While browsing through the forums of SuFu and NT I've been noticing a trend, more and more threads dedicated to the beautiful athletes of the Olympics(and no, i'm not talking about that marvel superhero). I mean don't get me wrong, I too am a heterosexual male and have been watching the Olympics just like everyone else but didn't notice until these topics were brought up. Peaking my curiosity, I decided to further investigate the subject and boy were they right. Hit the jump for the full story and gallery

Let me tell you, it was a long, agonizing and arduous journey. It isn't easy looking through hundreds of photos of beautiful girls but GODDAMIT somebody had to do it. So without further ado, I present to you the Aphrodites' of the Olympics. Click on the thumbnails to enlarge.

Almudena Cid:

Alona Bondarenko:

Amanda Beard:

Ana Ivonovic:

Anita Gorbicz:

Elena Dementieva:

Francesca Piccinini:

Hanna Maria Seppala:

Heather Mitts:

Jenna Randall:

Jenny Adams:

Jenny Finch:

Leryn Franco:

Logan Tom:

LoLo Jones:

Marilou Dozois Prevost:

Nastia Liukin:

Stephanie Rice:

Sylwia Gruchala:

Tatiana Golovin:

And lastly, Alicia Sacramone:

Après carmelo voila Lebron James qui est dessiner au sketch

That might be one of the most powerful dunks I have ever seen in my life.  Holla.

lik dot

Este último es muy famoso para todos los seguidores de la NBA.

Kilt 'em.

Shouts to Rob Mc-Illin for the find.

Especial mención para la primera imagen, el ritual que hace Lebron James antes de los partidos, la aparición de Gasol y Cristiano Ronaldo.

It seemed like, while watching the game between USA and Greece, that the Americans had shed their smiles and silly attitudes and seriously came to this game to show how dominant they are.  They seemed like a team that knew they were going to win, and there was nothing the other team could do about it.  They all were playing extremely aggressively and their motors never died....just watch all the replays of the dunkfest and swatfest (dunks/blocks).  It was awesome to see, and it really did shed light on the fact that the only thing that can beat them, is themselves and their inability to show up when it's needed.  Take a look at this report [more]

However, even with this new addition at the point I would still like to see Ben Wallace reemerge as a force on the inside.  Last year he tended to look a bit lethargic and frankly the "Fear the Fro" was more along the lines of "Call me Buckwheat".  Wallace needs to light a fire under his own butt and make himself a threat once more.   I think the Cav's will at the very least make it past the second round of the playoffs this year.

Well its been 2 years and now the long awaited rematch is upon us. I'm sure the USA will be hungry for revenge, but can they execute and do what needs to be done or will they let their emotions get the best of them. Greece is no punk, they play a very physical style of ball. I aint never been to jail, but I'm sure basketball is played the same way in the penitentiary. I watched Greece go up against Dirk Nowitzki and Germany. The beat Germany into submission, even mild mannered Dirk lost his cool with the physicality of Greece. But don't get it twisted and think for one second that Greece is brawn no skill. They are extremely skilled and will give Team USA their first real test of these Olympics. It doesn't get any easier after this, with Spain and Germany still left in pool play and then potential match-ups with Argentina and Lithuania on the horizon, this will be a gold medal well earned.

I think Team USA beats the bejesus out of Greece. I think they're going to be so focused and ready for this game. Wade and Lebron will continue to be fantastic but look for Kobe Bryant to really play a great game. Don't pay attention to his scoring, even though I believe he'll have his best game shooting wise. Pay attention to Kobe's defense. I'm almost certain from the tip he's going to want to guard the European Magic Johnson, Vasileios Spanoulis.... Kobe wants to send this guy and everyone in the building a message and set the tone for the ass whippin'. Spanoulis is their best playmaker and their clutch guy, you take him out, you will win.

