There are still 6 minutes left in the game as I type this, so it could look stupid in retrospect. I loved what USA did when it was time to get serious and stop toying with World.
Flagg and his HS teammate Newell were in the frontcourt with 3 guards. You could debate which one was the “center” but who cares? They were interchangeable, and K would’ve loved having these guys in his defense. Both were guarding 25 feet out really well, picking up anyone 1-5 on switches, recovering, somehow also protecting the basket. That defense was incredible, and it’s the best use of Flagg. I wish we had Newell coming to join him.
His offense was nothing special. Started off with 3 midrange fadeaways, which was disconcerting. Didn’t take many more. Focused on facilitating and turning defense into transition offense. I think AD is his closest single comp.
Evans probably isn’t ready yet. USA coach certainly didn’t think so. I don’t think he’s OAD.
I’m not sure Ndongba played at all?
Unrealistic people are going to be disappointed by Maluach. He was just kind of there, being tall. Definitely a project. Unfortunately a project who is almost certainly OAD. Stewart should probably start over him. Best thing I can take away from that is, optimistically, Maluach was preventing a layup line from ever starting by USA, by standing near the rim. I don’t know if that’s accurate.