Olympic Team Profile: USA
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Team USA looks to avoid what would be its longest gold-medal drought in Olympic history with a team three years in the making at the Summer Olympic Games in Beijing next month. The Americans, who earned a bronze medal in Athens four years ago, have never failed to win the gold medal at back-to-back Olympics. Head coach Mike Krzyzewski began assembling a squad geared at these games three years ago, though he only has one player – point guard Jason Kidd – who has won before at either the Olympics or world championships. The core of the team is LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Carmelo Anthony, the only three who played at Athens, the 2006 world championships in Japan and are headed to Beijing. Kobe Bryant, who joined Team USA at the Tournament of the Americas last summer, is another key contributor. Krzyzewski has built a well-rounded team with stars at every position. The Americans’ challenge will be turning those stars into a true team capable of playing together in pressure situations.
# | Name | Pos. | H. | 4 | Carlos Boozer | F | 206 | 5 | Jason Kidd | G | 194 | 6 | LeBron James | F | 203 | 7 | Deron Williams | G | 191 | 8 | Michael Redd | G | 199 | 9 | Dwayne Wade | G | 193 | 10 | Kobe Bryant | G | 199 | 11 | Dwight Howard | F | 211 | 12 | Chris Bosh | F | 208 | 13 | Chris Paul | G | 183 | 14 | Tayshaun Prince | F | 206 | 15 | Carmelo Anthony | F | 203 | | Head Coach: Mike Krzyzewski |
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Kidd is the oldest and most experienced player on the roster, leading a point guard rotation that includes Chris Paul and Deron Williams. Paul, who also took part in the world championships two years ago, could be ready to take over the mantle as the lead point guard. The playmaking trio will all be sure to share the ball as much as possible, particularly with players like Bryant, Wade, James and Anthony on the wings. In addition to his scoring ability, Bryant could also make an impact with his defense, while James and Anthony’s size and strength at small forward could give the Americans a potential rebounding advantage. Despite its overall depth, Team USA does not boast many low-post threats, with Dwight Howard the only player on the roster who plays center full-time for his club. Power forwards Carlos Boozer and Chris Bosh will both fill in at times.
Team USA will be among the favorites to reach the medal round and the players and coaches all expect much more than that. But the Americans have been favored before and only have one gold medal to show at world competitions since 1996. If they play together, there is little doubt that this team has the talent to go all the way, but the road to gold is harder and longer than ever before and the Americans will have to be at their best at every turn to have a shot.
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