Opinion

Former NBA star stands by young Yanks

By Sun Xiaochen (China Daily)
Updated: 2010-08-31 10:39

BEIJING - Seven-time NBA champion Robert Horry said a youthful lineup would not hurt US hopes of earning a first FIBA World Championship title in 16 years.

Former NBA star Robert Horry celebrates his 40th birthday with Chinese kids in Beijing on Aug 25. [Ren Haixia / China News Service]

He made the remarks during a visit to Beijing last week to coach Chinese kids at the Amway Nutrilite Jr NBA camp.

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"Basketball has been played in various ways on the court. You can go by height, size or quickness. It all depends on who is playing the best basketball. The small squad gives us the speed which we are good at," Horry told China Daily on Thursday in an exclusive interview at the Renaissance Beijing Capital Hotel.

Shrugging off a height advantage might seem odd for Horry, whose career saw him win seven championship rings alongside big men such as Hakeem Olajuwon, Shaquille O'Neal and Tim Duncan.

However, the 14-year NBA veteran said the US looked sharp in its Group B victories against Croatia and Slovenia despite a lack of bulk.

Former NBA star Robert Horry celebrates his 40th birthday with Chinese kids in Beijing on Aug 25. Ren Haixia / China News Service

"It works if you play the right way according to your team's features. The US always plays the fast and aggressive way, no matter if it's big or not," said Horry, who celebrated his 40th birthday with local youngsters during the camp finale on Aug 25.

The US made an impressive start in Istanbul despite a lack of star power, seeing off Croatia 106-78 and Slovenia 99-77. None of coach Mike Krzyzewski's squad played on the star-studded team that won Olympic gold two years ago in Beijing.

After facing Brazil on Monday evening, the US finishes group play against Tunisia and rising Asian power Iran.

Having played alongside Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili with the San Antonio Spurs from 2003 to 2007, Horry is well-acquainted with the differences between American and international players.

"They (the international players) have all-around skills and do not rest on one particular thing," he said. "Like in the US, if you are a big man, they may put your back to the basket. For international players, they play everything well. That's one thing you appreciate a lot."

As the stakes grow higher in the knockout round, Coach K may find himself wishing for a clutch shooter like Horry, who was known as "Big Shot Bob" during his playing days for his ability to hit big, buzzer-beating buckets.

Horry, though, confessed he did not enjoy those moments.

"I never put myself under pressure. I just go out and play, take it easy," he said. "Honestly, I hate to be in that situation. I would like to play a game that you don't need a last shot to win."

Horry also offered words of encouragement for the injured Yao Ming.

"Men his size are easily fatigued and fatigue causes injury. I hope he's in shape. He is representing the whole country and the city of Houston, so there is a lot of pressure beyond the court, but he'd better not be pressed to come back in a hurry," he said.