The issue goes far beyond coaching

 

I think the knee-jerk reaction of so many to what was an entirely predictable demise of Canada here in Izmir is hilarious.

Any of you out there who think this is solely a coaching issue are so sadly mistaken it’s not even funny and the immediate cry to “fire Leo” is at best short-sighted.

Canada is not going to the second round of the worlds for one very obvious reason: The talent level isn’t good enough.

They aren’t big enough or strong enough or old enough or fast enough to be one of the top four teams in this group and, as some have been saying all along, advancing would have been a huge accomplishment.

It didn’t happen.

Now, that’s not to say it won’t, there are more talented teens out there who may one day emerge as legitimate global players and this current group of youngsters will improve as it ages, of that I have not doubt.

But this team – without its best scorer for most of it – wasn’t up to snuff. And coaching had little or nothing to do with it.

About the only time I even considered it an issue was in a four-minute stretch of the third quarter against Lithuania when maybe they could have gone back to some starters to stop a run and, in hindsight, running out Kelly Olynyk earlier in the tournament might not have been a bad idea.

But other than that?

Nothing.

But don’t you all worry.

Leo’s contact – and that of women’s coach Alison McNeill – expires at the end of this summer and everything, as it always is, will be up for review.

I don’t know what the Canada Basketball board will do and because I don’t see this as a coaching issue right now, I really don’t have intense feelings either way on whether Leo should be retained or not.

But to place the blame for what happened here on him is ridiculous.

-

Leave it to the one and only Maurizio Gherardini to find an outstanding Italian restaurant on a pier overlooking the Aegean in Izmir.

The fish carpaccio appetizer was to die for.

-

Saw something here in Izmir yesterday that I hadn’t seen since I touched down in Turkey what feels like six weeks ago.

A cloud.

It’s been nothing but crystal clear blue skies, intense heat and oppressive humidity since we landed but there yesterday morning were some storm clouds rolling in off the sea and a rain storm that lasted about half an hour.

Didn’t do anything to clear anything up, though; it was back to mid-30s and thick by the time we headed to the arena.

-

I see the Rpators TV schedule came out yesterday.

And a wave of déjà vu hit.

This whole Sportsnet One thing is going to blow until it’s cleared up and there’s no indication when that’ll be. The “new” network isn’t yet on any cable or satellite system that isn’t Rogers and that means, if it doesn’t get worked out by the first Sportsnet One game in late December, a whole whack of you are going to miss a whole whack of games.

Given the TSN2 debacle a couple of years back, I have no idea how the tall foreheads at Maple Leaf Sports managed to let this happen again but you would have thought something would have been said before new deals were struck.

Guess the good thing is there’s lots of time left to get this thing fixed but, at the moment, it’s terrible.

-

Hey, you know me and history, right?

I love to look around nooks and crannies to find interesting artifacts or statues or fountains or the like.

Well, it’s not too often a guy goes on a morning walkabout and comes upon a red bull and a cow -- or maybe it's a pig -- lazing on its back.

Seriously, those two things aside, this a pretty neat city for finding things. Trouble is, there is little or no English anywhere to be found so I really have no clue what I’m seeing when I see it.

I’m just going on the assumption that every statue I see is of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder and first president of this country.

-

Mail?

Sure, send it along here.

I’ve got a flight over to Istanbul tomorrow sometime (I think it’s day here, early morning there) and I should have some time to get some answers worked up.

-

Oh yeah, this a tad old but we did get to Denham Brown yesterday to ask about the final seconds of the France game, when he drove the ball in the final 10 seconds with his team down three.

Yes, he knew the score and the circumstance and told us he wanted to either make a basket and draw a foul or score and then play a foul-free throw game to see if they couldn’t win one at the buzzer.

Yes, I know that’s odd and not at all what I would have done – or what many others would have done – but it’s what he did, fully cognizant of the time left, the score and the situation.

-

Memo to the City Fathers of Izmir: It’s about these sidewalks.

I don’t know why but it seems every storefront has its sidewalk at a different level than the ones on either side of it. Sometimes the drop-off is a few inches, sometimes it’s a foot or two, sometimes it’s just enough to make a guy spill his coffee and almost go ass over tea kettle when he’s wandering aimlessly.

I love the cobblestone and the old-time feel to small streets in European cities; I do not love worrying about falling every three steps because this guy’s little patch of sidewalk isn’t level with the next guy’s.

Can you do something about that? Thanks.

-

Hey, how about Angola beating Germany in overtime yesterday? That has to be the biggest upset yet, right? And it sets up one of three doozies here the last day of group play, games we should pay attention to.

You’ve got Angola-Australia for third place in Group A, Russia-Greece for second in Group C and Brazil-Croatia for third and fourth in Group B.

All biggies and may give me something to pay attention to rather than the non-events of Group D here in Izmir.

But pay attention I will because we’ll do the last of our in-game bloggy thingies starting at 9 a.m. Eastern if any of you want to stop by.

-

So I’m walking down a street yesterday (and I have no idea what it was called because not many streets actually have names as far as I can tell) when what do my eyes see: A dude walking and carrying – get this! – a Starbucks cup!

