Nike Basketball News

Blogging the Journey #1: Deron Williams

nikebasketball_en_AU — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 16:00:57 GMT

What’s at Stake: This week, Deron writes about the goals, sacrifices, and ultimate challenges of the 2008 National Men’s Team.

The Dream Team was probably the best team ever assembled on one court. Those guys were legends. Growing up, they were who you looked up to and tried to emulate. Just watching that was special, and it made Americans proud to be Americans.

I think it is time to get USA Basketball back to the top where it belongs. You know, I think we have the best team out of anybody by far. It is just a matter of us going out there and competing together and playing together and getting it done.

Guys on the team are super competitive, but we did a good job last year on the team that won the FIBA Championships in Vegas. I thought we did a great job of gelling early, guys were focused, guys were unselfish. And I think that was a big key for us is how unselfish guys were, because we have a lot of scorers on the team. Some people had to sacrifice their scoring for the greater good, and I think guys did a good job of that.

Everybody helped. Everybody played defense, which was one of our stronger points. That is what we are going to need if we want to win over there, to compete against teams that have been playing together for ten or twelve years.

For me, I am definitely honored and I feel privileged to have a chance to compete for a gold medal and represent my country. I feel I can help this team. But at the same time, I have been told that I am the future, part of the future of USA basketball. So I am patient and I am taking my time, just trying to go in there and win. I know I am still young and whether I get to play five minutes or 30 minutes, I am going to be there.

This year, anything less than gold will be disappointing. Everybody involved with USA feels that way. All the players on the team feel that way, and I am sure the fans feel that way. But every day, guys are bringing it. Everybody’s mind is on that gold medal. And I just really, really look forward to it.

This Is Our Team: Michael Redd

nikebasketball_en_AU — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 16:00:56 GMT

He’s one of the most prolific scorers in the game, his reputation growing fiercer by the day. Has Team USA finally found its straight shooter?

They call him the Left Handed Assassin for a reason.

Over the last seven years, Michael Redd has become one of the league’s deadliest marksmen. His consistency, confidence and long-distance shooting skills made him an obvious pick for this year’s team. And now, with Kobe by his side, Redd could easily be the USA’s ticket to gold.

This year, the coaches have put some wisdom behind this 12-man roster. Every man on the boards will be a solution to a problem that proved fatal in 2004; and if there’s one thing for certain, it’s that for the last seven years, the US has been missing its sharpshooters.

And Redd’s out to prove himself the missing link. In the match-up with Puerto Rico during the 2007 FIBA Americas, he set the qualifying record for most three-pointers made in one game. He also set the record of most three-pointers made in the whole tournament – an astounding 28 shots – beating Penny Hardaway’s previous record of 22.

And he’s only getting better with time.

In each of Redd’s seven professional seasons, his scoring average has increased dramatically. He averaged 26.7 points per game last season, ranking him sixth among NBA scorers. This number was a jump from his 25.4 ppg in the previous season, and a huge leap from the 2.2 points he averaged in 2000-2001.

And in a league known for its divas in training, it’s rare to find an accomplished player who embraces the role of understudy. Despite being the NBA's sixth-leading scorer last season, Redd has gracefully accepted a supporting role to Kobe Bryant.

"I've been here before," Redd said, "having backed up Ray Allen my first couple of years in the NBA and coming off the bench expected to score immediately. That was my role five or six years ago, and this is back to that."

This year’s roster is brimming with big names, big skills, and a need for redemption. But it’ll be Michael Redd’s shooting – alongside Kobe and a new crop of elite shooters – that’ll pave the way to success this summer in Beijing.

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Blogging the Journey #1: Coach K

nikebasketball_en_AU — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 16:00:54 GMT

What’s at Stake: This week, Coach K talks about the Team USA selection process, the guys who made the cut, and what it’ll take to win.

I am so proud to be the coach of this team.

This past week really got this summer started, beginning with the press conference and team announcement on Monday in Chicago. The selection process was a difficult one, but we are extremely pleased with the team we will take to Beijing. The final selection was made based on what we have learned about these guys over the years, what kind of NBA seasons they had, where they are now in terms of injuries and fatigue, and what combination of personnel will serve us best against the international competition. We were looking at the total team concept, not just individual positions. This is not an All-Star team. Of course, there are many All-Stars on this team because a key part of the mix you need to win is talent. We have focused on learning what you need to compete in international basketball and bringing together those individuals that best meet those needs.

