2012 Olympic Qualifying Tournament

[Dtown]

umm why is Brazil listed? They won't be at the tournament.

[Mindozas]

umm why is Brazil listed? They won't be at the tournament.

The same goes for Tunisia...

[Robimkd]

If the tournament is in Europe I tend to think Russia, and Lithuania qualify. With fyr of Macedonia and Greece fighting it out for the last spot.

If it's in Puerto Rico it becomes a three horse race for the last spot. They definitely get a boost from that home crowd.

I can not understand why everybady thinks that Russia is that good ?!?.

Remove Kirilenko and the team is a joke.

Their back court players is a pure joke, this is rock hard defence team and the succces is based on that. If we speak about individual talent a part from Kirilenko it is almost noon existing in the Russian team. This is a bunch of antitalented basketball players that knows how to play good defence and thats it.

I think that Macedonia is a faster and better team. Only reason that Russia beat us is pure luck, but also no chances that Russia will our reb Macedonia 43-25 (22 offensive) if Gecevski would have playd or if Predrag didint get 3 fouls that quickly (2 fouls with out contact) ,

It is likely that Gecevski injury did stop us from playing in the final by beating France.

[Ciscorlie Horford]

umm why is Brazil listed? They won't be at the tournament.

my bad. I fixed it. They actaully have a ranking of all the teams that are in contention for a medal in the olympics so they have both the already qualified teams and those that are going to this tournamnet, so I just copied the ones that were in this tournamnet, (or at least that's what I thought ) becuase those are teh ones relevant to this thead's topic

[Robimkd]

Macedonian team will hardly get any worse next year.

Todor Gecevski will be back (210) has been voted as the top 3 NLB center of all team.

Kiril Nikolovski will be back (213) got an infection just before the EC. Our best center during the prepretayions and is the most talented in Macedonia. Predrag (215) and Kiril (213) combinations works very well.

Riste Stefanov will be back, injured against Poland. Winger and the bask 3 points shooter in our country. If Riste get his bombs from the arc to drop, well. Playd with Lukoil, AEK, Besiktas and Union Ljubljana.

Vladimi Micov. Back court player. Talented Macedonina diaspora player that all of a sudden shows interest to play with us. Will give Bo and Vlado importent resting time on the bench. Experience with Buducnost, Partizan and Caja Laboral.

[Ciscorlie Horford]

I can not understand why everybady thinks that Russia is that good ?!?.

Remove Kirilenko and the team is a joke.

Their back court players is a pure joke, this is rock hard defence team and the succces is based on that. If we speak about individual talent a part from Kirilenko it is almost noon existing in the Russian team. This is a bunch of antitalented basketball players that knows how to play good defence and thats it.

I think that Macedonia is a faster and better team. Only reason that Russia beat us is pure luck, but also no chances that Russia will our reb Macedonia 43-25 (22 offensive) if Gecevski would have playd or if Predrag didint get 3 fouls that quickly (2 fouls with out contact) ,

It is likely that Gecevski injury did stop us from playing in the final by beating France.

Macedonia is a one man show. Russia is a team , they don't have super stars but they don't need one because every player is a piece of a bigger puzzle.

All you have to do to beat macedonia is shut down ONE person. and if you can't shut him down, just let him get tire and run out of gas. that was teh strategy that all teams used agaisnt venezuela in the American tournament and surely enough at the end they always seemed to run out of gas

to beat Rusia you have to stop 5 guys, not just one. actually you have to stpo 5 + one. Because russians coach is as important if not more than the players themselves.


and i think every team will get better next year, with the expection probably only of Greece where a lot of old palyer are regressing. and Angola who had already reached its peack and teh Asian countries who are stuck in the same level.

[sagenas]

I can not understand why everybady thinks that Russia is that good ?!?.

Remove Kirilenko and the team is a joke.

Their back court players is a pure joke, this is rock hard defence team and the succces is based on that. If we speak about individual talent a part from Kirilenko it is almost noon existing in the Russian team. This is a bunch of antitalented basketball players that knows how to play good defence and thats it.

