Team USA’s DeMarcus Cousins doesn’t know where Slovenia is
By Phil Watson
So much for knowing one’s opponent.
Team USA center DeMarcus Cousins, answering a reporter’s question in advance of Tuesday’s FIBA World Cup quarterfinal against Slovenia, unabashedly admitted he doesn’t know where Slovenia is.
As reported by The Associated Press’ Brian Mahoney, via Twitter:
Classic U.S. moment: European journalist to DeMarcus Cousins: "Do you know where Slovenia is?" Cousins: "No, do you know where Alabama is?"
— Brian Mahoney (@briancmahoney) September 8, 2014
Team USA is 6-0 in the tournament and their closest game was a 21-point win over Turkey in the second game of the group phase on Aug. 31.
They face Slovenia’s potent Double Dragon attack on Tuesday in the form of Phoenix Suns star Goran Dragic and his younger brother, Zoran.
Slovenia played the U.S. in an exhibition game at Madison Square Garden in advance of the FIBA World Cup, so they are at least familiar with what Team USA does.
And Team USA has shown some weaknesses—a stagnant halfcourt offense, defenders getting lost on switches and backcuts—but they have yet to face a team that could take advantage of those issues.
The U.S. got to the quarterfinals on the strength of an 86-63 win over Mexico on Saturday, while Slovenia (5-1) advanced with a 71-61 win over the Dominican Republic the same day.
Goran Dragic is leading Slovenia with averages of 16.5 points and 4.3 assists per game. Zoran Dragic is averaging 13.2 points and Domen Lorbek is scoring 11.5 points a contest.
Kenneth Faried of the Denver Nuggets is the leading U.S. scorer at 19.8 points per game, with Anthony Davis of the New Orleans Pelicans at 18.7 and James Harden of the Houston Rockets hitting 15.3.
Oh, and by the way, DeMarcus:
