Nothing but net

The Dream Team. Magic. Jordan. Bird. Barkley. In 1992, they reestablished American dominance in Olympic basketball. Along the way to gold in Barcelona, they crushed hapless opponents, unable to keep pace. Ditto in 1996. But something happened between '96 and 2000. The world got wise, played catch-up, and started fielding good times. Meanwhile, the U.S. stagnated, not realizing--or not wanting to realize--the world wasn't quaking in its shadow. The U.S. won the gold in 2000, but it wasn't pretty. (Vince Carter's dunk notwithstanding.) Then, in 2004, the bottom fell out, and the Americans were lucky to get a bronze medal after a shoddy performance.

So how do you recover from an embarrassing performance, and get back to the place you think you belong. One, realize you need a change of scenery. In USA Basketball's case, they needed to choose personnel that best matched the international game. And you have to realize that the game you're playing isn't the game you're used to. The international game has different rules, flow and movement. Your personnel has to understand that, and adjust accordingly. The mindset has to be ready for a new environment. And, most importantly, realize that the competition has changed. They've gotten used to you. They understand your weaknesses. They aren't scared of you anymore. So you have to adapt. Circumstances, times, change. You have to move with them.

And it appears USA Basketball has. In the Tournament of the Americas, the U.S., with new personnel, and new attitude, has cruised into the semifinals. A win over Puerto Rico will put them in the Olympics. It's amazing what losing will do to you.