Team USA needs Howard to be Superman

In February of this year, Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard caught the breath and imagination of everyone in the Sprite Slam Dunk competition.  Donning a superman tank-top and red cape, he soared from just below the free throw line to catch a ball thrown from behind the backboard, and threw the ball through the hoop while still in mid-flight.

Every time a shot bounces off the rim, Team USA hopes to see their opponents craning their necks upward only to see Howard, now appropriately nicknamed "Superman,"  snatch the rebound before they have a chance.

This year's version of USA basketball needs Howard to be a superhero on the underneath.  He is the team's only center.  He has two power forwards, Chris Bosh and Carlos Boozer, backing him up.

Howard's ability to control the boards, guard the paint and (most importantly) stay out of foul trouble will be crucial to USA's hopes for their first gold medal since 2000.

The preliminary-round competition for Team USA features a plethora of big men that will test Howard and the depth (or lack thereof) behind him.  Chris Kaman (Germany), Yao Ming (China), Pau and Marc Gasol (Spain) all pose significant low-post threats to Howard and Team USA.

Krzyzewski has indicated he plans to use Lebron James as a power forward.  Other than Shawn Marion, James is probably the best rebounding small forward that can rebound effectively at the "four".

International basketball, however, emphasizes the fundamentals such as boxing out and positioning.  This is where Boozer can most effectively help Howard control the boards, but may feel marooned when Howard is on the bench.

Opponents' dribble-penetration is another reason for concern.  If opposing guards are able to penetrate, Howard is the team's only legitimate shot-blocker. 

International players are so crafty, however, that "Superman" could find himself on the bench suffering from something more debilitating than kryptonite: foul trouble.

Team USA has enough star-power and depth on the perimeter that they should be able to win those stretches in which they have to do without Howard.  Unfortunately, they won't be invincible to defeat, as they were more than a decade ago.

If Howard can dominate underneath, Team USA's opponents will be hard-pressed to pull off an Olympic-sized upset.  If Howard is rendered ineffective, however, his teammates will be left looking for another hero to save them.