Also, Jason Kidd is going to have to be aggressive out there. Greece will most likely play some type opf defense that's going to leave Kidd wide ass open. So far, he's passed up a ton open looks, but I believe he'll look to score in this game. He has to or his ass will be on the bench and Deron Williams or Chris Paul will take his place.

Time for Team USA to show the world they are for real and ready to rule the basketball world again. My prediction, Team USA wins by 20!

In terms of sheer talent being exchanged, the Cavs would easily win out this trade, but that viewpoint assumes talent is the only factor in NBA trades. Milwaukee, currently lacking a financial meal ticket like Lebron James, needs to lighten its payroll a bit, in order to steer clear of the NBA luxury tax. Oklahoma City, on the other hand, wants to do some pruning at its overcrowded point guard position, in order for #4 draft pick Russell Westbrook to get some playing time. Remember that point guards take the longest to develop, and giving Westbrook as much time as possible early on, will only help him and his rapport with fellow building blocks Kevin Durant and Jeff Green.

Since it's no secret that for years, Cleveland has been trying to fill its gaping hole at point guard with paper mache and Elmer's glue, the cost of acquiring a legit player like Williams would necessitate a forceful body blow to another roster spot in order for the trade to happen. Joe Smith played very well after arriving on last season's trade deadline, and his post scoring skills and ability to guard perimeter-based power forwards were put to use in many late game situations and match ups.

So while I like Joe Smith's skill set on the Cavs, the opportunity to swap him for Mo Williams is too good to pass up. Williams puts up 17 points per game, which is definitely more than Cleveland would be getting out of Smith, plus the kicker in the trade is more playing time for rookies J.J. Hickson and Darnell Jackson. Keep in mind that the Cavs frontcourt already looks like this:

Zydrunas Ilgauskas - 20-25 minutes per game
Ben Wallace- 20-25 minutes per game
Anderson Varejao (until he's traded before the February deadline) - 20-25 minutes per game
J.J. Hickson - 10-15 minutes per game
Darnell Jackson - 8-12 minutes per game

So even after factoring in the inevitable departure of Varejao, and the 30-35 games of "DNP- Coaches decision" for Hickson and Jackson while they learn the ropes, the amount of time available to Joe Smith is actually rather small.

And assuming that Mo Williams can put in at least 65 games (he's played at least 66 in 3 of the last 4 seasons) at his expected level of production, the Cavs offense would improve as a result of the trade.

Defensively, Mo Will is regarded as deficient, although the times I've seen him play, he at least has shown that he's quick enough to potentially be a good defender. Plus he's only 25, so if he has a good attitude and a full season/training camp under Mike Brown, I would expect him to be at least competent on D.

When factoring in contracts, this trade could possibly expand to include some combination of Bucks PF Charlie Villanueva, Cavs PGs Damon Jones and Eric Snow, and Sonics PF Nick Collison. Bloated trades are a lot more complicated and often blow up on the table, but considering the 3 team, 11 player whopper pulled off last February, big trades seem to be the way Cavs GM Danny Ferry wants to play. OKC GM Sam Presti is friends with Ferry, and specializes in the smaller trades that lead to future assets, so the prospect of saving some money (by letting go of Ridnour) and letting his young guys play could be enticing. The Bucks, on the other hand, are a wildcard. GM John Hammond is in his first year, and based on how former GM Larry Harris worked last year with his hands tied behind his back, probably has more creative freedom to reshape the roster than he will down the road.

So if this trade is to work out, Hammond needs to decide what type of players he wants around SG Michael Redd, C Andrew Bogut, and new arrival Richard Jefferson. A slashing/scoring PG like Williams would probably be out of tune with Coach Scott Skiles' style of hustle and defense, and would also be taking away shots from Jefferson. Luke Ridnour is a pass-first point guard, which would work well offensively, but he's certainly no better on defense than Williams. So maybe the trade would work better if OKC includes PG Earl Watson instead. Watson is a lockdown defender, and combining him with Richard Jefferson would keep Michael Redd from ever having to expend much energy on the defensive end. But that still depends in Hammond being willing to pull the trigger.