You know me and Starbucks (hi Hurontario and Harborn, I’ll be back soon!) so I had to ask. And sure enough, guy tells me it’s just down the block and there’s not a much better way to relax for a few minutes than with a vente latte sitting on a bench looking out over the Aegean.

In fact, I believe that’s what I’m off to do now.

-

 

 

Comments

[Matthieu]

Hi Doug,

Thank you for the pic of the Swiss cow. Apparently what you saw was part of the 2010 Izmir CowParade: http://www.cowparadeizmir2010.com/ana-sayfa-1.aspx and http://solarcower.blogspot.com/2010/04/cow-parade-izmir.html

[Chris]

Doug, if you are a coffee fan I recommend branching out and trying some of the awesome new independent coffee shops around Toronto. Try Crema coffee http://cremacoffee.ca/. The owner Geoff Polci has set up a unique place and they know how to brew the best coffee. Try a clover.

[Bill from NS]

I for one have liked what Leo has done over the yeasrs with the team and it's profile. Canada Basketball is moving in the right direction, and I think Leo should continue to be a part of that.

[Ted S.]

While I agree that Canada did not have the talent level (especially with experience) to make noise at this tournament, there are other issues that need to be addressed. Leo's guys played hard and were doing good things in long stretches in many of these Pool games. I could quibble about a few tactical decisions as games began to drift away but again, I agree these aren't the central issues. Easy to say "fire him" but as fans of the game we need to be more reflective as the program stabilizes and grows.
.
So while the coach isn't fully to blame for Canada's record, what responsibility does he shoulder for not having a team with depth? What role does the coach play in attracting Canada's top players? No, he can't control the pre-tourney injuries, but does Leo command the respect from Canada's elite players to the point where they want to play for him and their country? Do our guys play with that super-human intensity and hunger as games end or do we wear down physically and mentally? These questions need to be answered as Canada's u17 and u18 players continue to develop. Some of those guys can really play.
.
Although the 0-4 record stinks, I believe there is some reason for Canadian basketball fans to be optimistic in years to come. The gap between teams in the top 25 is narrowing. I don't think we could say the same thing about other sports.
.
On a final note: besides Andy, what does Leo bring to Team Canada as coach? What are his strengths in your opinion? I am sure many fans will point out his weaknesses.

[Andrew]

Hey doug, better check again. That red bull has udders pal.
Also, thanks for the blog. Can you at least start some far-fetched raptors rumours for us crazed and bored offseason fans? Thanks!

[Kevin from Vaughan]

I agree that Leo is not to blame for the entire debacle but I do think that there is something to be said about having a coach with previous coaching experience. I think that Leo should have a role with the organization as an ambassador and adviser but the coaching role should be filled by someone who, i dont know, coaches for a living. Leo's inexperience showed at times and for the future development of this program I believe they should bring in an international coach who lives the FIBA style 24/7 and not someone who does it part time.

[Joey H]

Doug, if you could, let the powers at MLSE know that the more we end up having to pay for extra stupid channels, the less we're going to spend to go watch a game. If I have to pay an extra 10 bucks every month, then another 10 bucks just to get Sportsnet whatever, just for a few games,(which I will end up doing) I'm not nearly as inclined to spend moore money on tickets.
They're not growing the Product, or the Market, they are Alienating it, and MLSE is going right along.

[snyper]

I didn't realize that Leo was in the last year of his contract - but that would explain some of his roster choices. It is a couple of omissions that puzzled me from the start.
It seems like it was more important to him to do well at this tournament, at the expense of bringing in younger, potentially more valuable players down the road. I would have liked to have seen youngsters such as Kris Joseph from Syracuse (projected by many to be an NBA first round pick this year), and Devoe Jospeh, the starting PG at the University of Minnesota at the expense of guys who have been in the program longer but have reached their ceiling (like Ryan Bell, Olu Famutimi, and *Tyler Kepkay - who almost made it).
I thought the team played hard for him, but I question his short-sightedness.

[Matt M]

Sounds like your reader are preparing for the Raptor Tradition of screaming "Fire (insert Raptors coach here)" on your blog. Surprised we didn't see a point guard debate on top of it, or at least hear incessant whining about Jermaine Anderson's defence.
My thought on team Canada is there are too many Canadians on the roster. This ain't hockey after all.

[Eric]

Disagree with many of your opinions, but you're right on regarding sportsgrab one.
They are eroding a solid, but not bullet-proof, base of Canadian support for our only NBA entry. This isn't hockey and it isn't the Leafs. Basketball fans aren't going to continue to be held at gun point to watch a moderate-to-poor product.
The tall foreheads at MLSE should go back to high school.

[arun]

"Leave it to the one and only Maurizio Gherardini to find an outstanding Italian restaurant on a pier overlooking the Aegean in Izmir.

The fish carpaccio appetizer was to die for."

Did Maurizio pay???

[Nick M]

I've got to rant.