I think that Macedonia is a faster and better team. Only reason that Russia beat us is pure luck, but also no chances that Russia will our reb Macedonia 43-25 (22 offensive) if Gecevski would have playd or if Predrag didint get 3 fouls that quickly (2 fouls with out contact) ,

It is likely that Gecevski injury did stop us from playing in the final by beating France.

Come on, it's not possible to become big team in one year. You should prove it year by year. You say that Russia without Kirilenko is a joke, then what can we all say about Macedonia? McCaleb for Macedonia means a lot more than Kirilenko for Russians.

Okay, Gečevski was injured but f.e. Russia didn't have Kaun.

Everyone can find their arguments and even create it.

Say Khryapa, Fridzon and Shved aren't talented. They all are proven players so it's not surprise. And besides high-level players they have one name which comes ahead comparing to other teams - David Blatt. He's one of the best coaches, imho.

P.s. say what? Macedonia is faster? As some some smart people said something like this: "they play basketball as no one plays that way - they just simply walk on the floor and changes tempo of the game. No one plays like that and it was very big surprise for many teams. It's hard to play against them, when they play like that."

Macedonia was good. And probably they developed and will be competitive enough team in the future but let's look at reality - Macedonia don't have depth, even individual skills and talent (except few players) but they gave them all on the court. That's what I envy You. Your team played every game like it was their last one of their life, that's why it was so enjoyable to watch.

P.s. good luck next year.

[Robimkd]

Macedonia is a one man show. Russia is a team , they don't have super stars but they don't need one because every player is a piece of a bigger puzzle.

All you have to do to beat macedonia is shut down ONE person. and if you can't shut him down, just let him get tire and run out of gas. that was teh strategy that all teams used agaisnt venezuela in the American tournament and surely enough at the end they always seemed to run out of gas

to beat Rusia you have to stop 5 guys, not just one. actually you have to stpo 5 + one. Because russians coach is as important if not more than the players themselves

No one can shut down Bo, at least not in europ and doubtful that you Latin boys can do that or someone from asia.

Well you can try to put two man on him but than Vlado Ilievski (Former Barcelona and Montepaski) will be given free space to give you an nightmare you will not forget.

And more trubel is that Micov will join, Gecevski and Stefanov back as the talented Nikolovski.

Ye ye Macedonia just Bo, thats why Olympiakos and Caja Laboral wants Antic, and Amani wants Vojdan Stojanovski.

And half of the europe wants Dukuzovski.

Rights next to Russia Macedonia has the best team defence in europ.

we have back court players that can rock our ass, and now we will get back our centers .

[sagenas]

One simple question. Where was that so good team at least one year ago?

[Robimkd]

Come on, it's not possible to become big team in one year. You should prove it year by year. You say that Russia without Kirilenko is a joke, then what can we all say about Macedonia? McCaleb for Macedonia means a lot more than Kirilenko for Russians.

Okay, Gečevski was injured but f.e. Russia didn't have Kaun.

Everyone can find their arguments and even create it.

Say Khryapa, Fridzon and Shved aren't talented. They all are proven players so it's not surprise. And besides high-level players they have one name which comes ahead comparing to other teams - David Blatt. He's one of the best coaches, imho.

P.s. say what? Macedonia is faster? As some some smart people said something like this: "they play basketball as no one plays that way - they just simply walk on the floor and changes tempo of the game. No one plays like that and it was very big surprise for many teams. It's hard to play against them, when they play like that."

Macedonia was good. And probably they developed and will be competitive enough team in the future but let's look at reality - Macedonia don't have depth, even individual skills and talent (except few players) but they gave them all on the court. That's what I envy You. Your team played every game like it was their last one of their life, that's why it was so enjoyable to watch.

P.s. good luck next year.

We have deep but not when several players are injured.

Gecevski as exampel that 20 min per game, 10 points per game and 7 rebs per game that we lost when he got injured.

Dont need to be an basketball expert to understand that we would beat Russia with him.

Beside refs will not give Predrag noon existing fouls forever.

With Todor Gecevski, Kiril Nikolovski, Vladimir Micov and Riste Stefanov we will have 11 players in rotation.