Lebron and D. Wade chime in on Phelps legendary run at the games.

Having won 5 Gold Medals already, and fashionably doing so while breaking of the world records associated with each event, here stands Michael Phelps.  Only 23 years old, and now there is no arguing the fact that he is the single greatest Olympian EVER!  He now has 11 Gold Medals, which a chance to end up with 14 after the Olympics in Beijing are over.  He is gracious, quiet, not overly cocky, hard-working, likeable, and the list goes on....but the one thing that separates him from the others is the fact that he works harder, swims faster, and continues to crush every competitor and world record standing in front of him......or swimming for that matter.

He is an American through and through, giving his all day in and day out to compete at the highest imaginable level.  He has helped throw swimming back in the limelight of American households, and has just about every American and team USA fan standing up and screaming at the t.v., cheering him on, urging him, pushing him, carrying him to unimaginable heights as an Olympian. [more]

Yea Ima say it, I told you so.

PREVIOUSLY: 50 Million Reasons To Go Global aka me tellin yall so.

**Here is a recent article that I came across that goes into how popular USA Basketball has become, and also shines some light on how Yao Ming helped bridge the gap between USA and China....well in terms of basketball....but hey, it's a start.**

The U.S. is becoming the home team.

That was apparent on Sunday night, when the U.S. drew huge ovations even as it schooled Yao Ming and his less-talented teammates in a 101-70 rout of China. Off the court, the Americans have been mobbed by autograph seekers everywhere they go.

“Sometimes we think we’re bigger in China than we are in the United States,” U.S. guard Chris Paul said.

Four years after being scorned in Athens, Team USA is bent on shedding the ugly American image, and the Chinese are buying it. A combination of the NBA’s popularity here and the Americans’ star power have fostered warm feelings among the players and the fans.

Call it slam dunk diplomacy.

“We’re just perceived different now,” said Dwyane Wade, a member of the 2004 Olympic bronze medal squad. “In Athens, we weren’t a favorite at all.”

It would be easy to blame former coach Larry Brown and the players on the 2004 team—Stephon Marbury, Allen Iverson and company—for the Americans’ poor image in Athens. [read more]

The score in the United States' 101-70 victory cannot overshadow the perfect storm of basketball's past, present and future coming together for one massive coming-out party for two distinctive spheres of the sport.

Located inside the eye of this storm is Yao Ming, unquestionably the most important basketball player in the world. Lebron James may be richer, and Kobe Bryant more successful, but Yao's outstretched frame marks the dividing line between the NBA and commissioner David Stern's attempt to market basketball to the 300 million Chinese basketball fans who have been voting Yao into every All-Star game since he entered the NBA.

And on Sunday, you could tell the Americans were well aware of the importance of marketing their product. Kobe Bryant and Lebron James, the two best players on what is unofficially referred to as the "redeem team", put on a show of high flying dunks and glitzy passes, much to the amusement of the riotous crowd.

"Look, I had five dunks in one game. Last time I had five dunks in the game, I was like, 17," Kobe Bryant said. "That's all because of the energy in the crowd. I think they knew that history was being made. It was amazing. It was a proud moment for their country as it was for ours. You could feel the electricity."

Five dunks in a game for the first time in 13 years for Kobe Bryant? Please try to tell me with a straight face that is a coincidence. Lebron James also had a few dunks of his own, but as the only member of the team to have a working knowledge of Mandarin Chinese, something tells me Lebron has been preparing for this game for quite some time.

The USA basketball team has taken a lot of heat ever since it stumbled to a bronze finish in Athens four years ago. And although it's easy to criticize the US players for failing to dominate a sport invented by their home country, the outpouring of Chinese fans who came to witness Kobe and Lebron battle Yao Ming is proof that basketball is a microcosm of globalization in general, and any stumbles can be more related to birth pains, than a sign that the sport is in trouble of any kind.

