Redeem Team Rant

Blog: 

According to the Mariam-Websters online dictionary, to redeem is to extricate from or help to overcome something detrimental or to release from blame or debt. I understand 'Redeem Team' it's a catchy little play on words when placed along side the 'Dream Team' but is it necessary to assume the USA basketball program has to over come detrimental losses and be released of blame or debt for it's previous Olympic short comings?

The 2004 summer Olympics in Athens consisted of Coach Larry Brown and three big names with one seasons worth of professional basketball experience. These new comers were Carmelo Anthony, LeBron James and Dwayne Wade. A 3rd place finish isn't exactly a push over but the pressure assigned to these young guns was a lot to take in at once. The assumption that the team would win was pretty much implied. I guess that's how things work when you consistently win every four years.

When it comes to basketball the USA just has to win right? The best league in the world plus the best talent equals automatic gold. Not exactly. The international rules and style of play is slightly different than the NBA but it's just enough take them out of their element. Add the fact that Basketball is now the second most popular sport in the world means the global talent pool is definitely increasing.

I don't think the approach the Americans took with them was exactly the right one when attempting to compete on the international level. Larry Brown more than likely felt infallible with regards to everything he was saying and the roster just assumed coming into the games that they were the gold medal winners before the first tip off.

Based on all of this I think redemption is a little strong of a word. They were simply out matched and although the talent was there, the correct mind set wasn't. They still performed very well bringing home the bronze but were caught with their pants down meeting up with Greece. This year’s team was selected by Jerry Colangelo along with an extensive staff including future hall of fame coach Mike Krzyzewski to run the show. The talent is now being utilized accordingly with a dedication and a commitment to winning.

Whether or not you believe the 'Redeem Team' of 2008 has something to prove or owes us anything is of course your own opinion. I believe the bucket of cold water that was tossed on the 2004 teams head was actually a good thing and long overdue. The rest of the world is clearly catching up and it's a good thing that the US team is now taking the rest of the world seriously.