Going for Gold: USA Men’s Basketball Team

(Photo: streetball.com)

While this may be no dream, the USA Men’s Basketball team under the direction of the legendary Coach Mike Krzyzewski and led by the likes of LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Kobe Bryant, this All-Star-like team looks to make their own mark in Olympic history. Having already played four exhibition games, fans have already gotten a glimpse of the impact this team is capable of making blowing out teams in a similar manner to how the 1992 Olympic Dream Team did. Although their last exhibition game versus Argentina served as an eye-opener as their victory was only by a mere six points, expect the 2012 Olympic team to establish dominance over its opponents.


Perhaps the greatest battle as of late for the US Men’s Basketball team has not been against teams they have played during their exhibition games or teams that they look to face in the coming weeks, but rather a team that has not touched the floor in 20 years; the historic 1992 Dream Team of the Summer Olympics in Barcelona. Led by NBA legends such as Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and Larry Bird to name a few, The Dream Team was the first US Olympic Men’s Basketball Team to feature the stars of the NBA. Not only did the Dream Team win their way to Olympic gold, they did it with ease blowing past teams by 50 points.


Comparisons arose when current Olympic representative, Kobe Bryant stated that he believes the 2012 Olympic Basketball team could defeat the 1992 Dream team. Bryant’s confident suggestion sparked remarks from members of the Dream team such as Michael Jordan, who laughed at the comment, Larry Bird, who made a witty response by suggestion that the 2012 Olympic team could only beat the Dream team now since they haven’t played in 20 years, and Magic Johnson, who commented that while the 1992 Dream Team was comprised of the greatest players that ever played the game, the only members of the 2012 team that would have even had the chance to make the Dream Team are Bryant, LeBron James, and Kevin Durant. Kobe Bryant later reformed his claim stating that he believes the 2012 team could beat the Dream Team in a single game but perhaps not in a seven game series.


Despite the many comparisons that have come about since then, the 2012 Olympic Team has continued to have their sights set on what is to come this summer. Although the team has some notable competition such as Spain and Argentina, they look to use their dominance to power past other teams competing this summer.   One key player many people who will have their eye on is Anthony Davis, who was brought in to replace an injured Blake Griffin. The 2012 NBA number one draft pick will look to get exposure playing among the NBA’s most elite before he even plays his first NBA game; an opportunity that will only enhance Davis’ maturation. First there was the Dream Team in 1992, then the Redeem Team in 2008 and now the 2012 Olympic US Basketball team looks to make their own name for themselves as the go for gold.


USA Olympic Men’s Basketball Team
4     Tyson Chandler, C      
5     Kevin Durant, SF            
6     LeBron James, SF
7     Russell Westbrook, PG
8     Deron Williams, PG
9     Andre Iguodala, SF
10   Kobe Bryant, SG
11   Kevin Love, PF, C
12   James Harden, SG
13   Chris Paul, PG
14   Anthony Davis, PF, C
15   Carmelo Anthony, SF


Head Coach: Mike Krzyzewski