One of the things I have been most impressed with over the past two summers and going into our third, is the desire these players have to be on this team. It was something they felt in their hearts they had to do – represent their country. All of the 33 guys who played for the National Team over the past three summers did so because it was a commitment that was important to them. When they were unable to play because of family situations or injuries and recovery, they took the time that they needed. But all of these men committed to be a part of this team and have done a great service for the United States and for the game of basketball.

As we come together for our first team meeting and practice, there are things that we have to work on as a coaching staff and as a team. One thing I am not worried about working on is motivation. These guys are ready to play. The stakes themselves are the motivation. Not only are these guys playing for their country, they are trying to reclaim the game. Some of these guys were on the 2004 Olympic Team and are really on a mission to prove themselves. Even the ones who were not on that team share the desire to show that we can win on an international stage. There are some differences in the way you coach these guys as opposed to college players, but finding ways to motivate this team, considering our collective goal, is not a problem. These guys are professionals, they are quick learners, and they want to be the best.

This is what we have been working towards. Now that we have focused on increasing the commitment involved in being a part of USA Basketball, we hope to see increased results. We want to make our country proud, we want our service to be worthy, but we also want our efforts to produce the goals we established for ourselves.

I can’t wait for my team to arrive and to see what we can accomplish together.

Blogging the Journey #2: Deron Williams

nikebasketball_en_AU — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 16:00:49 GMT

Igniting the Blaze: From Jason Kidd to Grandpa Williams, D-Will writes about how his childhood heroes have inspired his game.

Some people are born leaders, and I think I was one of them. I was always a point guard growing up and I just always wanted to take that responsibility. And there were a lot of people in my life who helped show me what that means.

When I was younger I watched the guys on Dream Team a lot. So when I went out and played, I would try to emulate them, you know. But as I got a little older, I started to really like bigger guards like myself, but fast guys who can also score and play great defense.

At home, my mom was always my hardest critic. After a game, when I was growing up, she would just let me have it. If I missed free-throws, if I didn't defend well, whatever it was. But it's to the point now where I like going and talking to my mom after a game. She's still just going to point out the bad, but at the same time it's helping me. She definitely always helped me and definitely made me a better player. She’ll be there in Beijing next month too, probably telling me everything I did wrong.

As for other motivators, I'm representing our country. That's the most important thing. It's not the name on your back – it's for the country. It's for the troops fighting for us overseas in Iraq. You know, they fight for us so we can be independent and survive, and this is our way of fighting and giving back to them. You know, doing our battle on the basketball court.

I’m very close to my grandfather, who served in World War II, and my uncle served in the Gulf War. So I know what it's like to have family over there and be worried about them, day in and day out. I know how people's families feel, just to want their loved ones back home safe. So we just appreciate everything they do for us and, like I said, that's our way to give back to them is by winning a gold medal. Because I know they're going to be watching, wherever they're at.

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The Competition: Pau Gasol

nikebasketball_en_AU — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 16:00:47 GMT

In 2006, behind the strength of Pau Gasol, Spain shook up the world. Can he do it again in ’08?

Since joining the international basketball federation, Spain has been a dominant force in the European game. With sixteen appearances in the Eurobasket tournament and 8 medals, they’ve easily proven themselves against their European counterparts. But when faced with the rest of the world, Spain has often struggled to keep up.

After a string of defeats on the world stage, it became painfully clear that the team was in need of a strong leader. They needed someone to unite them both on and off the court. Someone who could give hope not only to the players themselves, but to a country in need of a savior.

And when that savior showed up, he came in the form of Pau Gasol.

At the 2004 Games, Pau was introduced to the world in a big way. The leader of a new generation of Spanish superstars, his game was revolutionary. The 7-footer moved like a small forward, played with either hand and could knock down open jumpers. And he’d already racked up medals for his country in the Junior European, Junior World, European and FIBA World championships. With his record of success, Spain was all but guaranteed a medal.

But that year, despite his country’s high hopes, the team was faced with too many obstacles. The Spaniards finished a distant 7th out of 12 teams in the tournament.

It wasn’t until the 2006 FIBA World Championships that Spain – and Pau Gasol – were given a second chance.

