Team USA: More bang for the basketball buck

By Rob Miech

Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2006 | 7:32 a.m.

Before a U.S. national basketball team practice last week at Cox Pavilion, coach Mike Krzyzewski moseyed up to one of his players to gingerly ask what he did the previous evening.

"Coach, room service sounded real good last night," Krzyzewski was told. That pleased the boss. "What we want to do is show class," Krzyzewski said.

In the Distraction Capital of the World, Team USA director Jerry Colangelo and Krzyzewski have apparently achieved the unusual goal of keeping their players' attentions to the court and creating chemistry.

National team players, who have called Wynn Las Vegas home for their two sessions with Krzyzewski, have not been patronizing the high-roller lounges and abundant nightlife options of the city.

Forward Antawn Jamison said Colangelo and Krzyzewski might have fooled the team a bit. Jamison first thought: We're going to Las Vegas for training camp?

"I didn't know how that would work out," Jamison said. "But they've gotten every bit the workout they needed out of us, to the point where guys are tired and just want to go (to their rooms) and relax, spend time with our family. This is a journey."

Krzyzewski said the accommodations and privacy that the squad has received here, as he and Colangelo expected, have been tremendous. Team USA will call Las Vegas home for three years.

"It could not have worked out any better," Colangelo said. "Perceptions sometimes are not reality. We felt this was the right place for us, the right venue, and it's worked out great."

So why should a hard-working local shell out $12, the cheapest ticket available, to see the newest version of the U.S. national team play Puerto Rico at the Thomas & Mack Center on Thursday?

What's the attraction about a team that has gone 15-12 in its past three major international competitions? Why should anyone care about a selfish squad that has lost its standing as a global superpower?

Because the tail no longer wags the dog, new national team director Jerry Colangelo says. Now he and Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski are responsible for that product.

But, Jerry, why should people feel compelled to see this product?

"First, they can get their own read on what USA Basketball looks like, as compared to what they saw in the Olympics and World Championships," he says. "Secondly, to see some of the great players, even some of the young role players who will contribute as we go forward.

"Thirdly, it will give real basketball fans a chance to get an adrenaline fix, regarding the game we'll try to play the game the way it's supposed to be played."

So why do certain players think they deserve such attention by fans?

Antawn Jamison, 30

Washington Wizards forward

"Because I think it's going to be totally different than what they've seen in the past. We know the importance of bringing respectability back to USA Basketball. Our image will get back to where it was when Michael (Jordan) and Larry (Bird) were on the team.

"I was on the Olympic team two years ago, and this, definitely, is a lot different. More organized. This is a totally different atmosphere. Some of the guys on that team have matured a lot. I think that will work to our favor."

LeBron James, 21

Cleveland Cavaliers forward

"It'll be exciting. We'll get up and run, jump, fly and have some fun. We're not walking around thinking we're unbeatable. We did a good job of coming in and buying what Coach K and his assistants talked about.

"In '04, we jumped in it so fast in Jacksonville, then it was right to the Olympics. This time, we're preparing. Four days last week, five this week. It's very exciting to see how far we've come."

Shane Battier, 27

Houston Rockets forward

"People should come see us play for the same reason that all of us are here. It's for our country. We represent America, the greatest country in the world. We're playing our hearts out to represent our country.

"I would hope people will come out and cheer us, not only us but what our country is about. Hopefully, we'll show up on the basketball court."

Amare Stoudemire, 23

Phoenix Suns center

"First, I think it's always great to support your country. Secondly, we're just going out there and playing ball. You have players here willing to put their egos, their leading-scorer mentalities, aside and play team ball.

"I was on that Olympic team two years ago, and this is definitely more organized. We have better strategy, and better ideas, about what we're trying to accomplish. It's a new era."

Joe Johnson, 25

Atlanta Hawks swingman

"I really do feel, if you're a big basketball fan or a fan, period, of any player on this team, definitely come out and watch. I think there will be a lot of excitement and a lot of fun. I've had a lot of fun playing pickup with these guys.

"We definitely did what we had to do. When it was time to take care of business, we did that. We've enjoyed our time in Las Vegas."