Sixteen years ago, the Dream Team led by Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and Larry Bird waved an American flag in one hand, and the steering wheel of a steamroller in the other, as the US cruised over an unprepared international field. It took only ten years from that date before the US relinquished the gold medal podium to Yugoslavia, and the Americans haven't won the gold since. I'm sure if you asked the hyper-competitive Jordan in 1992 whether the USA basketball would lose its place as the best team in the world within his lifetime, he would have laughed in your face.

But global expansion is clearly a good thing, as evidenced by increased tv viewers and international sales. And if David Stern could find a way to get 30 NBA-quality arenas built, I wouldn't rule out the chance that he's consider moving the entire league over to China. A billion television viewers and 300 million Chinese fans will at least keep that idea in the back of his head.

A clever reminder of US-Chinese diplomatic relations took place during a Coke commercial that displayed an animated Lebron James and Yao Ming facing off against each other in a show of cultural containment, while cowboys, dragons, pandas and eagles each pick sides against one another. Not surprisingly (this being a Coke commercial and all), they each pull out their secret weapon: a Coke bottle, which is deemed sufficient enough to call off the seeming inevitability of a violent military exchange. I'm sure viewers everywhere are thanking their lucky stars for Coca-Cola, and its ability to prevent World War III.

But enough about Coca-Cola being the perfect vaccination for a unbridled bloodbath, because Coke is just one company out of many that wants a piece of China's basketball-viewing audience. And since it's likely that Sunday's game featured a larger viewing audience and greater display of Chinese and American talent than any game scheduled to take place in the distant future, getting in on the ground floor on Sunday could resonate in the minds of Chinese basketball fans for years to come.

Im sure the sports heads that frequent this site have already heard about the speculation of Bron Bron and Kobe taking 50 million a year in salary and going overseas to hoop it up. When I first heard of the idea, I quickly laughed it off. Why the hell would you go overseas to play when WE have the best talent. Then I heard that 1 Billion people watched the China vs. USA game and I had to realize the obvious, the game is so much bigger than the NBA, and David Stern should be real shook right about now. I mean, think about it for a second, you have Kobe and Lebron the 2 biggest stars in the league, who's contracts are up the next 2 seasons, being courted by teams ready to shell out 50 million dollars for one season, did I mention that this bread is basically untouchable by the IRS?

They both have already came out and made statements about seriously considering the opportunity which is only smart business, because that forces David Stern and his cronies to up the ante if they want to keep their star power intact. But the fact that the offers are even being considered really shows that there is a change taking place in the Global arena of hoops, and the NBA may not have 1st dibs anymore, Josh Childress wont be the last, quote me on that.

Lets think about Bron Bron for a second. He's 23, been in the league 5 years or so, and is the face of the league at this point. He could go overseas, just for ONE season and make the King James brand even bigger on a global scale, pocket a cool 50 milli and still come back to the league by the time he's 27. It's a perfect business opportunity and you gotta remember folks, sports is business 1st and the game second, thats how it goes. Any good business man sells his product to the highest bidder, so dont be mad if Bronie goes for the paper, that sell out shit is for the birds. Dont believe me? Listen to ESPN

While $50 million a year seems outlandish, it is within the realm of possibility, considering the reported $250 million contract David Beckham received two years ago to join Major League Soccer, the $33 million Michael Jordan was paid by the Chicago Bulls for the 1997-98 season, the strength of the euro in comparison to the dollar, and the fact that European clubs are not bound by a salary cap.

And then there's the most hated, Mr. MVP, Kobe Bryant. Kobe has also recently said that he would consider an offer from his childhood country of Italy. He speaks the language fluently, and is the best player in the world, so why not really make that statement official? He knows damn well that the Lakers cant offer him that type of bread and even though he is currently in the biggest market, 50 mil is 50 mil.

