There is no question that Team USA features the most athletic roster of any nation involved in the upcoming FIBA World Cup of Basketball. The Americans simply feature too many players with elite physical talent, from Anthony Davis to Derrick Rose to James Harden. No one can compete with their level of depth. When you watch Team USA, expect a lot of dunks, blocks, and fast break opportunities.
Of course, if Team USA's obvious athletic advantage doesn't mean other teams in the tournament are completely without their own highlight-ready players. Take, for instance, the hosts Spain, who feature Oklahoma City Thunder forward Serge Ibaka as one of their key players. In an exhibition vs. Argentina on Tuesday, Ibaka showed off the athleticism and skills that make him such a strong presence on the court. After blocking a layup from Andres Nocioni, Ibaka sprinted the length of the court to finish an alley-oop pass from Ricky Rubio. Check it out here (via EOB):
At the end of July, Ibaka said that he wasn't yet 100 percent following the leg injury that diminished his presence in OKC's Western Conference Finals loss to the eventual champion San Antonio Spurs. In this play, he sure looks 100 percent. It takes a lot to turn a block into a slam at the other end.
Spain's opponents are on notice. The rest of the NBA might be in the same position soon, as well.
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Eric Freeman is a writer for Ball Don't Lie on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at efreeman_ysports@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!
from Yahoo Sports http://ift.tt/1vNZVy2
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