Gee, this sure sounds good

July 26th, 2006 | Posted by PostmanR

So yeah, we know that at one point, USA Basketball was king. I’m talking about 1992 and the Dream Team, specifically. Jordan, Bird and Magic clowning other countries, flat out dominating them in every aspect of the game.

Those days are over. Recent World Championship and Olympic performances by the USA have proven that much.

But as the World Championships are quickly approaching next month in Japan, we’re being led to believe that this squad is going to be different from their recent predecessors.

They’re figuring out how to adjust to the international game, with its pressure defense, team-first-make-the-extra-pass mentality and somewhat quirky rules. This isn’t the NBA. D. Wade’s isolation isn’t going to work here.

And when you read a quote such as this, you begin to think these guys are getting the picture.

“It’s been great to see some of the leading scorers like LeBron James, Gilbert Arenas and Dwyane Wade making the extra pass,” (Elton) Brand said.

From all written accounts, it appears as if these guys are recognizing how to succeed internationally. Having Mike Krzyzewski as coach helps. Having great, tough point guards like Kirk Hinrich and Chris Paul who don’t operate around a score first mentality (like their predecessor A.I.) helps as well.

But until I see this supposed style of play with my own eyes, I can’t help but be skeptical.

(And if you needed proof the LeBron James is indeed 21, ESPN has obtained his birth certificate. Happy reading!)