After a successful string of exhibition games in which the United States Olympic Basketball Team dismantled Turkey and Lithuania, and handled Russia and Australia, the team has finally arrived at its final destination.  The exhibition schedule saw the team train in Macao and play games in Shanghai before their arrival in Beijing, the site of the 2008 Olympic games.

The anticipation is great for the United States as the motto for this year’s competition is “The Road To Redemption”.  This is of course referring the dissappointments of the last two American International basketball squads that both failed to win Gold.  Most notably is the 2004 Olympics, in which a younger more inexperienced version of the big 3 (LeBron, D Wade, and Melo) failed to truly contribute to a team that struggled and squeeked by with a bronze metal. 

“I was sitting next to Jerry [Colangelo] and said, ‘You know, we’ve waited three years to get off this plane and do this,’ ” Coach Mike Krzyzewski said Wednesday, shortly after the team arrived for the Summer Games. “I think we’re prepared, and while we’re here we need to prepare more.” For the Americans this year, nothing short of a dominating performance on the way to a gold metal will be acceptable.

Despite the pressure, the excitement level is very high for the team. Many players have stated this is the opportunity of a lifetime, and this group of guys is on a mission.  The excitement is not one way either, the Chinese fans are star-struck merely by the sight of their favorite athletes. “I try to see American players every time they come to China, but this time is the most special because of the Olympics,” said Manny Chen, a spike-haired college student dressed in a USA jersey with Bryant’s name it. In addition, dozens of fans, climbed a spiked iron fence to get a closer look, many shouting “Kou-bi-er” in hopes of attracting Bryant’s attention.

GO U.S.A!! As a former basketball player, I have been embarassed by the recent performances of the National team.  It’s time to take back whats ours!