Skip to main content

CSN Bay Area

HOME  >  NEWS  >  SPORTS
Unbeaten US basketball teams ready for 2016 Olympic games
Share This Post
Comments
Tuesday, August 2, 2016 - 8:45pm

HOUSTON — They have crisscrossed the country, delivering basketball blowouts from coast to coast.

Now the U.S. Olympic teams can finally take the only flight they really want.

They were to depart together Tuesday night for Brazil, a trip that's expected to lead to gold.

"This is the exciting part, knowing that we're about to go to Rio," men's star Carmelo Anthony said. "We're about to just lock in in just one location, and we can just really focus on playing basketball and getting better individually and as a group."

Anthony, at 32 the old man of the U.S. team, wasn't a fan of the early morning flights that the Americans took during their exhibition tour, as evidenced by DeMar DeRozan's Instagram video of a team singalong during one trip.

Now the teams can drop anchor and stick around in one spot — they're staying on a cruise ship along one of Brazil's beautiful beaches.

"I'm excited to see (Kevin Durant), DeMarcus Cousins, all the guys. I like them all, and it's a great group of guys," Angel McCoughtry of the women's team said following its final exhibition in New York. "I'm ready to get to know them better and continue to hang out with these girls and have a good time in Rio. This is the Olympics, it's a positive thing and we're ready to go in there and have some fun."

The men finished off their exhibition tour here Monday with a 110-66 rout of Nigeria, a game attended by the women's team after it arrived earlier in the day. After unveiling their team in New York in late June, the men reported three weeks later to training camp in Las Vegas and also played exhibition games in Los Angeles, Oakland and Chicago.

They went 5-0, averaged 102.8 points and overwhelmed their opponents by 43 per game. The road to Rio was easy, but coach Mike Krzyzewski insists the Olympics won't be.

"The competition is going to get better. I mean, really good," Krzyzewski said.

"We play two games against teams that we've beaten, but they'll be a little bit different, in China and Venezuela. And then we play Australia, who is very good. They'll probably start five NBA players. And then you play Serbia, and we know them from the world championships, with (Milos) Teodosic and their big guys. And then you play France, who will probably have eight or nine NBA players. So it goes up. It goes up, and we have to react accordingly."

The U.S. crushed China, the opponent in its opener Saturday, 106-57 and 107-57. The Americans beat Venezuela 80-45.

The women played higher-caliber opponents during their tour, which started in Los Angeles before moving to the Northeast for victories over France, Canada and Australia. They are a heavy favorite to win a sixth consecutive gold medal in Rio and have won 41 consecutive Olympic contests, with the last loss coming in the 1992 semifinals.

They gathered on July 23 and coach Geno Auriemma said Tuesday was the first real practice they've had. He plans another Wednesday after they arrive in Rio.

"So we're not as good as we're going to be, and that's kind of the way it's been for us at the Olympics," Auriemma said. "We get better as the week goes on and that's certainly been the case since the 23rd."

USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo visited the women's team at practice and addressed the players afterward, wishing them luck in Rio.

Durant and Anthony are the only players on the men's team who have played in the Olympics, while the women have much more experience playing together — some even as college teammates under Auriemma at Connecticut. But there was still plenty of learning to do on and off the court during the tour, with more still come when the games start to count.

"I think there's a level of comfort now that you can tell that we have from our first game to our last warmup game," Maya Moore said.

NBCBayArea.com

There is no data to display.

Video

Cooper on Raiders WR corp: 'I think the sky's the limit'
Michael Robinson expects 'big year' for 49ers' Hyde if healthy
Cooper talks about having Carr as his roommate during camp
Michael Robinson evaluates 49ers' quarterbacks at training camp

Giants

LIVE: Giants vs Nationals
Notes: Giants will soon face 'good problem' with bullpen math
Giants Lineup: Nuñez bats third; Belt, Panik out vs Nationals
Former Giants outfielder suspended 80 games for PEDs
Read More

Athletics

A's lineup: Eibner makes debut for Oakland in right field
A’s: Lowrie, Hahn to DL; recall Eibner and Triggs from Nashville
Rewind: Lester's return will bring bad memories for A's fans
Instant Replay: Crisp, A's avoid Angels sweep in extras
Read More

Sharks

Historically young Coyotes GM already making waves
Bettman: Research on concussion-CTE link 'remains nascent'
Three Sharks highlight 10 potentially big 2017 UFAs
Read More

