Kobe says Europeans are better

[CrazyDon]

Kobe: Europe's players more skillful http://es.pn/1Am0PEW -via SportsCenter http://es.pn/scappandroid

I agree. Fundamentals are key.

 

[smashh]

I actually agree with a lot of what he said.
All I read this morning on twitter was him copping shit for his comments, from 'I've been to more AAU tournaments than anyone, seen countless NBA stars there, never once seen Kobe there. How can he comment?' to 'WELL ACTUALLY, Marc Gasol went to HS in the US' to 'WELL ACTUALLY Spurs roster is only 20% Euro'
Once you get past the nitpicking, it's hard to disagree with the core of his argument. Now, he probably is being too broad and general, and I have seen very little (lets say almost zero) AAU basketball, but from the outside looking in it does seem like there is not a lot of emphasis on skill and development in the summer games as it is an exhibition or a showcase.
Look at the way Diaw, TP, Gasol's, Dirk, Batum, Gallo, Calderon play the game. From the 6ft guys to the 7ft guys they are all excellent and willing passers, they all know how to cut, to get where they want on the floor and they can all shoot the ball. Basketball fundamentals. That's not to say that they're more skilled than a Harden, LeBron or Steph, but as a whole the Euro's in the league all seem to be fundamentally sound. Even the guys who aren't as talented, Motiejunas, Claver, Antic, Rudez, they all have the same traits.

 

[peternorth]

I actually agree with a lot of what he said.
All I read this morning on twitter was him copping shit for his comments, from 'I've been to more AAU tournaments than anyone, seen countless NBA stars there, never once seen Kobe there. How can he comment?' to 'WELL ACTUALLY, Marc Gasol went to HS in the US' to 'WELL ACTUALLY Spurs roster is only 20% Euro'
Once you get past the nitpicking, it's hard to disagree with the core of his argument. Now, he probably is being too broad and general, and I have seen very little (lets say almost zero) AAU basketball, but from the outside looking in it does seem like there is not a lot of emphasis on skill and development in the summer games as it is an exhibition or a showcase.
Look at the way Diaw, TP, Gasol's, Dirk, Batum, Gallo, Calderon play the game. From the 6ft guys to the 7ft guys they are all excellent and willing passers, they all know how to cut, to get where they want on the floor and they can all shoot the ball. Basketball fundamentals. That's not to say that they're more skilled than a Harden, LeBron or Steph, but as a whole the Euro's in the league all seem to be fundamentally sound. Even the guys who aren't as talented, Motiejunas, Claver, Antic, Rudez, they all have the same traits.

Uses Marc gasol as an example... Who went to high school in America

 

[djrossie16]

they certainly pass more........