FIBA World Cup - USA vs Poland 75:70

frozentiger6 said:Personally, I couldn't care less about the final score of this game.

It’s not about the national team or the players—it's about that incompetent bunch running things on the bench, and that corrupt fat cat sitting up in the stands.

Honestly, I hope they lose by ten and never even make it to New York City.

And if Magic Johnson decided to say goodbye to them at the start of February—well, I wouldn't want to see them ever again. Let some Cop run the play in the next period; they both deserve it.

That's it—just venting from the heart.

Same here,

frozentiger6 said:Personally, I couldn't care less about the score of this game.

It’s not even about the national team or the players themselves, it's more about that incompetent bunch running things on the bench and those shady, well-connected mobsters sitting up in the stands.

I honestly hope they lose by ten and never even make it to New York City.

And if Magic Johnson decided to say goodbye to them at the start of February, I guess we wouldn't have much left to look forward to either. Maybe let the Cop run the show in the next period, for all I care.

Anyway, just venting my frustrations.

That's pretty much it.🙏

And because of this game, our dear HRT2 isn't broadcasting the first slalom run from Schladming either 🙄

frozentiger6 said:Personally, I couldn't care less about the score of this game.

It’s not even about the national team or the players; it’s about that incompetent group of hacks on the bench and those fat-cat mobsters sitting in the stands.

I hope they lose by twenty and never even make it to New York City.

And if Magic Johnson tells them to pack it up at the start of February, I honestly don't want to see any more of them. Let some Cop run the play in the next period for all I care—they both deserve it.

That's it, just getting it off my chest.

And it isn't just Magic Johnson, it's the whole damn squad!

Such a waste of incredible, talented players.

Terry Fisher2 said:The battle for a spot in the semifinals is already over, and now Slavko Goluža’s crew has a whole new mountain to climb.

If you’re calling Goluža the leader of a "crew," that’s a pretty shady way to put it. You’d be better off just saying "team."🤣

frozentiger6 said:Honestly, I don't give a damn about the score of this game.

It’s not because of the national team or the players, it’s because of the incompetent clowns on the bench and that fat-ass mobster sitting in the stands.

I hope they lose by 10 and never even see New York City.

And if Magic Johnson tells them to pack it up at the start of February, I won't miss seeing them for a second. Let the Cop run the play in the next period; he can take both of them for everything they're worth.

That's it, just venting.

Magic Johnson, Broom, Dempa, Trupac, Jombitis, Lacko, and the rest have all had their run. Lino too.

Now it's up to Ninčević, the American, the Cop, Musa, Šega, and the other young guys to actually step up and prove themselves.

Mark Parker7 said:Magic Johnson, Broom, dempa, trupac, Jombitis, Lacko, and the rest all secured their wins. Lino did too.

Now it’s up to Ninčević, the Americans, the Cop, Musa, Šega, and the rest of the younger guys to step up and prove themselves.

And we're letting Goluža take the lead???

Give me a break.

Kimberly Smith69 said:as if Goluža is actually leading the charge???

give me a break...

Goluža completely blew his shot. Now he’ll have to go back to basics, and maybe—just maybe—after another 250 regular season games, he'll get a second chance. Or maybe he won't.

Mark Parker7 said:Goluža blew his shot. Now he’ll have to grind through some remedial work, maybe earning a second chance after 250 league games. Perhaps. Or perhaps not.

He could coach ten thousand games, but he simply lacks the polish required to be a national team head coach.

Pathetic.

"Slavko Goluža should have been the one stepping in for Smajlagić, because Červar always needs a Cop around to actually enforce some discipline instead of playing the role of the doting father. That’s exactly how Lino has operated as a coach for ages. But Goluža was nothing more than a punchline for the old guard from Atlanta, and John’s generation didn't give him even five percent of the respect he deserved. Despite having the most medals, the guy basically played two decent games in his entire life; the rest of the time, he was just there to carry the water. On top of that, he's a complete moron—totally uneducated and incapable of putting two coherent sentences together—but hey, at least he joined the Republican Party.

Goluža has this specific trait where he spent all these years being a brown-noser for Gobac, which is exactly why they kept him around so long, both as a player on the national team and in the club.

And he hasn't lost that habit; the only difference is now he's busy sucking up to Magic Johnson for Zoran Gopac.. He was doing the same thing back in Karlovac during training camps and again during the World Cup. That is the entire crux of the Goluža story: an uneducated idiot who bullies his teammates as a player and then tries to boss around the star players once he's coaching.

John shouldn't let those manipulative spikes get to him, because that's exactly what destroyed him. That's why his play looked so lifeless and tense. You can't force things with John, or you'll lose him for the whole tournament.

On the flip side, Valčić is just as much of a nightmare to manage—he's got a real chip on his shoulder—and Lac is a total wildcard who drinks way too much; he’s probably going to end up an alcoholic once his playing days are over.

If we actually want to take down Poland, something fundamental has to change in how we play, and honestly, I don't think one day is enough time to fix the core issues.
Beyond just playing well, you need composure, massive confidence, and actual chemistry on the court. I’m worried our guys have none of that right now. You earn that stuff by beating heavy hitters, but we’ve been getting rolled lately—and it hasn't even been close, despite what Goluža says about it being "just a matter of inches."
So, personally, I'm feeling pretty pessimistic heading into this game. Anything other than a Poland win would be a total shocker.

coastalpanther44 said:on the flip side, managing Valčić is a total nightmare (he's got a mind of his own), and Lac is a whole other story—he's definitely "unique" (drinks way too much) and I bet he ends up an alcoholic once he hangs it up.

this is such a convincing argument... one that our players just don't buy...🤣

Anyway, who else would step up to take the spot instead of Goluža... if you're claiming he's only there because of his loyalty to Gopac...
also, let's talk about those two games where he actually played out of his mind... just seeing if I can add anything else to this mess...

