Nike Basketball News

We Believed. They Achieved.

Hotnix — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 18:41:39 GMT

We were with you.

For our women, who proved for the fourth time straight that they are truly champions.

We knew you could.

For our men, who put behind a disappointing past to lead us all to a bright future.

We knew you would.

This has been a journey of epic proportions. A road that took us from the deserts of Las Vegas to the mountains of Beijing. Three years of blood, sweat and tears. And a commitment that took a collection of America's most gifted athletes and turned them into an unstoppable force.

We stood by you every step of the way.

This is our game. One that defines us as men and women, teammates and competitors, citizens and patriots.

This is our legacy. A rich history of stunning victories, crushing defeats, transformations and redemptions.

This is Team USA. A collection of the greatest players the world has ever known.

Blogging the Journey: Coach K

sanampetri — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 15:52:20 GMT

Ready to Win: After three long years, Team USA's dedication is finally getting put to the test. Coach K talks strategy, and why his team is ready to take home the gold.

Finally, Olympic competition has begun and it is time to discover if we have done what is necessary to close the deal, to achieve our ultimate goal. Now we see if we have prepared properly and made ourselves worthy of winning. As I look back over the three-year process, this past month of training in particular, I feel good about where we are and confident that we have readied ourselves in the best way possible.

A key part of our time together has been the establishment of relationships. Our guys now know who each other are both on and off the court and have developed the type of friendships that foster communication and trust. We will need to rely on those relationships in the heat of on-court battle. We need to respond to one another at a moment’s notice, no questions asked. This type of trust doesn’t come about naturally. It takes time. Thanks to the new program for USA Basketball, we’ve had that time.

Another major part of our training has been becoming adept at the international game. In our training camp we worked with international officials and had them officiate our inter-squad scrimmages and those versus the Select Team. This allowed us to ensure that we could play the international game at game speed, not just in theory. We were able to further establish these habits in our five exhibition games.

Now we are putting our relationships and training to the test in Olympic competition. I couldn’t be more excited.

More on Coach K
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Blogging the Journey: Coach K

sanampetri — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 23:00:23 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.

More on Coach K
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Blogging the Journey: Deron Williams

sanampetri — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 19:27:50 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 Commitment: Mobile Gallery

Hotnix — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 16:26:34 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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The Commitment: Exhibition Tour

Hotnix — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 18:37:29 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

Blogging the Journey: Coach K

Hotnix — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 01:59:15 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.

More on Coach K
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This Is Our Team: Kobe Bryant

GHarty — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 20:57:42 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
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This Is Our Team: LeBron James

GHarty — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 20:56:28 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.

More on LeBron
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This Is Our Team: Jason Kidd

GHarty — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 20:54:30 GMT

Is a great point guard the key to Olympic victory? With a record of 44-0 as a leader of Team USA, Jason Kidd would argue yes.

Since the invention of basketball the United States has ruled the hardwood. What started out a physical education experiment in Massachusetts has evolved into a national pastime and a global phenomenon. And since the beginning the US has made the rules, set new standards and invented superstars in the game. In international play, whenever the US stepped out on the court and set the pace, we made the plays and we took home the gold.

So much of the international game can be determined by tempo and style. Having a point guard who can adjust to and excel at any style and create the tempo is not only key, it can mean the difference between taking home the gold, or suffering a crushing defeat.

One look at Jason Kidd's international record can prove this theory. His ability to dictate the game by making sharp decisions and playing to the strengths of his teammates has led Team USA to a perfect 44-0 record when he is running the team.

In 2000 Kidd made his first Olympic appearance and as a tri-captain he guided the team to a perfect 8-0 record and a gold medal. Shooting over 50% from the field and leading the team in assists, Kidd was the perfect pass-first point guard for Team USA. He was able to recognize the opponent’s weaknesses and exploit them. He ran a fast-paced game that broke down defenses, creating shot opportunities where there were none or spreading the floor so eh could feed to an open man.

It’s no surprise that Kidd should be so successful on the international level. Ever since he turned pro, he has been the league’s biggest triple-double threat, racking up 100 in his career in so far. He has transformed franchises, taken his teams to the team finals and been an All-Star nine times. He’s simply the best point guard in the world.