Right from the start of the tournament, Pau set the tone, averaging 21.3 points and 9.4 rebounds a game. Spain bulleted through the competition, and in the most memorable game of the series, they faced Argentina – the world champs – in the semifinals.

With a minute left in the game, Pau fractured a bone in his foot. It was a shock to the team, but they were able to recover quickly, holding on to win 75-74. Shortly after, despite losing their leader, Spain went on to beat European rival Greece to become the World Champions.

Pau was awarded the MVP trophy for the tournament.

"My teammates today played an amazing game," Pau said. "They played with their hearts and together as a unit. It's no fun to watch. I thought I would suffer some more, but I am so happy to see the way they responded without me being there."

This summer, as Spain gears up to defend its title, all hope is resting on Pau’s shoulders. But if his first season with Los Angeles is anything to judge by, he’s never been more ready.

After being traded mid-season to L.A., Pau ignited the renaissance that took a controversial L.A. team from the middle of the pack to the top. He was the perfect fit for a roster that needed a quality, consistent low-post player to step into the number two scoring position. When he wasn’t getting clutch rebounds and easy buckets down low, he was capitalizing on an amazing chemistry with Kobe that resulted in huge points.

Without Pau, the Lakers may never have made the Finals.

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Blogging the Journey #3: Coach K

nikebasketball_en_AU — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 16:00:46 GMT

At the Starting Line: As the moment of truth approaches, Coach K writes about the heroes who inspire him to reach for the stars.

On my way out to Las Vegas for the first meeting and practice of our Olympic team, I was fortunate to be able to make a pretty amazing pit stop. My wife, daughter, and I stopped through Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, where my old friend and West Point player, General Bob Brown, picked us up from the airport. Bob and I have remained very close over the years and I have followed his Army career the same way he has followed mine in coaching.

In the summer of 2006, my first summer as the National Coach, then-Colonel Brown came out to Las Vegas with three wounded heroes and addressed our team. His theme was selfless service. It was the best possible way our team could have kicked off our three-year commitment together. I did not yet know back then who my team was – this was our first opportunity to get acquainted with one another. But when I saw their reactions to General Brown and the soldiers, I knew this was a team I wanted to coach. I knew they had heart.

One thing I am always asked about with regard to being the National Coach and coming to compete in the Olympics is about pressure. How are we handling the pressure? Will we live up to the pressure? How is the pressure affecting us? When I addressed the troops at Fort Leavenworth, it gave me a humbling sense of perspective. I believe that what we are doing is important, trying to reclaim the game of basketball for our country. It is a form of selfless service. But what we are doing is nowhere near as important of what our service men and women do every day. We are playing basketball. They are protecting our right to do that.

What happened that afternoon was mutual motivation. Talking to them about serving the United States helped give meaning to our endeavor. The thing we do share with our country’s soldiers is who we represent. We share a love of country and a commitment to represent the United States with honor and extreme pride. Whatever I was able to give them in the form of inspiration, I am honored to have been able to do that. Whatever connection they feel with our Olympic team as we pursue the gold in Beijing, that is an honor to all of us. But we cannot repay them for the service that they do for our entire nation, a service that often goes thankless.

We are all patriotic, but the soldiers are the true patriots. With the Olympics about to begin, we can only hope to make Bob Brown and the rest of our soldiers proud as we embark on our respective missions. We all want to come home winners.

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The Competition: Andrei Kirilenko

nikebasketball_en_AU — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 16:00:43 GMT

When the Soviet Union collapsed, its basketball team went with it. But now, seventeen years later, Andrei Kirilenko is leading the Russian revival.

For decades, the U.S.S.R. posed a major threat to the United States, both on and off the court. It was a rivalry full of controversy (’72), boycotts (’80 and ’84) and hard-fought games all around. But when the Iron Curtain came down in the early ’90s, the Soviet Empire broke apart, putting an abrupt end to Russia’s glory days in basketball.

From the ashes of Communism arose a new Russian team, assembled with the hope of rekindling former glory. But it soon became clear that they were a mere shadow of the 1972 and 1988 gold medal teams, even failing to qualify for the Games in '92 and '96. They showed a glimmer of promise during the '94 and '98 FIBA World Championships, coming home with the silver – but again, they struggled to stage a comeback, finishing 8th at the 2000 Games and missing out on the 2004 altogether.

