USA Basketball: Redeem Team
Team USA won by 21 vs. Angola. Much like Bond, I like my USA/Angola match-up to be shaken not stirred. Gone are the days when NBA Pros can dunk and knock down an Angolan player a la Charles Barkley with the Angolan basically asking for an autograph. The 1992 "Dream Team" really was a dream boasting some of the best players and legends of the game. In 1992 the USA won by 68 in the match up. It was sheer dominance in every sense of the word.
Not only has the International game and competition improved since 1992, but the mind set has also changed. Where are the legends of countless years with plenty of game still in them to dominate the field on the team. The most subtle of changes in the NBA was the ability for a time to draft high school players. It changed the field. Players were learning on the job more so then ever. It's taken it's toll on the NBA as the league became much younger. International players aren't looking for autographs anymore. They play with the young NBA players and they want to beat Team USA.
Every player in 1992 was a complete player. It's what made it a dream. They could all dribble, pass, and shoot. Even Sir Charles powerful game seemed graceful when contrasted to the artistry of his teammates. What Team USA really needs are a bunch of grizzled 34 year old players that still have some sizzle in their game. Mix in some young talent and collegiate players to take a back seat learning the way of the game in an unselfish style and you have a team that says to the world you're playing for second. The only problem is that Jason Kidd appears to be the only name to meet this criteria. It's also what made the showtime era of the NBA special.
