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2014 FIBA World Cup: 10 major takeaways

By Bryce Olin

Aug 16, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; United States guard Derrick Rose (6) is defended by Brazil forward Raul Neto (5) during the second quarter at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 16, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; United States guard Derrick Rose (6) is defended by Brazil forward Raul Neto (5) during the second quarter at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports /
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March 19, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Pau Gasol (16) moves to the basket against the San Antonio Spurs during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
March 19, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Pau Gasol (16) moves to the basket against the San Antonio Spurs during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Pau Gasol looks like 2009 Pau Gasol

Okay, maybe I’m getting a little carried away with the 2009 comparison, but Gasol was terrific for Spain in the tournament and their best player by far. In the tournament, Gasol averaged 20.0 points per game on 63.5 percent shooting. He also averaged 5.9 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game.

Obviously, international basketball is a different style of basketball than what is played in the NBA, but there’s a lot of be positive about for Gasol fans and Bulls fans. I was particularly impressed with how Gasol moved on the court. In the past few NBA seasons, Gasol has looked a step slow on defense and has lost some of his quickness in attacking the basket.

Gasol looked slow moving laterally a few times, but he was able to play decent defense against some pretty good NBA players, like Brazil’s Tiago Splitter and Anderson Varejao and France’s Rudy Gobert and Boris Diaw. The competition wasn’t always up to par for the NBA; we all know that.

There’s a lot of be excited about for Gasol’s future. I mean, it’s not like the last few seasons with the Lakers and Mike D’Antoni’s fast pace have made Gasol look like a good player. It was good to see him fully excel once again, especially as the lone bright spot in Spain’s quarterfinal loss to France.

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