Recently, however, Russia has experienced a revival. Led by Andrei Kirilenko, known as AK-47, the 2007 Russian National Team beat defending world champs Spain by just one point, winning the Eurobasket tournament in the most dramatic way possible. Kirilenko’s stifling defense shut down the top offensive players across all opposing teams, earning him the MVP award.

The mighty Russia was back.

After dominating the Russian leagues and European tournaments, Andrei was picked up by Utah in the first round of the 1999 NBA Draft. At just 18 years and four months, he was the youngest European player ever drafted. Since joining the Jazz, he‘s made the All-Rookie team, three consecutive All-Defensive teams, and has been an All-Star.

During this year's playoffs, Andrei went head-to-head with the Lakers in a six-game war for the West. His defense was the key to containing Kobe, giving the Jazz an opportunity to win two clutch home court games. And though they couldn’t pull out the victory and move to the Finals, Kirilenko proved himself against the man commonly known as the best player in the world.

It’s been 20 years since his national team tasted gold at the Summer Games. This summer, AK-47 will have a chance to square off once again with the world's best. The Russian basketball renaissance is finally underway – and Kirilenko is leading the charge.

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Blogging the Journey #2: Coach K

nikebasketball_en_AU — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 16:00:42 GMT

Team DNA: Coach K talks about the importance of having a team that works together, plays together, and has the same unstoppable passion for the game.

There is no question that we’ve assembled a deep, talented team. Physically, they are imposing and each of them has made a name for themselves as stars in the NBA. More importantly, we believe that this is a unit that can compete in the international game. That is one thing that we have focused on, ensuring that we have a team that can play the world’s game, which is very different than the NBA and college games that we are all accustomed to.

Being an assistant coach on the 1992 Dream Team was an incredible experience. Just to be associated with that team is something that I will never forget. I think it’s important to remember, though, that we are not trying to recreate the Dream Team. Chasing the past would be fruitless. We needed to assemble the team that will work at this particular time and meet this particular challenge. In the 16 years since Barcelona, the challenge has changed. International players are better, but more importantly, international teams are better. The gap is rapidly closing between our talent and their teams. Talent will always be important. You can’t win without it. But we have put together a team that is committed to learning and playing the world’s game.

So, our team has a terrific genetic make-up – a combination of talent, commitment, and a willingness to give of themselves to be a part of something bigger. But equally as important to this team DNA is the way in which you nurture it.

This past weekend was the first time we met together as the 2008 Olympic team. It was a whirlwind weekend that took us from Las Vegas to New York City, with numerous events and interviews.

But more than logistics, this past weekend was about forming a collective mind and spirit. You tell them things, and they hear it. You show them things, and they see it. But when they internalize those things that they see and hear, that’s when they feel it. Things like the opening of the Nike USA Basketball exhibit in Harlem late Sunday night remind us that we do not exist in isolation. We are a part of the rich history of USA Basketball. We are representing much more than ourselves, we represent a proud country that loves the game. The events of this past weekend made it possible for our guys to feel and to understand the magnitude of our undertaking. When you have great DNA, nurtured with feeling, you have a chance to accomplish something special.

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The Commitment: Mobile Gallery

nikebasketball_en_AU — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 16:00:37 GMT

The Commitment exhibit tells the Team USA history at a gallery in Harlem, NYC and on iPhone and iPod Touch devices around the world.

The exhibit, entitled The Commitment, opened in New York City on July 10, giving the public a look at the amazing history and bright future of USA Basketball. For those who can't make it to the exhibit in Harlem, the experience comes directly to iPhone and iPod Touch devices.

United We Rise features the athletes, the stories and the products that continue to support America's legacy of greatness on the hardwood.

The history of Team USA is covered in 5 chapters, describing their early days as the undefeated legends of the game, the controversial years battling Russia, the Dream Team's era of supremacy, America's tragic fall from grace and their commitment to once again be the best.

The digital photo gallery showcases images from Team USA's training camps, while the athlete profiles give up-to-the-minute stats and facts about the men and women of our national team. The key international competition is also introduced, as well as the full range of Hyperdunks and Zoom Soldier IIs, including international team colorways/player exclusives, product details and alternate views.