I was not affected by the TSN2 debacle as a consumer of Bell and not to thrown any blame on you, Doug, but I do remember a comment similar to:
'Guess the good thing is there’s lots of time left to get this thing fixed but, at the moment, it’s terrible'
That did not help them then and probably won't help them now. The mindset of the MLSE was clear after comments like Tom Anselmi's last year that a few games that are not broadcast on a major provider shouldn't matter that much(from the best of my recollection).
These guys just don't get it. The Raps are not popular enough and/or don't have enough loyal fans to expect people to change providers or pay to watch games. They should have learned this after RaptorsTV. They didn't. Then they definitely should know it after TSN2, right. They obviously don't.
According to the saying:
Fool them once, shame on you. Fool them twice,
SHAME ON THEM.
Everyone behind this should resign or be fired.
I guess the thought process is that at least they have the majority of the GTA able to access Sportsnet One through Rogers...
Until next year when the 'Big Score' channel comes out. Then we're all f%$^&d!!!

End of Rant!!!

[Young James]

Hey Doug - Leo choose the team and chooses who to play how they and when they play - there is some blame there my friend.

[Tiger]

I'm not at all disappointed in Leo's boys, however I am quite disappointed for them. Even one win would have a nice consolation and beacon of hope to offset the hard lessons of their losses. But it just didn't happen for them.
Kind of an irrelevant afterthought now, but I wonder if the Dalembert fiasco played a part in Matt Bonner not getting an expedited citizenship. Never knew who was at fault, Dalembert or Leo, but it left an impression that the feds sped through a citizenship just so some schmuck could play basketball. Just sayin'...

[petro]

Doug... I've been a long time believer in most of what you write because you are a "common sense" kind of guy... until this ridiculous, disgustingly mistaken article.

Did you write this just to create traffic and angst on your blog???

Your article and the way you worded it... is an insult to those of us who really know and understand and follow this game.

There is no denying that grit and determination by the Canadian players is what kept them in most of these games... and ONE THING FOR SURE... the players didn't let Leo down with their efforts.

But I do think that Leo really let them down.

Our guys played hard enough to be in a position to steal a couple of wins. The problem was the coach didn't coach as hard as the players played (before and during the tournament).

The games were just not managed properly... horrific use of clock management and time outs, player substitutions, lack of creativity with offensive schemes.

Top level international coaches would've had their teams better prepared and would've managed these games more efficiently... giving their players a chance to steal a win or two.

In international baskteball, aside from talent, clear role definition and systems result in wins... this was clearly lacking with Canada - and that falls onto Leo and only Leo.

Like all respected Euro coaches... when you fail to succeed or meet expectations - you resign. Following this performance, Leo should do the right thing, the credible thing, and the "commoin sense" thing... AND RESIGN.

YOU SERIOUSLY MAY HAVE LOST ME AS A LOYAL BLOG FOLLOWER!

Blogger's note: Oh well, my loss I guess. Take care

[sherry]

Omg - that cow in a cup is histerical!!! Thanks for sharing Doug!

[Pipit]

This is what Maurizio Gherardini is good at? How about getting good European players to play for the Raptors. This guy has been with the team for a few years now but still I didn't see any significant contribution to the team in terms of improving its roster. What's the monicker "Godfather of European basketball" is for? Such a waste.

[Pipit]

If your right Doug about Brown knowing what the situation is on the last 10 seconds of teh France game, then we can safely say that this guy has a basketball IQ of a 6 year old. And if its true that this guy scored 111 points in a basketball game, then it must be against toddlers.

[Pipit]

Very well said Petro. You can now replace Doug on this blog.

[DanH]

Hey Doug - big issue for me is that the first Sportsnet 1 game is NOVEMBER 1st, not late December.

[J]

I can one up you on the Starbucks sighting. I was in Dublin last week and Came across a Tim Horton's. Yes I puked in my mouth a little bit... of all the Canadiana to spread across the ocean the best we could do are double doubles and doughnuts?

[Geoff Read]

Wow... "petro" really seems upset.

People: there are bigger problems in the world than a minor disagreement you might have with Doug about whether or not Leo Rautins deserves to be canned. Save your anger and disillusionment for the political and corporate leaders who deserve it.

[b123]

Have you seen any non-NBA players there that the Raps could/ should pursue in the very near future (e.g. a center)? If so, who? How could such a work?

Blogger's note: No, I haven't and if a guy's a free agent he can sign anywhere

[Mat]

@Nick M & Eric, I think they (Cable Stations & Providers) do get it... If they offer it, we will pay. These are businesses that research their market and identify whether or not something will work before they do it. As long as there is enough content on the station besides the Raptors it will work as it will appeal to a broad base of sports fans not JUST Raptors fans.

The only thing holding it up is figuring out who gets how much of my money, I just wish they'd hurry up already.

[GPB]

What is frustrating about Canada's performance is how little progress we have made since the Jack Donahue's days. Countries like Lithuania and Slovenia with populations of 3 million are excelling. Lithuania since becoming independent has won 3 olympic bronzes and finished 4th twice. Their Fiba team has only Kleiza from the NBA, their centre is hurt, and their coach is new. How do they do it? Can we learn something?