Can Coach K Lead the US back to the Glory Land?
The quest of the USA mens’ basketball team to regain the gold medal after finishing third in Torino in 2004 is one of the major storylines of the Olympics this year, and the squad is packed with NBA stars. However, foreign players are making a big impact in the NBA as well, so it will be interesting to see if the rest of the world is really catching up with the nation that gave us the “Dream Team” in 1992.
The USA is favored at -460 to win their first gold medal since 2000, led by the likes of LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and a rejuvenated Dwayne Wade. From top to bottom, the USA is the most talented team in the Olympics, but they have spent the majority of their time becoming a team, starting with a bronze medal at 2006 World Championships. These players have now played together for three years, and they are very strong contenders to head to the top of the podium once again.
Spain are next at +350, coming off a win in the 2006 World Championships. The Spainish are powered by Pau Gasol, who just went to the NBA Finals with Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers, and he was also the MVP of the 2006 Worlds. Jose Calderon of the Toronto Raptors brings a steady influence at point guard, fresh off a fantastic season in the NBA.
Defending gold medalists Argentina are set at +1000, but they came up short in the 2007 Worlds, losing the gold medal game to the USA. Manu Ginobili of the San Antonio Spurs brings championship experience to the squad, while Luis Scola of the Houston Rockets is an inside presence to be reckoned with on both ends of the floor.
Do not count out Greece at +1400, as they finished second in the 2006 Worlds, which followed a fifth-place finish at the 2004 Olympics. The Greeks are led by captain Theódoros Papaloukás, who was named one of the Euroleague’s Greatest 50 Players, and he has been pursued by many NBA teams. For 6’7”, Papaloukás is a phenomenal passer who can get his teammates involved, but he is also able to get his own shot off.
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