But while Kidd continued to excel in the league after his gold in 2000, things changed for Team USA. Before, winning a gold medal was considered a given, but in 2004, they got a huge wake up call, losing for the first time since building a roster of professionals. For Kidd, the loss was especially hard to take since he had to sit out the 2004 Olympics with an injury.

As Team USA picked up the pieces after losses at the 2004 Olympics and again at the 2006 World Championships, Coach Mike Krzyzewski was excited to have Jason Kidd back in the lineup for Olympic qualifying at the 2007 FIBA Americas tournament.

"His veteran leadership and focus were critical in our success, and his court vision is as good as I've ever seen. He is a joy to coach and when he is on the court it is literally like having a coach on the floor. With Jason directing our offense and distributing the ball, we were able to utilize all of our offensive talents and that made us as a team very successful."

When the tournament was done, Kidd ranked first in the whole competition in assists-to-turnover ratio and Team USA’s gold medal qualified them for the 2008 summer games. His play brought a new energy to the team, allowing them to play their game, consistently make huge plays and revenge losses to teams that outpaced them in tournaments in the past. His performance at the FIBA Americas tournament was so impressive that he was named the USAB Male Athlete for 2007.

Jason Kidd has proven on every level that he has the smarts and experience to lead any team, and in 2008, he plans to build on his 44-0 record for Team USA. With his experience stretching back to the 1999 Olympic Qualifying Team and his successful leadership of six different USA teams, our hope for victory couldn't be in better hands.

More on Jason
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This Is Our Game: Commitment

Hotnix — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 20:50:05 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.

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This Is Our Game: Undefeated

GHarty — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 20:49:21 GMT

This is Our Game explores the rich tradition of the U.S. National Teams, uncovering the victories, defeats, and rivalries of the last seven decades. In Part One of the series, as the game spreads to the world, the first and greatest American basketball dynasty is born.

1936-1968.

It all started with a peach basket nailed to a wall, back in 1891, by a high school PE teacher named James Naismith. He’d invented the game as a way to keep his students warm in winter, but it wasn’t long before it’s popularity spread, eventually growing into an American pastime and a global phenomenon.

Basket Ball, a name chosen by one of his students, was soon being played in schoolyards and colleges across the country. By the early 1900’s, official rules were established, the NCAA was formed, and the game became a regular part of life for many Americans. But it wasn’t until World War I, when young soldiers were sent abroad, that basketball was spread to the world.

Before long, the game that started in a high school gym was a major global sport. And so it was decided, almost forty years after that gym class in Springfield, MA, that basketball was to become an official event at the 1936 Games.

From the tip-off, the United States was unstoppable. The team, though made up of young amateurs, won its first five games without much effort. And it was there in Berlin, as Naismith looked on, that one of the world’s longest-running dynasties was born.

From that point on, the U.S men’s team became known for fostering some of the great amateur players in history. The roster for the 1960 games in Rome, for instance, listed future greats like Oscar Robertson, Jerry West, and Jerry Lucas. Lucas, only 20 years old at the time, served as the team’s anchor, making an amazing 84% of his shots over nine historic games.

From the years 1936 to 1968, The American team was unmatched in speed, skill, and strategy. From London to Helsinki to Tokyo, the Men’s Basketball Team dominated the court time and again. And with a tally of 63-0, it would take the onset of the Cold War – and the U.S.’s biggest political enemy – to bring the team’s streak to an end.

NEXT: The epic rivalry that brought an end to U.S. dominance >>

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This Is Our Team: Coach K

Hotnix — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 20:47:10 GMT

The best coach in the game has been tasked with architecting the greatest comeback in history. But it will take more than just great players to get the gold.

It was a humbling moment. Coach Mike Krzyzewski, the man many people would argue is the greatest coach in the game, a man armed with so many of the world’s greatest players, watched as Spain took the winner stand at the 2006 World Championships. Lightning struck twice for Team USA and they fell once again on the national stage. When he took over as head coach of the national team in 2005, it wasn’t supposed to be like this.

