General: Sterno's Talkin Smack! -- Episode #108

Sterno Talkin Smack -- All Trash. All the Time. All right, I couldn't wait even one day to get out my thoughts on the USA Basketball team's loss. Trust me, you want to read this...

Smack This: USA Basketball -- Look, I am going to be short, sweet and to the point. This team is a joke. Let me take this thing from two standpoints here. First of all let's talk about the fact that no USA team should EVER lose to Italy in basketball. No disrespect to the Italian players, because on Tuesday afternoon they showed both heart as well as skill. However, if these American guys play even halfway decently, they could wipe the floor with Team Parmagiana.

These players played with absolutely no heart, confidence or, to be quite honest, dignity. Dwayne Wade had the worst game I think I have ever seen from a point guard. If his game was any example of what Shaquille O'Neal will see next season, he may want to make up with Dr. Buss. Wade was never a point guard and he certainly is not one now. He runs a team, like I run the 40. Inept, slow and out of focus.

You think maybe Mr. Iverson can tell us about practice now? Can he tell us about his disappointment in Larry Brown's decision not to play him in the USA's first game? Iverson looked like a shadow of himself, had no idea where his players were on the floor and he was a disgrace.

The USA team reminded me a lot of the Los Angeles Lakers of this past season. When you have a guy like Shaq or in this case, Tim Duncan, you have to work your offense around them. However Mr. "Guru" Brown must feel that his overrated and inexperienced talent is enough, because while Italy played fundamental basketball, the USA team went isolation, one-on-one, and looked more selfish than Kobe Bryant in the last minute of a playoff game.

I also have a few words for Lebron James. You need to shut up and then you need to grow up. Are we clear? Crystal? I hope so. James traveled twice in the span of two minutes in the fourth quarter, and on both occasions had the absolute audacity to laugh on his way down to the other end of the court. Excuse me! Is this funny? You are representing a country Lebron, not a shoe company. You aren't presenting a Grammy, or doing a commercial. When you wear the USA on your shirt you act and represent yourself like an American, not like a moron. I don't find anything funny about losing to Italy by 17 points and I don't think Larry Brown will either.

Summed up on point No. 1 -- this team is made up of rookies like an Omeka Okefor, who looked overmatched by guys none of us have ever heard of, and by overpaid ego-mongers like Iverson. I would rather have five Richard Jefferson's out on the floor, who at least, by the way, looked like he was trying, than having Lebron, Wade and Okefor on the court in the fourth quarter. Are you kidding me Larry? Get a clue.

Now, quickly onto point No. 2. This team shouldn't be representing its country. It is though. Why is that? Is it because these players want to concentrate on their off-season work out and get ready for an NBA title run? Is it because they want to spend some quality time with their families? NO to both! It is because they care only about themselves, not getting injured and collecting their paychecks.

A note to the players who turned down this opportunity. In a world where the Pat Tillman's of the world make us proud to be American's, you make me want to move to Canada and watch hockey 24/7. I am utterly disgraced to own a single item of USA Basketball equipment right about now.

Oh, and if you think I am over-exaggerating, you are the guy who does the cross over on the court like A.I., talks trash and takes threes, instead of shutting up and hitting a lay up and so forth. This country is made up of morons who watch these guys and emulate them instead of standing up and saying, "Time to watch the WNBA!"

USA Basketball -- Double Smacked!

Hit me up with feedback at eSports (click the Write the Editor link) or email me directly at sterno17@hotmail.com. Unless, of course, your afraid to go toe to toe with Sterno? See ya' all next time folks! Until then, don't be the one who's smacked!