A schedule of all games is also available to view anytime, any place.

Visit http://mobile.nikebasketball.com on the iPhone/iPod Touch to view.

The Commitment exhibition runs from July 10 through August 25. The exhibit is open to the public Thursday through Sunday, from 10:00 am until 8:00 pm, and is located at 111 W. 116th St, between Lenox Avenue and Adam Clayton Powell Boulevard.

All Team USA basketball games will also be projected at the gallery throughout the Olympic Games.

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Marvin Gaye Brings Soul to the American Game

nikebasketball_en_AU — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 16:00:36 GMT

As the new Team USA looks forward to claiming victory in Beijing, Coach K looks back twenty-five years for new inspiration from our national anthem.

The Star Spangled Banner is played before every game to inspire the players and the fans to greatness. Coach K took a moment out of practice to share a version of the song with his players that, in its own right, made sports history.

Performed for the 1983 NBA All-Star Game, Marvin Gaye’s remix captured the passion of 80s soul, mixed it with some old fashioned patriotism and created a timeless classic.

And like Marvin and the Dream Team before them, this year's Team USA intends to put on a show that will forever go down as one the greatest performances in the history of the sport.

To show support for the men that will represent us in Beijing, Nike Basketball brings Marvin, LeBron, Kobe, J-Kidd and the rest of the team together to pay homage to basketball, America's game.

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Blogging the Journey: Manu Ginobili

nikebasketball_en_AU — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 16:00:34 GMT

What’s at Stake: He’s going with a gold medal around his neck and the hopes of an entire country on his shoulders. Manu talks about what this year’s Games mean to him.

There was an unbelievable generation of basketball players in my city, back in the ‘60s and ‘70s, that really made people want to follow basketball. And my father was one of them. He’s always been very passionate about it and he runs a small club in my city where I always played. So I basically grew up playing basketball, dribbling a ball, being close to a basketball floor. That really helped me develop the passion for the game, and my brothers, too. The whole family was very hoops-oriented.

When we were kids growing up, I could’ve dreamed about playing on the national team, but the Argentina national team was never favored to make it to even the semi-finals. So if you told me ten years ago that I would have a gold medal in Athens, I would think it impossible.

The Olympics is about the pure sport, the passion of representing a country and all that carries. I take the NBA Championships as a huge accomplishment, but more on the professional side. I was representing a city I’d never been to before the NBA, which of course now I love, but representing your country, your colors, having 30 million people cheering for you, it’s a whole different ball game.

The biggest expectation this summer is to enjoy it as much as I enjoyed Athens. That was my first Olympics, and especially since we won the gold, the whole experience was unbelievable. So I’m going to enjoy the environment, being in that huge party that is the Olympics, and go for the gold again. It’s going to be a great challenge.

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The Commitment: Exhibition Tour

nikebasketball_en_AU — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 16:00:34 GMT

This summer, as members of Team USA prepare for the 2008 Olympic Games, Nike has chosen to honor their dedication with a special tribute.

For those elite few who are chosen to represent their country, commitment is not just a choice.

It’s a way of life.

In honor of that commitment, Nike has created a gallery dedicated to Team USA, chronicling their journey from the Dream Team of 1992 to the present-day squad. The exhibit, entitled The Commitment, opened in New York City on July 10, giving the public a look at the history and future of USA Basketball.

Located in a refurbished branch of Harlem’s famous Training Camp sneaker boutique, the gallery space houses the legendary artifacts and apparel behind each Olympic team. On one wall, photos of the 1936 players. On another, the initial letter sent by Coach K to each member of the current team. And in the center, the kicks worn by Jordan and Barkley on the court in ’92. Artists’ tributes can be found throughout, paying homage to the greatest teams and players in Team USA history.

The gallery also chronicles today’s U.S. Olympic basketball movement, documenting past hardships and detailing the challenges ahead. Watching over the exhibit are two larger-than-life portraits, one of Kobe, the other of LeBron; a symbol of the two greatest players of a generation, overlooking the legacy they stand to inherit.

This summer, as Team USA takes the international stage, they’ll be joining the ranks of the most elite players the game has ever seen. They have the skills, the strength, and the dedication to win. But it’s only with true commitment to the game that they’ll bring home the gold.

