During the last World Cup, ESPN wrote an article about what USA's world cup team would look like if we had the best athletes in the country playing soccer. They looked at other sports, and drew the best examples from those sports to populate a team.
What if that were the case in volleyball? What would your "dream team" look like if you could select any current professional athlete? You'll have to choose 2 outsides, 2 middles, 2 setters, 1-2 opposites, a Libero, and a coach. Post your thoughts on the comments below.
Without putting too much thought into it, here's my initial list:
1 Outside: Lebron James (NBA) - Strong, fast, and most of all creative. He's a playmaker, and leaving him outside will let him carry the offensive and defensive load. I assume he would also be a primary in serve-receive.
2 Outside: Kobe Bryant (NBA) - I hate to pick two basketball guys for the outsides, but it just seems to fit. Also creative, fast, and can read a defense.
1 Middle: Mario Williams (NFL) - A 300 pound 6'7" Defensive End in the NFL with a 4.65 40 and a 40" vertical leap. He may not get up high enough to outreach all middles, but knowing how to read and being accustomed to controlling a line will do just fine. And he'll be faster than any opposing team's middle when moving from one pin to the other to put up blocks.
2 Middle: Matt Morgan (Wrestler) - 300 lbs, 7 feet tall, and aggressive. With a former D1 basketball background and an intimidating physique, he'll at least be worth the intimidation factor. Should be fast from pin to pin as well.
1 Setter: Tom Brady (NFL) - So, this isn't his best season. Good decision maker, stays with the game plan, and makes progressive reads. Good hands player who thrives on competition. Right leadership.
2 Setter: Steve Nash (NBA) - Great assist man, good decision maker. Should be able to score on the OPP from back row (he's the 2, not the primary). Makes good offensive reads, predicts well.
Libero: Urijah Faber (WEC Fighter) - Everyone agrees his hands are just too fast. In a sport where predictive reads are the difference between being #1 and spending some time in the hospital, Faber has a history of making the right choices. I like his ability to read and make quick reactions - and his affinity for diving and rolling would help too.
Coach: Undecided at publishing time.
I look forward to your reponses.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
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