Dream Come True: USA Basketball on the Comeback Trail

Anyone who's been under a rock for the past three months has missed some big news:

The United States has a legitimate men's basketball team heading to the 2008 Olympics.

After two dominating performances in the FIBA Americas Tournament, Team USA seems to have the goods to compete for the gold. Here’s the skinny on the China-bound squad:

King James and Prince Kobe

Everyone wanted to know how the NBA's two best players would work together.

So far, LeBron James and Kobe Bryant have played nice—and shown maturity by letting their fellow teammates share the spotlight.

To avoid a repeat of the flop in the 2002 World Championships, Team USA will need plenty of unselfish leadership. On Thursday night, LeBron and Kobe showed themselves to be up to the task.

Seeing Redd

Who do you go to when James and Bryant aren't on the court?

How about Michael Redd?

With Kobe in foul trouble, Redd took over the perimeter in Team USA’s 123-59 spanking of the U.S. Virgin Islands, ultimately finishing with 22 points.

Redd wasn’t available for the World Championships, and he figures to be a difference-maker when the Games tip off in China.

Destiny Calls

Though Venezuela and the Virgin Islands aren’t top competitors, Mike Krzyzewski obviously has his players on the same page.

Many observers questioned Coach K's decision to leave Bruce Bowen, Antawn Jamison, Shane Battier, and Luke Ridnour off the roster. Now, though, it's easy to see his logic.

With two Jordan-like players in LeBron and Kobe, reliable go-to guys in Carmelo Anthony and Amare Stoudemire, a clutch player in Redd, and a proven leader in Chauncey Billups, Team USA looks primed for dominance.

So, to answer the obvious question: Yes, these American men have the makings of another Dream Team.

All they have to do is answer the call.