The Commitment exhibition runs from July 10 through August 25. The exhibit is open to the public Thursday through Sunday, from 10:00 am until 8:00 pm, and is located at 111 W. 116th St, between Lenox Avenue and Adam Clayton Powell Boulevard.

All Team USA basketball games will also be projected at the gallery throughout the Olympic Games.

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Credits:

Black and White Documentary style images:
"Photography by Bruce Gilden."

Photographs on Backboards:
"Photography by Bill Bamberger. All photographs copyright Bill Bamberger, 2007 and 2008. All rights reserved."

Historic USAB photographs and current in-game photography:
"All Getty Images courtesy of NBAE/Getty Images and USAB."

Paintings of LeBron and Kobe:
Chris Young

Graphic T-shirts:
Hydro74

Writing:
Paradox Media

This Is Our Team: LeBron James

nikebasketball_en_AU — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 16:00:32 GMT

At 23, LeBron has led Team USA into international battle twice. Now, with a team of dedicated veterans and superstars, his third time could be the charm.

Before LeBron James ever stepped foot on the professional hardwood, he was being called the future of the game. He was a young phenom from Akron, a baller that could play all five positions, who easily made the transition from high school to the pros. In his very first season, he lived up to all the hype, instantly becoming king of the court.

Right after his first season, LeBron got an offer he couldn't refuse: a spot on the 2004 U.S. National Team. It was supposed to be guaranteed gold for a country that had never lost with professional players, and a perfect way to introduce him to the world.

At the Summer Games in Athens, LeBron knew he wouldn’t play major minutes because of his rookie status. But it wasn't easy to sit by and watch his team fall, while he only saw 14 minutes of action a game. It was a painful learning experience for LeBron, and an even more painful defeat for the country. History had been made and Team USA's image would forever be scarred.

"I had no idea what I was getting into," LeBron said. "Everything on the court I did not expect, but I think I'd do it again.”

Two years later, after establishing himself further as one of league's best, LeBron was made a tri-captain. He was looking toward the 2006 World Championships to redeem the country’s historic loss in Athens. Confident, and stacked with the NBA's biggest names, Team USA headed to Japan with revenge in mind.

But it wouldn’t get any better in 2006.

He led Team USA to eight straight victories at the World Championships, averaging 13.9 points per game. But in the semis, they lost to Greece – and had to settle for another bronze medal. It was a crushing loss that only left more questions about the team’s ability to play as a unit. But LeBron knew there were positives the team could build on.

“But we've gotten better and come together and become a family,” he said after the loss to Greece. “We just need to keep driving and getting better, and loving FIBA basketball because it's great. It's been good to us.”

He returned to the NBA, carrying Cleveland on his back for a magical run to the 2006-07 finals. His epic 48-point explosion in the conference finals was considered one of the best playoff performances of all time. And though he had an extraordinary season and posted record-breaking numbers, the championship trophy was just out of reach.

His next shot at redemption came last summer at the 2007 FIBA Americas tournament. He knew that to overcome past failures, he needed to make sure the team chemistry was just right.

“I always try to include all my teammates in every play. The chemistry that we have is also helpful, we’re a lot more confident now. In this team, it’s about all of us participating and making it as high as we can go,” said LeBron. “Scoring points is not important, what’s important is playing well and winning.”

With veteran teammates like Kobe and Jason Kidd, LeBron stepped up to earn his victory. In just over 22 minutes of play per tournament game, LeBron averaged over 18 points apiece. And when the team needed an extra push, he came through with a monster 31 points in the finals game against Argentina. With the gold medal, Team USA secured a spot in the 2008 Summer Games.

After a rough start to his international career, LeBron is facing another chance to capture the top prize. And following a record-breaking 2007-08 season and spectacular play in the playoffs, he's not settling for anything less than gold.

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This Is Our Team: Kobe Bryant

nikebasketball_en_AU — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 16:00:32 GMT

Kobe Bryant has been working his entire life for an opportunity like this. Is he the missing link between Team USA and the gold?

In 1992, the world watched as the Dream Team changed the game forever. Boys across America dreamed of greatness, to one day join the ranks of the greatest players in history. Those boys spent every waking moment on courts, the Dream Team in their thoughts, working to be the best.

Kobe was one of those kids.