49ers

In timing-based offense, Kelly needs 49ers QBs to be precise
49ers practice 5: Smelter runs with the ones
Cardinals extend contracts of Palmer, Fitzgerald
49ers wide receiver Rogers tears ACL
Read More

Raiders

Raiders practice 7: Autry returns after extended stretch
Trial set for former Raider McFadden vs business manager
Raiders claim two, including recently waived 49ers LB Jones
Derek Carr 'not swimming mentally' in third training camp
Read More

Warriors

Rio Olympics: Coach K's toughest test or lasting legacy?
Westbrook reveals when he found out Durant was joining Warriors
Will Durant congratulate Westbrook? 'Nah; touchy subject'
Players Voice Awards: Steph Curry 'Toughest to Guard, MVP'
Read More

NCAA

Harbaugh 'on the cusp of being an iconic figure' with recruits
Former Cal star, second-round pick gets first MLB call-up
Read More
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • MLB Standings
  • G-Mag
  • When Giants Fan Met Dodgers Fan
  • Amy G
  • Insider Alex Pavlovic
  • Buy Giants Gear
  • Buy Giants Tickets

Latest News

LIVE: Giants vs Nationals
(1)
CSN Bay Area staff

GIANTS VIDEO

Inside Pitch: Bochy makes lineup change with Nunez
Inside Pitch: Bochy makes lineup change with Nunez
See more >

GIANTS INSIDER

  • Notes: Giants will soon face 'good problem' with bullpen math
  • Rewind: Span, Moore get Giants back on winning track
  • Instant Replay: Span goes deep in 10th, Giants avoid sweep
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • MLB Standings
  • All A's
  • Eireann Dolan's Call to the 'Pen
  • Insider Joe Stiglich
  • Buy Athletics Gear
  • Buy Athletics Tickets

Latest News

A's lineup: Eibner makes debut for Oakland in right field
(1)
CSN Bay Area staff

A's VIDEO

Glen & Ray: Extra inning at-bat 'says a lot' about Yonder Alonso
Glen & Ray: Extra inning at-bat 'says a lot' about Yonder Alonso
See more >

A's INSIDER

  • Rewind: Lester's return will bring bad memories for A's fans
  • Instant Replay: Crisp, A's avoid Angels sweep in extras
  • Rewind: For better or worse, A's always good for a thriller
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NHL Standings
  • Insider Kevin Kurz
  • Buy Sharks Gear
  • Buy Sharks Tickets

Latest News

Historically young Coyotes GM already making waves
(3)
Associated Press

SHARKS VIDEO

Beyond the Scoreboard digital exclusive: 1-on-1 with SAP CDO Jonathan Becher
Beyond the Scoreboard digital exclusive: 1-on-1 with SAP CDO Jonathan Becher
See more >

SHARKS INSIDER

There is no data to display.

  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NBA Standings
  • Warriors Central
  • Steph-in' Amazing
  • Cookin' with the Currys
  • Insider Monte Poole
  • Buy Warriors Gear
  • Buy Warriors Tickets
  • Stream the Warriors on Live Extra

Latest News

Rio Olympics: Coach K's toughest test or lasting legacy?
(1)
NBCOlympics

WARRIORS VIDEO

1-on-1 with Kevon Looney: Speed, effort picking up on floor
1-on-1 with Kevon Looney: Speed, effort picking up on floor
See more >

WARRIORS INSIDER

  • Analysis: Klay, despite what he says, will have to sacrifice
  • Kerr completes Warriors staff with hiring of Willie Green
  • Source: Warriors to sign JaVale McGee to 'make-good deal'
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NBA Standings
  • Insider James Ham
  • Buy Kings Gear
  • Buy Kings Tickets
  • Stream the Kings on Live Extra

Latest News

The Kings Insider Podcast: Rudy Gay situation
(2)
James Ham

Kings Video

Ham: Kings 'making lot of phone calls;' trade on the way?
Ham: Kings 'making lot of phone calls;' trade on the way?
See more >

KINGS INSIDER

  • Curry chucks mouthpiece, hits fan in Game 6; what it means
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NFL Standings
  • Insider Matt Maiocco
  • Buy 49ers Gear
  • Buy 49ers Tickets

Latest News

In timing-based offense, Kelly needs 49ers QBs to be precise
(23)
Matt Maiocco

49ers VIDEO

Michael Robinson expects 'big year' for 49ers' Hyde if healthy
Michael Robinson expects 'big year' for 49ers' Hyde if healthy
See more >

