The Redeem Team...

So why are they called the "Redeem Team?"

Some will point you to their opponent tomorrow morning (8 A.M ET Thursday) in Greece who shocked the U.S two years ago at the "Worlds" in a 101-95 defeat. In that contest, the Greeks ran a clinic. They ran 42 pick and rolls to near perfection as if 350 pound "notorious for can't guarding it" Shaq was on the court defending them. Greece also shot an unreal .625 from the field. The U.S. ended the "World's" with an unimpressive Bronze medal and the American media ripping them, while the International press laughed at them.

But the whole "Redeem" title goes further back than 2006. Flashback to the 2000 Olympics where albeit the U.S. did win the Gold medal, chinks began to surface in their armor and international teams like Lithuania and France who battled them to two difficult Semifinal/Finals games gave everyone across the world hope. They showed everyone from Latin America, Africa, and the rest of Europe that the title of "Best Basketball Country" was no longer relegated to the 50 states, but available to the world.

The hope turned into reality in 2002 when the U.S. didn't even finish in the Top 5 at the "World's," but 6th. Argentina, Yugoslvania, and Spain became the first teams to ever defeat a team fully composed of NBA players. In the 2003 FIBA America's Championships, the U.S. quieted their critics with a first place finish. But the viewing public still wasn't convinced and rightfully so.

At the 2004 Olympics, the U.S. team struggled mightily in exhibition matches. They claimed it was "rust" and "unfamiliarity" with their teammates. But nothing could explain away the 19-point loss in the opening game of the Olympics to Carlos Arroyo and Puerto Rico. Now I can understand losing in baseball to Puerto Rico, but basketball!? Then came a loss to Lithuania and a heartbreaker against Manu Ginobilli and Argentina who eventually won the Gold medal.

Now, the "Redeem Team" led by the sports two's biggest stars in Kobe and Lebron face their biggest tests yet. Games against Greece, Spain, and Germany with the ladder 2 anchored by stars like Dirk Nowitzki, Pau Gasol, and Jose Calderon. While Greece boasts star 22 year-old Vasillis Spanoulis.

Only time will tell if this U.S. team can reclaim the world crown, but certain things already have me preparing for disappointment. Josh Childress leaving for Europe. Talks of NBA expansion into France or Germany in the future. Kobe and LeBron talking about leaving the NBA for the almighty Euro and to also expand their brands. Europe is just taking over huh? Why should I be surprised if they take the Gold as well?