Tomas Satoransky has led the Czech Republic to the FIBA World Cup Quarterfinals. But how will he fare before suiting up for the Chicago Bulls?
It has been a huge offseason so far for the Chicago Bulls Tomas Satoransky. Fresh off signing a three-year $30 million contract with the Bulls, Satoransky has suited up for his home team of the Czech Republic in the FIBA World Cup in China. Satoransky is only one of two Chicago Bulls players at the world cup, with Cristiano Felicio playing for Brazil.
Thaddeus Young was cut from the USA team, and Lauri Markkanens Finnish team failed to qualify. Undoubtedly the Czech’s best player, Satoransky has been unconscious so far, leading his team to a 4-1 record with the sole loss against favorites the USA. This includes a 20 point effort against Brazil, and a near triple-double to take down Greece.
But now the Czech’s face arguably their greatest threat, a 5-0 Australian Boomers team, that famously took down the USA team; their first loss since 2006. Coming into the match as heavy underdogs, how will Tomas Satoransky perform against Australia.
Throughout the tournament, the Boomers have been starting a guard pairing of Patty Mills and Matthew Dellavedova, a duo rich in NBA experience and who have also been playing together internationally for many years. This will prove to be an interesting matchup for Satoransky, with his size and athleticism giving him the edge physically against the pairing. The Boomers will most likely play Dellavedova on Sato, their premier defensive guard who made headlines in the 2015 NBA Finals for locking down Steph Curry in the absence of Kyrie Irving.
Satoransky’s first step will be crucial here, as he has the physical skills to beat Delly off the dribble, while Delly has the defensive skills to get his body in front of his man. Height will also play a factor in this; Satoransky has three inches on Delly, making it easier to shoot over him. Australia as a whole is a very solid defensive squad, which may inhibit his ability to get his teammates involved. This could be the deciding factor, for as skilled as Satoransky may be, he will not be able to win on his own.
Defensively, Satoransky may struggle. The Boomers are a team featuring six players with NBA experience, and Satoransky will most likely be matched up against one of the best of these in Patty Mills. Mills is a renowned international player, who led all players in scoring at the 2016 Rio Olympics. He has been lights out this World Cup run, including a 30 point effort to help Australia take down France.
Satoransky’s height and defensive prowess will no doubt help him here, with his best bet to force Mills into traffic and help defense. The Boomers are a strong team offensively but at times unfocused and prone to turnovers. If Satoransky can bring a high intensity on defense and disrupt the Australians flow, the Czechs may be able to make this an interesting contest.
In this do or die match, the weight of a nation will rest on the shoulders of Tomas Satoransky. Coming off of amazing form throughout the tournament, look to see Satoransky bring the energy and fight to the Boomers, and make it an interesting match for a spot in the semi-finals.