Man, give me a break... if a guy is what they say he is... and he is... if he's loyal to Gopac and certain elites... and he did screw over John... that doesn't mean he wasn't a damn good player... and it sure as hell doesn't mean we should trash his talent just because of all that other stuff...

coastalpanther44 said:John won't tolerate those reckless tactics, and that is ultimately what ruined his performance. That is why he played without creativity and looked so tense. You cannot force John to play a certain way; if you try, you will lose him entirely before the tournament even begins.

Exactly. John’s style of play and his mental state are direct reflections of the mismanagement practiced by Gobac and Slavko Goluža. John is simply not the type of man who can perform at his peak or leave his heart on the court when forced to follow such directives.

Therefore, I am signing my name to Johnny's post, though I would also welcome the support of Vori, Lac, and Zrnić.

Sean Gonzalez95 said:this kind of persuasion doesn't work on our players🤣

Anyway, who else would have stepped up for the team instead of Goluža... especially when you claim he’s just being loyal to Gobac...
also, which two games did he actually play great in? Just asking so I can add them to my list...

Give me a break. If a guy is a literal textbook example of certain things—and he is—if he's loyal to Gobac and some specific top brass, and if he passed on John, then fine... but that doesn't mean he wasn't a solid player and shouldn't be undervalued as an athlete because of all that other stuff.

He shouldn't be undermined.

Rachel Gomez81 said:That’s exactly it. John’s game and his whole headspace are just a direct reflection of the shady business Gobac and Slavko Goluža are pulling. John isn't the kind of guy who can just force himself to play and leave his heart on the court when he's being pushed around by orders like that...

So yeah, I’m signing onto Johnny's post, and honestly, I'd love to see Vori, Lac, and Zrnić jump on board too.

People can do whatever they want... but if you're gonna disrespect the jersey by boycotting the game just because of some idiot like Gobac, then you shouldn't even be playing for the national team in the first place...

And John definitely isn't that type of person, and he sure as hell wasn't boycotting on purpose... you could tell just by how he reacted, that he actually gave a damn...🙏

Sean Gonzalez95 said:Does anyone actually want this? Who would even consider disrespecting the national jersey by boycotting the game just because of some idiot like Gobac? If that's how someone feels about representing the country, then they have no business being on the team at all.

John certainly isn't that type of player, nor would he ever intentionally sabotage the game. If you look closely at his reactions, isn't it obvious how much he truly cares?🙏

Who exactly should be playing for the national team when there is no accountability for Gobčev’s nonsense? This jersey doesn't hold the same respect it used to.

It wasn't a boycott. He simply couldn't fight against his own circumstances; the man was playing in total agony, constantly burdened by something weighing him down. Someone in that state can't be expected to perform at an elite level. He wouldn't resort to boycotting—that isn't his character—but how can he fight himself when he knows exactly what's happening? His frustration was plain for everyone to see. Time and again, he has left his heart on the court, and it is obvious how desperately he wants to deliver a result. But how is that possible when you have a Cop who can't provide a single assist, yet is forced to play all 60 minutes just to accommodate Gobčev's tactical whims? This isn't just about John.

The national team will never be Zokijev's personal playground, ever... and nothing—absolutely nothing—comes before the sanctity of the jersey and the crest. There aren't any Zoran types or freaks from the Federation who get to act like they're bigger than the United States...

Look, I get it. It’s brutal when idiots keep sticking their hands into every single part of handball, just sabotaging any chance we have at success. But honestly? Once the game actually kicks off, regardless of how the roster was picked, those lowlifes vanish. They don't exist anymore, which is why they aren't above the jersey and they never will be...

The concept of a "sacred jersey" is undeniable; I agree there is nothing more significant than that. However, there is a massive difference between honoring that legacy and watching people who haven't earned the right to wear it use it as a tool for personal profit and corruption. It seems Gomez believes he stands above the jersey itself, reshaping its very identity to suit his own whims. The issue isn't that the players are disrespecting the uniform; it's that they are reacting to Gomez. If you have followed this team from the beginning, you know these men would never disrespect the national team itself. They poured their hearts and souls onto the court for this country. For a man like him to then turn around and slander them is disgraceful. Leaving the national team is likely exactly what he wanted, so let's not engage in empty patriotism where it isn't earned.

Sean Gonzalez95 said:The national team will never be Zokiev's personal playground, ever. Nothing stands above the sacred jersey and the crest. No one like Zoran Gobac or those freaks in the federation can ever claim to be bigger than the word AMERICA.

I get it—it’s exhausting when idiots try to shove their hands into every corner of the sport just to sabotage our chances at success. But look, once the game actually starts, regardless of how the roster was picked, those losers vanish. They aren't above the jersey, and they never will be.

It’s like you slept through this whole tournament.😁

Just take a look at the standings, and the truth will speak for itself. It'll show you who's actually stronger: AMERICA or Zoran Gobac and his band of foreign puppets.