Luka’s Corner

With the opening ceremony kicking off tomorrow, the United States has completed all of its exhibitions and it is time for the real games to start (on Sunday against China). It is also time for my Olympic predictions:

Gold Medal: USA

The US team is simply too deep at every position to lose this time. They have regained their focus after consecutive international defeats and are poised for an Olympic run.

Silver Medal: Spain

Spain has proven that they can win on the international stage. They have Pau Gasol, Jose Calderon, and even Ricky Rubio this time around.

Bronze Medal: Argentina

Argentina is the defending Olympic champion, so they are intent on defending their spot as the best. Ginobili, the best non-American in these games, is the difference.

Team to Watch: Croatia

Croatia is a skilled team that moves the ball around well and finds the open shooters. Marko Tomas is their go-to-guy and Nikola Prkacin is their low-post threat. Remember that this team beat Spain at the European Championships in 2007.