major scenes
http://www.canalplus.fr/c-sport/c-basket/c-basket-news/cid265324-des-bleus-heroiques.html
(article and video in small, can be enlarged but not embedded)
"I'm addicted to polo y'all...respect my fresh" - Travis25Outlaw
Follow-up game France vs. Finland here now live
http://www.blazersedge.com/2009/8/8/982031/nicolas-vs-petteri-eurobasket
"I'm addicted to polo y'all...respect my fresh" - Travis25Outlaw
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