"For the most part, the league considers the players to be fungible products," an official from the National Basketball Players Association said. "But LeBron is one of the three or four players the league would definitely hate to lose. If a team lost him or Kobe [Bryant] to Europe, it would lose its mind. It would be devastating."

Boy, you aint never lied. What do yall think?

China empezó el partido con mucha motivación y con 4 de 5 en triples. Tuvo ventajas de 4 puntos y mantuvo el partido igualado en el primer cuarto. Anthony comenzó muy mal el encuentro y pronto salió Bosh. Lo mismo ocurrió con Kidd, que pronto se fue al banquillo por Paul. Los nuevos mejoraron la circulación de balón con Kobe y Lebron como anotadores. Carmelo se tiraba unos lanzamientos muy complicados, y solamente Wade hacía una buena selección de tiro. El descaro de Chen y la contundencia de Yao permitieron a China mostrar un gran nivel. El entrenador lituano ha dejado huella en el lanzamiento de tres puntos de esta selección. Sin embargo Estados Unidos, con Howard al frente, lideraba el marcador al final del primer cuarto por 20-16.

En el segundo cuarto Zhu seguía acertado en triples (3 de 3). EEUU se abastecía de los contrataques culminados por Howard y Wade. China tenía 7 de 11 en triples, Estados Unidos 1 de 11. Esa era la causa por la que China empataba a 29 a mitad del segundo cuarto. En los siguientes 5 minutos China no estuvo tan acertada. Estados Unidos mejoró mucho la presión y consiguió muchas canastas fáciles gracias a los mates en contraataque. Wade y Lebron , más inteligente el primero, culminaban las buenas defensas de su equipo. El partido llegó al descanso con Estados Unidos ganando 49-37.

Tras el descanso Kobe estaba muy motivado y pronto lo demostró machacando la canasta. Yi le respondió. China empezaba a fallar los triples. Estados Unidos sobrepasaba sin problemas la defensa zonal china. La presión americana funcionaba y Lebron anotó su punto número 18 y puso a su equipo 17 arriba. Bosh y Paul hacían el trabajo intangible para que Lebron, Kobe y Wade, que estaba protagonizando un gran encuentro, anotaran. El de los Heat era el máximo anotador. Estados Unidos dinamitó el partido con un 74-48 a final del tercer cuarto. China echó de menos todo el acierto extra que tuvo en la primera parte y el marcador reflejaba la diferencia real entre ambos equipos.

En el último cuarto los titulares ya estaban en el banquillo. Williams tuvo su momento en el partido con una gran serie de acciones individuales frente a Yao Ming, muy enfadado. Con Paul, Reed y Prince el balón se movió con mucha más facilidad, gracias también al derrotismo chino. El partido era poco más que un entrenamiento. Yao abandonó la pista entre el clamor popular. El quinteto B de Estados Unidos no estaba falto de calidad, y la diferencia fue aumentando. Ji tuvo una gran actuación en el final de encuentro. Boozer hizo lo propio para Estados Unidos, muy bien asistido por Paul. Reed puso a los suyos en 101 puntos y el partido no dio para más. Estados Unidos 101- China 70. El primer paso para el oro está dado. Asignatura pendiente: el tiro de tres puntos. El punto fuerte: el contraataque. Los mejores han sido Wade y Lebron y el más decepcionante ha sido de nuevo Carmelo Anthnoy. China se juega mucho ante España el martes. Estados Unidos espera un partido sencillo ante Angola.

Luis Javier González Cuéllar

Συνέντευξη του Josh Childress στο κανάλι ESPN και στην εκπομπή Sports Center.

Ο Childress μίλησε, για την μεταγραφή του στον Ολυμπιακό, για τις πρώτες εντυπώσεις του από την Αθήνα, τον Λεμπρόν Τζέιμς και για το σάλαρι κάπ που υπάρχει στο NBA.