In 1996, he announced his eligibility and was snatched up by Los Angeles. In his first season, he had the honor of playing against the legendary players from Dream Team 2, returning to the league from their complete domination at the games in Atlanta.

Over the course of the next few years, Kobe dedicated himself to the game entirely, becoming the strongest young shooting guard in the league, a go-to scorer for his team and a major defensive threat. The 2000 season brought Kobe his first championship ring, his second All-Star appearance as a starter, a spot on the All-NBA 2nd team and a top slot on the All-Defensive team. And as the 2000 U.S. national team came home with gold, many fans and critics were surprised he wasn't a part of it.

In the following seasons, Kobe elevated LA to the top of the league and led them to two consecutive championship rings. He was officially one of the league's best.

Then, Team USA experienced a fall that shook the basketball world to its foundations. The national team suffered three hard losses at the Summer Games in Greece, including a 19-point defeat to Puerto Rico.

During that time, Kobe was playing his best basketball yet. With his mind-blowing 81-point game against Toronto, another All-Star appearance, the scoring championship, the All-NBA team, and the All-NBA Defensive team, he drew the attention of USA Basketball. But due to knee surgery, he was forced to miss his first taste of the international game at the 2006 World Championships.

Team USA, lacking the chemistry, passion and dedication, fell to Greece and took home bronze.

Later that year, Kobe got a second chance. Joining the ranks of a hand-selected squad of NBA greats, he threw himself full-force into their practices. Last summer, he got the chance to represent at the 2007 FIBA Americas tournament in Vegas, a qualifying tournament for Beijing.

Team USA's head coach Mike Krzyzewski said, “In Kobe we have a great player who wants to represent his country as much as anybody and he's never had a chance. He's like a little kid in his enthusiasm to play. Kobe's presence here makes us more complete."

Against Argentina – the gold medal winners in 2004 – Kobe exploded for 27 points in a 91-76 win. For the tournament, he averaged over 15 points a game, shot 46% from 3-pt range and provided the leadership crucial to a team with so many superstars.

"We're out there to win a gold medal, so each of us is going to do whatever we have to do," Bryant said. "Winning a gold medal is at the top of the list for me."

And since last summer, Kobe has elevated his game to yet another plateau. He took a trip to New Orleans for an All-Star start, brought home the league MVP award, led his team to the best record in the Western Conference, and has positioned his team to win yet another championship.

And after a historic season like this one, there's only one thing left for Kobe to do. He knows the hopes a nation rest on his shoulders – and he has never been more ready. He's taking the international court for the first time in Beijing and taking back the basketball gold medal. He's been waiting his entire life for a year like this. Team USA has been waiting for the Black Mamba.

More on Kobe
Learn his Signature Moves >>

More on Team USA
See all Team USA Bio’s »
Check out the Olympic Histories »
Meet the Competition »

This Is Our Game: Commitment

nikebasketball_en_AU — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 16:00:30 GMT

This is our story. The story of us as a country, played on a court and erected on a podium. The journey of us told on the hallowed courts of the 1920’s New York and Boston, the 1930’s Chicago and Detroit. The tale of our pride echoed from the past, lifted off concrete, written on hardwood, and inscribed on the floors around the world. The travels of our dreams follow us: from Barcelona to London, Atlanta to Sydney. The journey of Team USA means more to us, because it’s the game America created, and it’s America’s job to show the world how we play it.

This is our game.

Their sweat is our sweat, their dreams are our dreams. Their pain is felt in the hearts of fans across this nation, the millions who support the passion, the pride, and the ferocity with which we will stake our claim.

This is our legacy.

We give remembrance to the teams of our past. We honor those who paved the way before us. Their stories lie at our feet. Because in the hearts of those players, our desires were born. Our dreams came from those who wore the uniform first. This is the legacy that will never end, given to us so that we can take it to a new level: a level unseen.

Together, we triumph.

This is all a part of the journey we take together. We recognize the difficulty of the road behind us and the opportunity of the journey in front of us. We will go higher. Above the rest. Beyond what anyone says is possible. Because the greatest moments in history still lie in our future.

As a planet, we offer the game as a gift for the world to enjoy.

But together, we will make sure the world knows this one vital, important fact about the United States of America: No one balls like we do.

More on Team USA
Meet the men on this year's Team USA »
Meet the women on this year's Team USA »