Impressive First Impression

The "B" Team, as some have coined them. They aren't big enough. They can't shoot. They have no star power. Team USA has been facing this type of adversity for weeks heading into the World Basketball Championship. On Saturday, the American team used these critiques to fuel their dismantling of Croatia, 106-78.

Team USA had an impressive debut in the World Basketball Championship, trying to reclaim the gold medal for the first time in 16 years. The American squad played fluid throughout the game, shooting 55% from the field and distributing the ball well finishing with 22 assists as a team. Eric Gordon, a player who I thought would fail to make the final 12-man roster, led Team USA with 16 points on 6-8 shooting, including 4-6 from downtown.

The Americans seemed to overmatch the Croatians with explosive, dynamic moves to the basket, showing their offensive prowess. The USA's combination of youth and athleticism is conducive with the style of play that is typically seen on the international level. If the Americans are able to spread the floor and get out and run, their athleticism will be overpowering for any opponent that they may face.

Now, I'm not getting ahead of myself and crowning Team USA champions just yet, but I think that Coach K and the rest of USA's supporters have to feel good after today's performance. Granted, they played against Croatia. The last good basketball entity to come out of Croatia was No.7, the "sensation" himself -- Toni Kukoc.

Even "The Glove" had trouble shutting down "The Croatian Sensation."