Coach K has a record of success that is unrivaled by any other coach in college basketball history. In addition to his 800 wins, three national titles and countless awards at the college level, he was the head coach of the 1990 US national team that took bronze in the world championship and an assistant coach on the original Dream Team. He has seen the U.S. at its absolute best and knew what it would take to get back there.

Though his first time out with the team resulted in a loss he looked at the 2006 World Championships as the starting point, not the finish, of his work with USA Basketball. When he was named Head Coach, Coach K had a three-year mission that would culminate at the 2008 Olympics: restore Team USA to its previous greatness. Not another Dream Team. An entirely new era of basketball.

"That's in the past, and that was beautiful," said Krzyzewski. "You want another one, you have to go out and create something special of your own. We are the U.S. national team. What we want to be called is not a 'Dream Team.' We want to be called a 'championship team.' The other one will not happen again."

The first step on the road back to the top was at the 2007 FIBA Americas tournament, the qualifying competition for the 2008 summer games. Coach K, a firm believer in the fundamental game, focused on the foundation, selection the best men for the job. This was the first tournament where Coach K had the opportunity to actively participate in the selection process. Previous years the team was a collection of the individual players in the NBA, not necessarily a hand-picked arsenal of the strongest players for the twelve spots.

"They have guys that have played together 10-12 years. The talent level has gotten so much closer that with that continuity they have the advantage" Coach K said of the competition.

With the inclusion of defensive specialist Tayshaun Prince and marksman Michael Redd, Coach K showed his dedication to assembling a well-balanced squad. And once the roster was created it would take dedication, sacrifice and teamwork to build the on-court chemistry needed to win. Superstars, like Kobe Bryant, were on the same page from day 1.

"He is everything I thought he would be and more. I have been excited and waiting for this opportunity for a long time. Playing for him now, you realize why he is such a great coach. He communicates extremely well with his players. He’s very intense and has a passion for what he does and he has a great sense of humor," said Kobe.

After spending their summer in Vegas in and intense team-building camp all their hard wok paid off during the FIBA Americas tournament, with the new and improved Team USA marching through all comers to the gold. Compiling an undefeated record they got their revenge over Puerto Rico, a team that delivered a crushing 19 point defeat in 2004, and the reigning world champs Argentina.

Coach K is now focused on getting prepared for this summer's training camp and then finalizing his roster by July 20th. If all goes according to his master plan, Coach K will be right back to where he was the last time he was at the Summer Games: watching his players wear gold around their necks.

"I want to make sure we finish this process off right and win the gold medal," Krzyzewski said.

More on Coach K
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This Is Our Team: Deron Williams

GHarty — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 20:45:21 GMT

As Jason Kidd makes his heroic return as floor general, the future of Team USA’s point guard position belongs to Deron Williams.

Jason Kidd has long been the standard for leadership on the court, considered one of the greatest point guards in history. And under his leadership Team USA has never failed. From his first appearance as a pro in 2000 to his amazing display at the FIBA Americas tournament in 2007, he has racked up an undefeated record. But last summer he found great support in a young point guard from Utah, who is, perhaps the only player that could ever fill his shoes and carry the torch.

Deron Williams is widely considered to be one of the most promising point guards to hit the league in years. In his three years in college he led his team in scoring, led them to a near undefeated season his junior year, and took them to the national championships in 2005. In his first three years in the pros he has helped return Utah to the top of the Western Conference. And it was his physical presence and maturity that turned heads in the Team USA training camp last summer in Vegas. People were amazed that such a young player could play with such poise and power.

"Deron just came along so fast," Chris Bosh said about Williams' development. "He can shoot the ball well, he's big, he's physical, he's quick, he can run an offense and he's unselfish."

Praise like that from a legend like Kidd and from the fans and critics across the country could have easily gone to hiss head, but his determination to be the best in the game has kept him humble, focused and hard working. Playing behind Kidd, Williams got to study and learn from one of the best point guards of all time.

“Jason's a guy that I grew up trying to emulate, trying to be like as a kid," said Williams. "Anything he sees that I'm doing wrong or I could do differently. Whether it's something simple as, you know, I made a chest pass today when I should have made a bounce pass. He came over and told me 'Drop it down low. There's not as many hands to get through.' He's just helping me out."

