Posted by E in the "Soccer in America" thread a few months back:

The days of the US dominating international sports competitions are over.

The world has caught up talent-wise. Ask the US Olympic Basketball team.

It's time for the 2006 FIBA World Championships! (http://usabasketball.com/...n/2006/06_mwc_espn2.html)

Led by Duke University head coach Mike Krzyzewski, the USA Basketball World Championship roster features 15 of the NBA's best players:
Carmelo Anthony (Denver Nuggets)
Gilbert Arenas (Washington Wizards)
Shane Battier (Houston Rockets)
Chris Bosh (Toronto Raptors)
Bruce Bowen (San Antonio Spurs)
Elton Brand (Los Angeles Clippers)
Kirk Hinrich (Chicago Bulls)
Dwight Howard (Orlando Magic)
LeBron James (Cleveland Cavaliers)
Antawn Jamison (Washington Wizards)
Joe Johnson (Atlanta Hawks)
Brad Miller (Sacramento Kings)
Chris Paul (New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets)
Amaré Stoudemire (Phoenix Suns)
Dwyane Wade (Miami Heat)

Exhibition Schedule:
Thurs, Aug 3 vs. Puerto Rico (W, 114-69 )
Mon, Aug 7 vs. China (to be televised tonight on ESPN 2; results are in if you want to find them)
Mon, Aug 14 vs. Korea

2006 World Championships:
Aug 18 vs. Puerto Rico
Aug 20 vs. China
Aug 22 vs. Slovenia
Aug 23 vs. Italy
Aug 24 vs. Senegal

Based on the scores of the first two games, it doesn't look like USA Basketball is messing around this year. Based on the analysis I've read, this might be the first team worthy of the Dream Team label since the 96 Olympic Team.

I don't know if anyone else really cares, but I'm very interested to see how this team rebounds from the embarassment of their performance in Athens.

pfft.

Team USA, more like Team Nike.

Stiffing Iverson because he reps Reebok is lame. Or maybe it's the tats or hip-hop image. Anyway I can't name five players from this list that I would rather have starting a gold medal game then Iverson.

go bronze.

I'm not much of an Iverson fan anyhow so him getting snubbed isn't an issue for me. I like the chemistry with this team so far, but I'm going to wait until they play a harder team before I make a prediction.

Oh yeah and Carmello.... together, these three may be the next super trio to play together.... much like the 1992 Dream Team......

but did you see that big black greek dude in the middle??? we suck yo!