Olympic Basketball Fabulous Five

While twelve teams will suit up for their respective countries for the opportunity to win the Sportsbook.

In addition to the defending Olympic gold medal champions, Argentina and the powerful U.S. team, just three teams, Spain, Russia, and Greece, look like they stand realistic chances to actually take home the gold medal.

Here is an in-depth look at each of the aforementioned ‘Fab Five’ teams that are competing for the 2008 Men’s Basketball Olympic Gold Medal and their respective chances of actually winning and taking home the gold.

United States -325

While the U.S. team seems like they are taking a very serious approach to their 2008 Olympic Gold Medal quest, I will go on record right now to say that the team’s collection of low post players does not impress me one iota.

I love the U.S. point guard trio of Jason Kidd, Chris Paul and Deron Williams, (though I would have passed on Kidd if it were up to me) and think they will do a fine job of running the U.S. offense.

The team’s shooting guard selections of Kobe Bryant and Michael Redd are also solid selections as Bryant is the best player on the face of the planet and Redd can literally shoot anyone’s lights out. However, I don’t see what purpose Dwyane Wade serves as he is not a really good defender or outside shooter. The U.S. has also covered the small forward position wisely, selecting Carmelo Anthony for his offense, Tayshaun Prince for his stellar defense and LeBron James for both aspects of his well-rounded game.

The team has three power forwards if you ask me, in Carlos Boozer, Chris Bosh and Dwight Howard who will play center for the U.S. Should any of the three get in foul trouble or injured, the U.S. could theoretically be used and abused in the low post by a team whose strength is close to the basket.

Luckily, head coach Mike Krzyewski won’t be out-coached by anyone despite his lack of international coaching experience.

Spain +350

Spain is generally regarded as the second best team in this tournament behind the U.S. and their Olympic Basketball Odds say that oddsmakers everywhere agree with that assessment.

Current or former NBA players Pau and Marc Gasol, (Portland Trailblazers) give the Spaniards a serious dose of athleticism, confidence and legitimacy, not to mention the fact that they are totally selfless.

Argentina +700

This team is loaded with NBA players that can get the job done no matter where they play. Manu Ginobili, (Houston Rockets), and Carlos Delfino, (Khimki BC) are just four of the players on Argentina’s roster that make them a very, very dangerous team. The only thing this team is lacking is height as they have no player on the roster taller than 6-9. Still, this team has been together for years now and certainly knows how to play the game unselfishly.

Russia +1000

Utah Jazz star Andrei Kirilenko is the only internationally ‘recognized’ name on the roster, but the team has plenty of height with at least four players 6-10 or taller. If the multi-talented Kirilenko doesn’t go into a shell, (which he often can) the Russians could be an upset waiting to happen.