They've been dubbed "The Redeem Team," a star-spangled group of millionaires set to reclaim America's dominance in basketball. "I want U.S.A. basketball to be dominant again," LeBron James tells Time Magazine's Sean Gregory this week. "Every time people see the red, white and blue, they fear us."
James boldly went were some have gone before: He guaranteed a gold medal. It's the kind of proclamation that gets pickup: The AP did an item on it yesterday. So did the International Herald Tribune, USA Today, Fox Sports, and AOL Sports. Sportscenter mentioned the guarantee last night. I asked Gregory, who works about 10 floors away, to describe the moment when LeBron channeled his inner-Joe Namath:
"You're going to bring it home?" I asked. "Absolutely." "Guarantee it?" I followed up, expecting a dodge. He was relaxed, yet serious – his eyes focused in on me, like lasers. "Absolutely."
It's hard to see a team with James and Kobe Bryant losing to anyone. Of course, we've been down this road before. One of the most visceral moments for me at the Athens Games was watching the U.S. play Greece in the middle of Plaka. I'll never forget the sound when the Greeks took a second-half lead over the mighty Americans. The U.S. came back that day, but limped home with the wrong color: bronze.
International basketball is a fickle mistress.There are no absolutes.
Which should make this one heck of a tournament.
Jessica White
Tori Praver
NFL's Quadruple Threats
10 Undersized NFL Stars
Comments (44) Add A Comment
Perhaps we can come to an arrangement. Barter, perhaps. There's got to be something that I've got that you want.
Kari - President of Pagination
It's Thursday so I'm off to go golfing.
Kari, I'll FM you a map of Canada with all of the secluded spots marked on it. I'm sure you'll find one to your liking
Ten Duke
St Catharines, ON
Total Comments (2141)
hope LeBronze backs it up
Skooter23g
Total Comments (7284)
I guarantee Kobe will screw it up
SeanNJ - Minister of…
Total Comments (1608)
(From previous thread; this new guy posts too much)
and I'll trademark "This ain't loveline, bub."
Ten Duke | 07/24/08, 03:10 PM
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Perhaps we can come to an arrangement. Barter, perhaps. There's got to be something that I've got that you want.
Kari - President of Pagination
----
Why are you guys fighting over who gets to trademark MY catchphrase?
AV, set 'em straight.
The 10 Spot
Total Comments (5485)
Why are you guys fighting over who gets to trademark MY catchphrase?
AV, set 'em straight.
The 10 Spot | 07/24/08, 03:16 PM
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Are you a client of mine?
Anthony Verna
New York , NY
Total Comments (5173)
Why are you guys fighting over who gets to trademark MY catchphrase?
The 10 Spot
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Hold on, I remember you once pointing out that you never actually said that. Where's Fin when we need him?
Martel - Moopsbane
Total Comments (3639)
Why are you guys fighting over who gets to trademark MY catchphrase?
AV, set 'em straight.
The 10 Spot | 07/24/08, 03:16 PM
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Pete, I'll cut you in on the profits.
I've got your back.
Kari - DaPrez
Geneva , IL
Total Comments (6766)
the U.S. basketball team is stacked with talent, yes....BUT how well versed are they in basic basketball fundamentals? THAT is the true reason why the U.S. loses in international play, they run and dunk.....and lose. International teams are drilled in basic fundamentals that would bring a smile to John Wooden's grill. Don't take this the wrong way, but I hope the U.S. loses.....not for the humiliation, but with the hope that schools and teams in the U.S. will start teaching kids the basics. There are smart teams ready for the U.S. and the intimidation is not as high as it was 20-30 years ago....yep....
Skooter23g
Total Comments (7284)
Perhaps we can come to an arrangement. Barter, perhaps. There's got to be something that I've got that you want.
Kari - President of Pagination
----
Why are you guys fighting over who gets to trademark MY catchphrase?
AV, set 'em straight.
The 10 Spot
Not fight over the line as much as enjoying the barter.
Ten Duke
St Catharines, ON
Total Comments (2141)
When I reach this age, I hope I can play in a professional league.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/more/07/24/shock.sign.lieb erman.ap/index.html?eref=fannation
FGB
Basement, NJ
Total Comments (6003)
LeBron, LeBron, LeBron.
I've got two words for you, my friend. Anthony Smith.
Kari - DaPrez
Geneva , IL
Total Comments (6766)
Ugh!
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/more/07/24/shock.sign
.lieberman.ap/index.html?eref=fannation
FGB
Basement, NJ
Total Comments (6003)
Not fight over the line as much as enjoying the barter.
Ten Duke | 07/24/08, 03:22 PM
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I am curious to see this bargain go down.
Anthony Verna
New York , NY
Total Comments (5173)
I am curious to see this bargain go down.
Anthony Verna
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so to speak
DOC - GO FALCONS!
Total Comments (1670)
I can't wait for the Olympics to start. Just so I can watch the basketball.
Have I mentioned that I am on new meds the last couple of weeks?
Rickapolis-Bard of…
Annapolis , MD
Total Comments (4942)
Skoot - Fundamentals? Teamwork? What do you thinks this is, the WNBA?
Aimless Wonderer
Brooklyn , NY
Total Comments (2701)
people please...you're making me blush.....oh wait....it's just dirt
Skooter23g
Total Comments (7284)
I am curious to see this bargain go down.
Anthony Verna
Yeah...umm...that's why we are finding a secluded spot.
Ten Duke
St Catharines, ON
Total Comments (2141)
Not fight over the line as much as enjoying the barter.
Ten Duke | 07/24/08, 03:22 PM
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I am curious to see this bargain go down.
Anthony Verna | 07/24/08, 03:23 PM
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With any luck, AV, this deal will take place in a secluded spot. Sorry.
Kari - DaPrez
Geneva , IL
Total Comments (6766)
AW.....they play some beautiful basketball in Europe....they way it was meant to be played
Skooter23g
Total Comments (7284)
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