Bo (Montepaski) EL
Antic (Olympiakos) EL
Ilievski (Efes Pilsen) EL former Barcelona and Montepaski
Vojdan Stojanovski (Armani Milano) EL
Predrag Samardziski (Lytvos Rytas) EL
Todor Gecevski (PAOK) EL
Vladimir Micov former Partizan and Cajan Laboral
Damjan Stojanovski (Lukoil) Uleb cup
Kiril Nikolovski (MZT)
Riste Stefanov (MZT) former Besiktas, Union, AEK
Gorgi Cekovski (MZT)
Darko Sokolov (PGE Turow)


MZT Skopje has 2 milon euro budget since few weeks back. T-Mobile.

Our team prity decent on paper after EC and Kiril will get more chances to show what he can to europ.

[Robimkd]

One simple question. Where was that so good team at least one year ago?

Macedonia ended on 9th place in Poland two years ago aint that poor ?!?.

In fact just one shot from Q-final in Poland and world championchip.

Russia-Macedonia 71-69 (Gecevski with long hair)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPiyEU13GxA

Iam tired of all these buzzer losses against Russia sooner or later luck most be on our side .

[Robimkd]

I think that we have fair chances to make the olympic games.

1. Team chemistry
2. Defence
3. Great coach
4. Several players will come back from injury and one new will join so our rotation will get going.
5. Underestimate us, i would like that

[sixama23]

Vladimir Micov. Back court player. Talented Macedonina diaspora player that all of a sudden shows interest to play with us. Will give Bo and Vlado importent resting time on the bench. Experience with Buducnost, Partizan and Caja Laboral.

This guy is Serb, born and raised in Belgrade. He has already played for Serbian youth national teams. How is he connected with your country?

I have a lot of respect for your NT and i don't underestimate you cause you have already beaten us but i don't think that you have a much better squad than the other European teams or even PR and DR.

I see Russia as a big favorite next year. The other European countries plus PR and DR will fight for the rest 2 spots. But let's wait because if China will be in the tournament then the competition is gonna be tougher.

I would like to see Lithuania with a young team just like the one which played last year in Turkey. Veterans should not play for the NT again.

We will sure have Spanoulis next year. He will bring more experience, talent and leadership to our NT...

[Robimkd]

This guy is Serb, born and raised in Belgrade. He has already played for Serbian youth national teams. How is he connected with your country?

I have a lot of respect for your NT and i don't underestimate you cause you have already beat us but i don't think that you have a much better squad than the other European teams or even PR and DR.

I see Russia as a big favorite next year. The other European countries plus PR and DR will fight for the rest 2 spots. But let's wait because if China will be in the tournament then the competition is gonna be tougher.

I would like to see Lithuania with a young team just like the one which played last year in Turkey. Veterans should not play for the NT again.

We will sure have Spanoulis next year. He will bring more experience, talent and leadership to our NT...

If Micov is a serb then Greece has 3 americans in team. At least Micov can speak Macedonian, I heard that Clethas and the rest can not speak Greek

Yes he playd for Serbian Youth. But Serbian seniors do not want him so he got offers from Montenegro and Macedonia and it seems he will join us.

We tryd to get Micov allready 2 years ago but then he still hade hope to get place in the Serbian national team.
http://www.novamakedonija.com.mk/New...tIzdanie=21858


Macedonia with out injuries is a beter team than Russia, IMO.

[Straight forward]

5. Underestimate us, i would like that

No-one will underestimate Macedonia after 2011 unfortunately Contrary - some teams will come with hardcore motivation against you guys.

[Ciscorlie Horford]

No one can shut down Bo, at least not in europ and doubtful that you Latin boys can do that or someone from asia.

Well you can try to put two man on him but than Vlado Ilievski (Former Barcelona and Montepaski) will be given free space to give you an nightmare you will not forget.

And more trubel is that Micov will join, Gecevski and Stefanov back as the talented Nikolovski.

Ye ye Macedonia just Bo, thats why Olympiakos and Caja Laboral wants Antic, and Amani wants Vojdan Stojanovski.

And half of the europe wants Dukuzovski.

Rights next to Russia Macedonia has the best team defence in europ.

we have back court players that can rock our ass, and now we will get back our centers .

you are very arrogant

[sagenas]

We have deep but not when several players are injured.

