Nike Basketball News

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 Team: Carlos Boozer

Hotnix — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 20:34:42 GMT

His fierce determination got him from the wilds of Alaska to the world’s stage. But will it be enough to get him to the top of that podium?

He’s one of the biggest threats in the NBA. His left hand is as powerful as his right, his strength equal to his size, and his shooting deadly in almost every situation. But what is it that turns a man like Boozer into such a dominating force on the court?

According to Carlos, it was his father.

Growing up in Alaska, Carlos’ father was a dedicated coach, driving him to an outdoor court every day after school to practice. Rain, sleet or snow, they developed his raw talent into natural instinct, overcoming difficulties with a tireless determination. His dad made sure there were no weak spots in his game – even going so far as to tie down his right hand, turning his weak left into a major weapon.

All through high school, Carlos forced himself to work through the cold Alaskan seasons. Before long, his physical and mental game grew incredibly tough, able to withstand anything his opponents – or mother nature – could throw at him. By his senior year, Carlos was an aggressive force that few had ever seen, and ready to take the world by storm.

Soon, colleges around the country were battling it out for his attention. After much discussion with his father, it was Coach Krzyzewski at Duke – currently the head coach of Team USA – who was entrusted with Carlos’ future. And the pairing paid off quickly: the Blue Devils won the National title that year, and he decided to declare for the 2002 NBA Draft.

Boozer spent two seasons with the Cleveland Cavaliers, steadily growing alongside LeBron James. But it wasn’t until 2004, when he joined the Utah Jazz, that he truly came into his own, establishing himself as one of the best power forwards in the league. Fans, teammates, and coaches started to realize just how big a threat he was – and how far he could potentially go.

By the 2007-08 season, Boozer was showing signs of a budding NBA legend. He was voted an NBA All-Star two years in a row, named the Western Conference Player of the Month, and was among the league’s top five performers in scoring, rebounding, and field goal percentage.

On top of all that, his incredible dexterity has made him one of the NBA’s most threatening post players – something that can be attributed to those cold afternoons in Juneau.

This year, as the Summer Games draw near, Team USA will need to rely on Boozer’s toughness on the court. His physical size and strength, coupled with his mental fierceness, will be enough to tackle any opponent – but for Carlos, he was taught early on that it takes more than that to win.

“You can do whatever you want to do,” said Carlos, “if you have the heart and passion to go after it.”

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This Is Our Team: Chris Bosh

GHarty — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 20:34:17 GMT

He's been to the Junior World Championships. He's made the playoffs. But the top prize has always been just out of reach.

As one of the most sought-after seniors in high school, Chris Bosh got his first taste of international action early in his career. At just 18 years old, he was invited to be a part of the Junior World Championship. But that early taste instantly turned sour; with a 4-1 record, the team was forced to settle for bronze. And with the Senior Team's losses that year, it seemed like Team USA's era of dominance was officially over.

But for Chris Bosh, the ride was only beginning.

After just one year of college, the 19-year old Bosh announced his entrance into the 2003 NBA Draft. Picked fourth by the Toronto Raptors, he immediately showcased his all-around game. He had the quickness to beat his defenders on the blocks, and developed the jumper to take them outside. His 11.5 points and 7.4 rebounds per game earned him a spot on the NBA All-Rookie Team.

But with all his success, his determination to win never faltered. Each year, he steadily increased his scoring average. Starting at 16.8 points per game in 2004-05 and 22.5 points per game in 2005-06, it wasn’t long before he was an All-Star. His extraordinary development and leadership in Toronto made him an automatic selection for the 2006 U.S. National Team.

With that, Chris found himself with another chance at the international stage.

His second international appearance, however, didn’t end much differently than the first. Team USA came up short at the World Championships in Japan, though Chris’s game was polished and on point. In limited time, CB4 put up 6.8 points and grabbed four rebounds a game, finishing the tournament ranked sixth in field goal percentage.

Nevertheless, he was coming home with another bronze medal in his hand.

After leading the Raptors to the playoffs for the first time in 5 years, Bosh was offered a place at the 2007 FIBA Americas tournament. Another chance for international redemption was at his fingers. His length and quickness were exactly what the team needed, someone to finally give the big Central and South American men a run for their money.

But before the tournament even got underway, Bosh injured his foot and had to withdraw. That turned out to be a golden year for Team USA, as they took first place and redeemed lost honor. It was an exciting time to be on the Team USA roster. And while Bosh went on to recover, play well in the regular season, and lead his NBA team to the playoffs – again – he always regretted missing that shot at the gold.

Now more than ever, CB4 is ready to don the USA colors and battle the world. He’s been there before, tasted victory and defeat, and won his share of second place. But now, thanks to his hard work, determination and strength, he’s getting another shot. And this time around, he won’t let his chance go by.

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This Is Our Team: Michael Redd

Hotnix — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 20:30:38 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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This Is Our Team: Tayshaun Prince

Hotnix — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 20:29:15 GMT

Armed with deadly determination and brilliant versatility, Tayshaun Prince is the glue that holds it all together.

Tayshaun Prince is often thought of as the game’s most underrated player. And he intends to keep it that way.

Since the beginning, Prince has kept himself out of the limelight, letting heavyweights like Rasheed Wallace and Rip Hamilton dominate the court. It may be an unusual tactic for a Pistons’ co-captain and leading scorer, but Prince knows that he has one uncanny ability, a quality that sets him apart from the rest: the skill to fit his game around that of his teammates.

While guys like Wallace and Hamilton battle on the front lines, Prince’s impressive versatility makes him the team’s secret weapon. From long-range shooting to game-ending blocks, he’s mastered all facets of the game. And given his epic wingspan, he could easily become one of the league’s biggest stars.

But Prince has always been determined to be the complement, not the conqueror. And that’s what separates him from the pack.

In spite of his glue-man role, Prince has been quietly setting his own records since the beginning. A native of Compton, he helped the University of Kentucky advance to the national tournament every year he played, leading the conference in free throw percentage and earning MVP in 2001. It became very clear, as he was rotated through all five positions on the court, that he could handle anything.

After joining the NBA, he emerged as the first Pistons rookie to start in a playoff since 1986. Over the years, his averages in points, rebounds and assists have increased steadily. And his basketball IQ is so strong, many have speculated on his future in coaching.

But it wasn’t any of these things, according to coaches, that got him a coveted spot on Team USA.

For them, it was his continuity that proved a winning asset. For the last decade or so, as the rest of the world started to catch up to Americans, reliable team players have been nowhere to be found. For years, it was all about big names and even bigger egos. But Tayshaun Prince has proven that he can be a solid cog in the machine, the man who makes things work on the court. And that’s exactly what this year’s team needed.

"What I bring to the team obviously is some defense and some rebounding, and also capable of hitting some outside shots,” Prince said. “But with this type of squad we have, obviously I don't have to score a lot or do anything in that type of role."

This summer, Team USA seems destined for success. Not because of the stats or the scores, but because of guys like Prince – the ones who show up, handle problems, and sacrifice everything for the team.

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