Mexico’s Romel Castro Has A Moment At Kobe’s Expense

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Mexico’s Romel Castro might never be able to tell his grandkids that he led his country into the Olympics, but he will be able to tell them that he broke Kobe Bryant’s ankles, pulled up right in his face, nailed a 3-pointer and got fouled. Then went to the line and completed the four-point play.

E-mail Matt at MediaZone’s MailbagThat’s what he did with just under three minutes left in the third quarter of Mexico’s loss to the US on Monday. He crossed over Bryant, left him six feet away in the wrong direction, then released a 3 just before Bryant hit him after gathering and attempting to block the shot.

Uruguay’s Alberto Espasandin Trumps Nolan Richardson

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Very entertaining game between Uruguay and Mexico on Sunday. For as much attention as Mexico coach Nolan Richardson received, the coach of the preliminary round was Uruguay ’s Alberto Espasandin.

Uruguay has a very thin roster after center Esteban Batista and Nicolas Mazzarino, but they still managed to go 3-1 in the prelim and advance to the Quarterfinal round. Espasandin had his squad completely prepared for Mexico’s frenetic style and exploited it by finding Mazzarino for 3 after 3.

E-mail Matt at MediaZone’s MailbagBatista, the only player from Uruguay to play in the NBA, and Mazzarino carried Uruguay ,  and it was apparent that Espasandin had established an offensive style and pecking order that everyone bought into.

Mexico highlight for the week — and Richardson ’s, too — was their win over Puerto Rico in the opener. They dropped three straight after that, and their energy level seemed to drop off as the week wore on.

The officials have done an above average job in this tournament. One thing I like is that they’ve made a lot of no-calls on the charge-block play, even if there sometimes is legitimate contact. … From the neck down, Mexico center Horacio Llamas could double for Arvydas Sabonis. … Mexico forward Gustavo Ayon is headed to San Jose State University. He’ll play there. … Mexico’s Romel Castro Beck was the best athlete on the floor in the Uruguay-Mexico game on Sunday. Mexico just didn’t do a good job of getting him the ball enough.