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Olympics 2000
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Interactive News by Email Hoopchat Frequently Asked Questions No Dream for USA men but gold a just reward
The ball left Sarunas Jasikevicius' hand. The buzzer sounded. The crowd
held its breath. And watched as the last gasp three point attempt fell
short of the hoop, inches away from creating the biggest upset in
basketball's Olympic history.That single episode at the semi-final stageleft the American men to celebrate,
as much with relief as with joy, and sent them onward to meet France in
today's final. Lithuania, 85-83 losers, could only curse their
malfortune and leave the stage, knowing that they so nearly altered the
genetic make-up of the sport at an international level.The multi-million dollar earning, All-Star filled, NBA powered, USA
squad was not supposed to endure such precarious trials. It was nowhere
in the script.In the event, it proved a mere hiccup, the Americans advancing to defeat a gallant French side 85-75 in the final. But after racing out into a 46-32 half-time lead, yet again, Team USA were made to fight for the golden medal as France closed to within four points with just four minutes left.
It was not to be for the unheralded Europeans however, the chants of 'Allez les Bleus' from an enraptured crown not enough to push them that inch further, silver their ultimate reward.
How times have changed though since Barcelona in 1992. The smile of Magic
Johnson as he bowed to receive his medal won hearts around the world,
his HIV status an irrelevance among the spontaneous joy of achievement.That side - which also included legends such as Michael Jordan, Larry
Bird and Charles Barkley - remains the finest ever assembled, dominating
its opponents by an average of over 40 points. Deservedly, it was
awarded the title of Dream Team.However eight years after NBA players were given the green light to
participate in the Games, winning, suddenly, is no longer enough for the
Stateside representatives. Praise has given way to constant opprobrium
and displeasure from the stands. That they have fought hard to reach the
final counts for little. The public demands more, their expectations of
Show Time entertainment unsatisfied by mere competence.The American stars who are universally admired - men like Shaquille
O'Neal and Kobe Bryant whose fame transcends the planet - are not here.
While the available performers, coached by Houston Rockets' Rudy
Tomjanovich, still rank among the NBA's premier talents, their
collective charisma is only notable by its absence.Yet not all the criticism tossed in their path has been just. Alonzo
Mourning was blasted in sections of the Australian media for having the
audacity to fly home between matches to attend the birth of his
daughter.And even when Vince Carter, the only genuine superstar to sign up,
produced one of the most electrifying dunks ever seen, leaping clean
over the head of hapless French centre Fred Weis, he was falsely accused
of using his talent to mock his Gallic opponent."Some people want to boo? Fine. Who cares?" Carter sniped after a less
than enthusiastic reception. "I'm not going to lose sleep over a boo."Nonetheless, it all started to slide when Carter became entangled with
Aussie flag-carrying hero Andrew Gaze in a pre-tournament event, his, at
times, over-zealous celebrations a source of irritation. If the NBA's
ambition was to win more fans on a global stage, it has swiftly turned
sour."We've been very happy with the way our players have represented the US
on and off the court," said USA Basketball president Russ Granik,
defending the attitude of his selection."Some things are going to happen in the heat of competition, but by and
large, we have no problem with the way our players have carried
themselves."Some may argue the Americans view Sydney as a summer break away from
their club commitments. But according to Canadian captain Steve Nash,
who plays for the Dallas Mavericks, the rampant professionalism of NBA
and its Women's sister league, and the purified ethos of the Games, are
not mutually exclusive."Winning the NBA title would be a huge accomplishment because of the
level of play and talent involved in the Championship," concedes Nash.
"But the Olympic medal is so valuable in the respect that you're
representing your country and to do that, to win a gold medal, would be
something you'd never forget."Ironically however, Lithuania's demonstration that the United States are
mortal after all should now ensure that their professionals, and those
from other nations, are not excluded from future competitions."We never said we were the '92 or '96 team," declared Antonio McDyess
after his team's fortuitous escape. "We're the 2000 team, and as long as
we play hard, that's OK."Are these Americans a Dream Team? Not even close. But worthy winners? Yes.
And last I looked, those are the participants who deservedly take home
the gold.
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