Gecevski as exampel that 20 min per game, 10 points per game and 7 rebs per game that we lost when he got injured.

Dont need to be an basketball expert to understand that we would beat Russia with him.

Beside refs will not give Predrag noon existing fouls forever.

With Todor Gecevski, Kiril Nikolovski, Vladimir Micov and Riste Stefanov we will have 11 players in rotation.

Bo (Montepaski) EL
Antic (Olympiakos) EL
Ilievski (Efes Pilsen) EL former Barcelona and Montepaski
Vojdan Stojanovski (Armani Milano) EL
Predrag Samardziski (Lytvos Rytas) EL
Todor Gecevski (PAOK) EL
Vladimir Micov former Partizan and Cajan Laboral
Damjan Stojanovski (Lukoil) Uleb cup
Kiril Nikolovski (MZT)
Riste Stefanov (MZT) former Besiktas, Union, AEK
Gorgi Cekovski (MZT)
Darko Sokolov (PGE Turow)


MZT Skopje has 2 milon euro budget since few weeks back. T-Mobile.

Our team prity decent on paper after EC and Kiril will get more chances to show what he can to europ.

1) Lietuvos Rytas and PAOK aren't qualified for Euroleague yet. Lukoil isn't qualified for EuroCup, too.

2) What's with that "former" stuff? M.Andriuškevičius is former Cavs' player but we won't consider him as top level player.

This is gorgeous, lol:

Dont need to be an basketball expert to understand that we would beat Russia with him.

Do you understand basketball at all? I'll explain you a little....while 5 players are on the court, other 7 are sitting on the bench. It gives you nothing. If Gečevski plays, then Samardžiski will be sitting on the bench and will not produce quality in his limited minutes. He is good example that being only simple "role player" isn't enough for some players...he was just TERRIBLE then, but after Gečevski's injury, he got more minutes and chances to show himself and he succeed, I'd say.

This your "conclusion" is as smart as it would be if I say that with Kleiza we could easily upset not only Spain, but even USA in any tournament.

And how the hell you know that all players will be healthy? I can't say I won't catch a cold tomorrow and you can futurecast what will happen next summer...skills, man, you've got some skills.

[Robimkd]

Ye but with out Gecevski we are very vulnerable and easy prey for the refs. 3fouls (2 noon existing) on Predrag the first few minutes and we are done under the basket he playd only 14 min cuz of that. Still Russia beat us only by luck, jo just think what will be if we had more rebs ???.

Feels like the ref had him under the radar during the matches against ESP and RUS, everybady knows how bad Cekovski is, if we at least had Nikolovski. Sad but true think its wos a robber.

No I am not arrogant, Id say that you are argonat you underestimate us.

I can say that Macedonia aint any weaker with Micov, Nikolovski, Stefanov and Gecevski and you can believe what you want. 11 players that will get minutes that is importent.

[SunOverHStreet]

I can not understand why everybady thinks that Macedonia (FYR) is that good ?!?.

Remove McCalebb and the team is a joke.

Their back court players is a pure joke, this is rock hard defence team and the succces is based on that. If we speak about individual talent a part from Kirilenko it is almost noon existing in the Russian team. This is a bunch of antitalented basketball players that knows how to play good defence and thats it.

Will you stop with this crap?! I mean, OK, really, Macedonia had a great success, but who gave you the right to belittle Russia in this manner (it's not that you become coach K all of a sudden - Bold: Do you get my point?). Of course that Russia have talent beside Kirilenko. Enjoy basketball for a change and stop spreading BS.
I would love to see Macedonia in the Olympics, but the task will be hard, as Lithuania, Greece and Russia also have the same desire as your country to participate in the biggest sports event. And sure they have means to do it.
I couldn't predict this one, even if my life depended on it...

Edit: Of course, all the countries participating have their chances, not just the ones I listed above. Sorry for that. We are also waiting two more teams from Asia. It will be interesting, definitely.

[Mindozas]

After readin' all this I think Macedonia has a fair chance to beat USA in Olympic final next year, maybe with double digits... if US will have a good day, if not...

Maybe I even underestimate Macedonian NT a little bit with this my statement, we'll see