- Title: USA: Team USA aims to net Olympic basketball gold
- Date: 24th July 2008
- Summary: LAS VEGAS, NEVADA, UNITED STATES (JULY 22, 2008) (REUTERS) VARIOUS OF TEAM USA AT SHOOTING PRACTICE TEAM USA MEMBERS ON THE BENCH WATCHING PRACTICE VARIOUS OF TEAM USA MEMBER KOBE BRYANT AND OTHERS ON THE COURT SHOOTING TEAM USA MEMBER LEBRON JAMES SITTING ON TRAINING TABLE AFTER SUFFERING INJURY (SOUNDBITE) (ENGLISH) COACH MIKE KRZYZEWSKI ON LEBRON JAMES' INJURY, SAYING:
- Embargoed: 8th August 2008 13:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Usa
- Country: USA
- Topics: Sports
- Reuters ID: LVAAUPGNSR1XKIUE8LBDFAG2Z8I5
- Story Text: Team Basketball USA opens their Olympic training camp in Las Vegas with a powerful squad which is expected to return home with gold.
The US Olympic basketball squad spent day two of a training camp in Las Vegas on Tuesday (July 22) fine tuning their powerful line-up, one that is favourite to win the gold medal at the Beijing games.
But the Americans are realistic about their chances following a disappointing bronze medal at the last Olympics in Athens, recognising that the opposition is getting stronger.
Team USA leader Jason Kidd, an NBA veteran, named Lithuania, Spain, Argentina, Russia and China as significant threats.
But player Dwayne Wade believes the team will be ready.
"There is no comparison," Wade told Reuters in comparing the 2008 squad to the team that finished third in 2004.
"That is not a knock against the individual guys on the team in 2004. It is not a comparison of team talent, or individual talent, but of readiness. We've been at this for three years, maybe if you put the 2004 team together for three years you would have a different outcome. Mr. Colangelo, Coach K have built an atmosphere around here that is very calm and we all appreciate that and it makes up play and appreciate things more."
The team's chances suffered a bit of a scare when star LeBron James suffered what team officials described as "a mild sprain" to his right ankle during the American Olympic basketball team's practice on Tuesday in Las Vegas.
The injury took place when James landed on Kevin Durant's foot during a practice game between the American team and a squad comprised of young NBA players, the Los Angeles Times reported.
Trainers at the Las Vegas high school gymnasium wrapped James's ankle in a black brace and James left the practice facility without offering any comment for reporters.
"He thinks it's a mild sprain," Coach Mike Krzyzewski told reporters. "Our trainers think it's a mild sprain. So we'll find out tomorrow. But I don't think it's anything serious. Obviously, we'll look and see what happens tomorrow."
Team USA plays an exhibition game against Canada on Friday. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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