Deron took the Team USA experience in 2007 and used it to make his game even stronger on the professional level. In the 2007-2008 season, Williams set career highs in both scoring (18.8 ppg) and assists (10.5 apg), while leading Utah to a 54–28 record in the regular season and finishing third in the league in assists. His superb individual play and his ability to make his teammates better helped take Utah deep into the playoffs for the second year in a row, but he still sees room for improvement.

"You can always learn," Williams said. "You can always improve. You can always get better. You just gotta stay hungry to do that. I think there's a lot of maturing I can do as far as being a leader on my team."

After this season's performance and the upcoming USAB training camp the world will be waiting to see what Deron has in store.

"He has all the tools to be one of the top point guards," Kidd said, "if not the top point guard, when it's all said and done."

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This Is Our Game: Controversy & Defeat

GHarty — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 20:41:14 GMT

This is Our Game explores the rich tradition of the U.S. National Teams, uncovering the victories, defeats, and rivalries of the last seven decades. In Part Two of the series, a legendary streak comes to an abrupt end as Russia emerges on the world stage.

1972-1984.

As the threat of a Third World War looms over the country, Team USA suffers its first ever defeat to its Cold War rivals.

Between the 1940’s and the early 1990’s, the Cold War weighed heavily on the minds of Americans. And in the 1970’s, the controversy, terror and politics finally began to overshadow the goodwill of the games.

The 1972 summer games started off like any other, with Team USA marching through its opponents with ease. Teams like Cuba, Czechoslovakia, Brazil, Spain, Australia, Japan and Egypt posed little threat to U.S. dominance. But the USSR proved to be a different sort of challenge; as they faced their Cold War rivals in the finals game, they battled from the tip-off, exchanging leads throughout. The Americans knew they had it covered, scoring two clutch free throws with three seconds left on the clock – enough to ensure a 50-49 victory.

Then tragedy struck.

After Russia’s inbound pass, with just one second left on the clock, the referee unexpectedly blew the whistle. After a few moments of confusion, he emerged from a conference with the other refs and announced that the Russian head coach had called a timeout. As a result, the clock would be turned back to three seconds.

When the Russians missed their opportunity to score, Team USA began to celebrate their victory. But the Russian head coach, after flagging down the refs, argued that the clock was improperly reset. The U.S. could do nothing but stand by and wait – and finally, after a long period of deliberation, they saw that the clock was again being set to three seconds. The Russians took to the court again, and were given another chance to score. This time, they sank their shot before the buzzer, and were awarded the gold.

Team USA, believing they were robbed, refused to accept silver medals.

After all of the controversy, tragedy and defeat of the Munich Summer Games, the U.S., still holding a grudge from their previous loss, went to Montreal four years later in search of revenge. After stomping their way through Italy and Yugoslavia, Team USA battled until the final minutes for a 95-94 victory over Puerto Rico. They followed up with easy wins over the remaining competition, including a 2-0 win over Egypt, who had to forfeit for political reasons. The U.S. won the top prize that year, the Russians trailing at third.

In Moscow, eight years after the upset with Russia, yet another political issue overshadowed the games. This time, it was the Soviet-Afghan conflict; Russia’s invasion of Afghanistan was opposed by U.S. allies around the world, and to send a message, Americans and supporting countries staged an official boycott of the games. Without the Americans in the tournament that year, Yugoslavia swept the gold, and the Russians took the bronze.

In '84, Russia and many of its Communist allies returned the favor, protesting the games in Los Angeles. Future legends like Michael Jordan, Chris Mullin and David Robinson were given their first taste of the international spotlight. Unsurprisingly, without their strongest competitor in the tournament, Team USA walked away with the gold.

Until the Cold War ended in the mid '90’s, political rivalries were played out on the hardwood, the defeats as devastating as losses on the battlefield. The next time Team USA faced their Russian rivals in 1988, they suffered a loss that rallied them to assemble the greatest collection of athletes in history, forever changing the game of basketball.

NEXT: Defeat in Seoul gives birth to the American Dream >>

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