Everyone has had their criticism of the third place finish in the Olympics by the US Dream Basketball Team. To us it is an embarrassment that we did not get the gold medal. However, the world as a whole is getting more advanced in the game of basketball, and with the number of overseas players now playing in the NBA, somebody should have saw this coming.

When the US Basketball finished in sixth place in the most recent World Championships held in Indianapolis, Indiana, the world took notice. The Dream Team, which was created in 1992 to allow NBA players from the US to participate in Olympic competition. People should realize that the increased competitive play had to rub off on the international players they faced.

Also, the US Dream Team Basketball Team is always created a few weeks before the World Championships or the Olympics. The international teams play together in their off seasons therefore they are use to playing with one another. My advise for the 2008 Olympics would be that US Basketball Team feature some players who have either played overseas before joining the NBA, because they have a better understanding of the international rules and have some good perimeter shooters, even if they are not NBA superstars.

Basketball Articles

Sport Article Sections