Wednesday, March 08, 2006

Paul Pierce, talismanic

In related news, the coach of the Argentinian national team has this to say about USA basketball and Pierce:
OLAVARRIA (FIBA World Championship) - Argentina coach Sergio Hernandez reckons Team USA will only deserve to be called the 'Dream Team' at this year's FIBA World Championship if they adopt a genuine team ethic.

Argentina beat the US in an Olympic semi-final in 2004 before winning the gold medal and Hernandez replaced Ruben Magnano as coach after the later decided to enter club coaching in Italy.

Responding to the announcement of the United States' preliminary 23-man squad for August's tournament, Hernandez is not surprised by the omission of Allen Iverson, a Team USA co-captain in Athens.

"I say all this with a lot of respect: if you want to play like a team, you must leave out Iverson first," Hernandez explained.

Hernandez feels there is always a danger with the US of individuals putting themselves ahead of the team, something he believes is endemic in the NBA.

Hernandez is not shy himself of singling out individuals in a squad he accepts will be one of Argentina's chief rivals for the title.

"Kobe Bryant is the star player," he said. "After him, I think that there is Carmelo Anthony and Paul Pierce. Pierce is a talismanic player."


I have absolutely no idea what this means. But it sounds cool.

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