49ers INSIDER

  • In timing-based offense, Kelly needs 49ers QBs to be precise
  • 49ers practice 5: Smelter runs with the ones
  • 49ers wide receiver Rogers tears ACL
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NFL Standings
  • Insider Scott Bair
  • Buy Raiders Gear
  • Buy Raiders Tickets

Latest News

Raiders practice 7: Autry returns after extended stretch
(2)
Scott Bair

RAIDERS VIDEO

Cooper on Raiders WR corp: 'I think the sky's the limit'
Cooper on Raiders WR corp: 'I think the sky's the limit'
See more >

RAIDERS INSIDER

  • Raiders practice 7: Autry returns after extended stretch
  • Derek Carr 'not swimming mentally' in third training camp
  • Joseph, Walford back to Raiders practice; Autry off PUP
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • MLS Standings
  • MLS Player Leaders
  • Buy Quakes Gear
  • Buy Quakes Tickets

Top Story

US Women's soccer begins Rio 2016 Olympics with win
(6)
Associated Press

More Stories

Quakes trade for Dawin Ceren, send Perez Garcia to Orlando City
(10)
Wondolowski earns Quakes 1-1 draw with Dynamo
(4)
See more >

Quakes Shop

JOE STIGLICH

Rewind: Lester's return will bring bad memories for A's fans
(6)
See more >

ALEX PAVLOVIC

Notes: Giants will soon face 'good problem' with bullpen math
See more >

MATT MAIOCCO

In timing-based offense, Kelly needs 49ers QBs to be precise
(23)
See more >

SCOTT BAIR

Raiders practice 7: Autry returns after extended stretch
(2)
See more >

MONTE POOLE

Analysis: Klay, despite what he says, will have to sacrifice
(17)
See more >

JAMES HAM

The Kings Insider Podcast: Rudy Gay situation
(2)
See more >

KEVIN KURZ

Sharks look deeper, faster than last season
(78)
See more >

RAY RATTO

Kap vs Gabbert: 49ers fans will likely hate the winner and loser

AFF - A'S

Authentic Fan Friday - A's

Come to Authentic Fan Friday at the A's! 

Sit in the Value Deck and score free giveaways - get more info here!

 

FOLLOW US!

Follow us on Twitter @CSNAuthentic.

SAY HEY TUESDAY

s

Join us for Say Hey Tuesday – every Tuesday Giants home game.

NCAA

  • Stanford Football
  • Stanford Basketball
  • Stanford Women's Basketball
  • Cal Football
  • Cal Basketball
  • Cal Women's Basketball
  • SJSU Football
  • SJSU Basketball
  • USF Basketball
  • USF Women's Basketball
  • Saint Mary's Basketball
  • Santa Clara Basketball
  • Fresno State Football

MORE

  • Biz Ball
  • Combat Sports
  • Motor Sports
  • Golf
  • Tennis
  • Ray Ratto

 

TICKETS

  • Giants Tickets
  • A's Tickets
  • 49ers Tickets
  • Raiders Tickets
  • Warriors Tickets
  • Kings Tickets
  • Sharks Tickets
Curry Jersey
Giants Fitted Hat
49ers Hoodie

Mega Menu: Shop

  • Giants
  • A's Shop
  • 49ers
  • Raiders Shop
  • Warriors
  • Kings Shop
  • Sharks Shop

Mega Menu: Shop - Tickets

  • Giants Tickets
  • A's Tickets
  • 49ers Tickets
  • Raiders Tickets
  • Warriors Tickets
  • Kings Tickets
  • Sharks Tickets

Latest Videos

Cooper on Raiders WR corp: 'I think the sky's the limit'
Cooper on Raiders WR corp: 'I think the sky's the limit'
See more >

ORIGINAL PROGRAMMING

  • G-Mag
  • All A's
  • Carpool Confessions
  • Steph-in' Amazing
  • Cookin' with the Currys
  • When Giants Fan Met Dodgers Fan
  • Amy G’s Exclusives
  • Eireann Dolan's Call to the 'Pen

TV SHOWS

  • All Videos
  • SportsNet Central
  • SportsTalk Live
  • But Seriously

INSIDERS

  • Ray Ratto - Senior Insider
  • Matt Maiocco - 49ers
  • Scott Bair - Raiders
  • Monte Poole - Warriors
  • James Ham - Kings
  • Kevin Kurz - Sharks
  • Joe Stiglich - A's
  • Alex Pavlovic - Giants
  • TV Schedule - Bay Area and California
  • Channel Locations - Bay Area
  • Channel Locations - California