The redemption

The Beijing Olympics introduced to the world several new sports heroes, like the indomitable swimmer Michael Phelps and the cocky Jamaican speedster Usain Bolt. For some old vanguards of Olympic lore though, Beijing wasn’t about recognition. It was about redemption. The purposeful USA Men’s Basketball team reclaimed their Dream Team moniker and avenged embarrassing losses in the previous Olympic games and World Championships.

A growing number of fans, myself included, started rooting against the Redeem Team in this tournament and favored teams like Spain and China. But after a string of dominant performances against good international teams like Greece and Argentina, you knew, like them or not, that this particular group of NBA stars meant business.

With the world catching up and with international teams rolling out a starting five of NBA talent, the Redeem Team had to make a serious push to be once again recognized as the world’s best. And despite a little scare from Spain in the gold medal game, Team USA was clearly the dominant force in the Men’s Basketball tournament.

As I watched the USA games, there were a number of things that struck me as the keys to this redemptive run at the gold medal.

Kobe Bryant — Arguably the world’s best, most polished and most competitive player made his Olympic debut this year at age 30. Kobe not only made big shots, like he did against Spain to secure the gold medal, he also would defend the opposing team’s best player. His tenacity on defense spelled trouble for several opposing backcourts, particularly against the likes of China, which has weak ball-handlers.  

Defense — Kobe Bryant took the lead, and the rest USA basketball followed. With ball hawks like Chris Paul, Dwyane Wade and LeBron James constantly flanking Kobe and creating havoc from baseline to baseline, it’s safe to say that the USA defense was the best in the world. Most of the turnovers that the Redeem Team forced translated to several highlight dunks on the other end of the floor.

Jason Kidd – His playing time was limited, but you could see that his steady hand and veteran leadership kept the team focused. His unselfishness and commitment to the team concept proved to be vital, especially considering that most of the players on this team are one-on-one, clear out and take it to the rim type of talents. His presence also alleviated the pressure off Deron Williams and Chris Paul, both young point guards who might’ve adjusted poorly if handed the keys to this machine right from the beginning. Kidd gave the opportunity for Williams and Paul to come off the bench and wreak havoc without having to worry too much about keeping the team on the same page.

Commitment – Unlike previous years, particularly during the Paul Pierce/Indiana World Championships era, the USA Basketball team wasn’t looking for an exhibition this time. They wanted to play international basketball and be the best at it. Under the guidance of Jerry Colangelo and coach Mike Krzyzewski, the Redeem Team was able to establish an identity of selflessness and hard work. Guys were committed to pressing the ball full-court, swatting balls off the rim and making the extra pass to open shooters. Although the offense wasn’t perfect and USA couldn’t hit three-pointers early on, the commitment to play as a team was clearly what won the medal for Team USA.  

For questions, comments or corrections please e-mail me at carlfrancisramirez@gmail.com