Gold Medal Winners Share Their Thoughts on International Play

Phoenix Suns guard/forward Penny Hardaway on playing for the U.S. in 1996:

I think it ranks number one. It's not like any other game of basketball. It's for your country. You'll only have a group of guys like this together one time, so you have to cherish the moment.

Utah Jazz forward Karl Malone, who won gold with Jazz teammate John Stockton as part of the 1992 and 1996 U.S. teams:

To be on the Olympic team really says something. I think my kids will enjoy it one day when we watch the videotape. I want to tell my son and daughter, "Yeah, that's your dad right there."

Although Jason Kidd was named to the 2002 U.S. Worlds team, he was forced to withdraw due to injury. Jesse Garrabrant NBAE/Getty Images

New Jersey Nets guard Jason Kidd, gold medal winner with the U.S. team in 2000:

It's a great honour to be able to play with the best in the world, not just our team, but against the best with other countries. This is a kid's dream, an ultimate goal.

To have the opportunity to play for a gold medal is just a thrill.

Miami Heat centre Alonzo Mourning, gold medal winner with the U.S. team in 2000:

You think about a basketball player's resume and you think about an Olympic gold as one of the pieces to complete that resume.

New York Knicks guard Allan Houston, gold medal winner with the U.S. team in 2000:

I think it goes beyond basketball. It's a patriotic situation where you can represent your country. It goes beyond sports to me when you're in an international event and you are representing your country and every part of the globe is represented. That is the attraction.

Washington Wizards centre/forward Christian Laettner on the 1992 U.S. Dream Team:

The Olympics was one of the best experiences of my life. You know, just being around those guys as much as we were together was a learning experience. The best court I've ever been on was then, playing with those players.

San Antonio Spurs centre David Robinson, a member of the 1988, 1992 and 1996 U.S. Olympic teams:

I always saw it as an opportunity to get better. During the summer, you might play with somebody somewhere. But you're not going to get that kind of organized practice, that kind of up and down the floor play. I've learned as much from my times in the Olympics with those guys as any time playing basketball. Playing with Magic (Johnson) and Michael (Jordan), you see what's going on, and it's a great opportunity.

You feel like you're one of the best in the country, one of the best in the world. You feel like you're right up there, well respected enough to be able to play with the guys. You put USA on your chest. How many times do you get a chance to do that?

A Canadian Perspective

Philadelphia 76ers centre and Winnipeg, MB native Todd MacCulloch, a veteran member of Canada's senior men's national basketball team:

Being an NBA player is a great job, the best job I could ever imagine, but at the same time, it is a job. When you're playing for your country, you're not playing for money or contracts; what you're trying to do is win. I don't even know if they keep statistics. It all comes down to if our country beat your country. We've done well the last couple of years with Steve Nash being a huge part of the team. He's similar to playing with Jason Kidd with his ability to pass, his competitiveness and his leadership.

Dallas Mavericks guard and Victoria, BC native Steve Nash on participating in the 2000 Olympics:

Have fun. That's the most important thing, to realize that being an Olympian is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, to represent your country on the highest stage, and to really make sure that they enjoy themselves and have a great time and be in the moment. From my experiences, if you really are there and realize the challenge but also the opportunity, you can make a lifetime of memories at the Olympic Games. You can also trust yourself to play at the highest level you've ever played at because of the urgency and the importance playing in the Olympic Games for your country brings.

I still get e-mails, all kinds of them . . . People who say they didn't even like basketball before the Olympics are telling me they stayed up all night to watch. Little girls who want to play are writing – you can't believe it. They are so excited about the game of basketball. It has a huge impact on you, the people who saw you and want to play the game.

Andre Miller, who played with Cleveland last season, brings 16.5 points and 10.9 assists per game to the U.S. squad at the 2002 Worlds. David Liam Kyle NBAE/Getty Images

Thoughts from Members of the U.S. Team Taking Part in the 2002 FIBA World Basketball Championship for Men

Dallas Mavericks centre/forward Raef LaFrentz:

This is the first time that I have been selected to play for the United States. It is an honour and a privilege to represent my country at the World Championship.

Los Angeles Clippers guard Andre Miller:

I'm excited to be part of the World Championships team. It's always an honour when you're chosen to represent your country and I'm looking forward to playing for the United States in a tournament hosted in our home country.

Chicago Bulls first round draft pick Jay Williams:

It is an exciting opportunity to play with some of the best players in the world. More importantly, it is an honour to represent my country on the team, especially in light of the recent events that have touched our nation. I will be more proud of being in a USA uniform than ever before. I am hoping that my selection will benefit the team.

Boston Celtics forward/guard Paul Pierce:

What a thrill to be selected for the 2002 USA Basketball Men's World Championship Team. I am honoured to have been chosen.

New Orleans Hornets guard Baron Davis:

This is a great honour . . . I'm happy to be a part of USA Basketball, to be playing with the guys on the team and I'm looking forward to winning the gold medal. It's an honour and a privilege to wear that USA flag on your chest and to be part of this team that is representing the United States. I appreciate having the opportunity and I'm going to go out and represent my country to the best of my abilities.

Chicago Bulls forward Elton Brand:

It's truly an honour to represent your country in international competition. I'm looking forward to facing some of the best players in the world and defending our home court in Indianapolis later this summer.

Detroit Pistons centre/forward Ben Wallace:

I'm excited and honoured to be added to the team that will represent the USA at the World Championship this summer. The fact that I have been picked to play with so many great players shows me that the hard work I put into my game this season is paying off.

Milwaukee Bucks and U.S. team head coach George Karl:

I don't know that I've ever discussed it with anyone, but this has been a dream of mine for a while. Being selected is very humbling for me . . . How can you not feel inspired by the honour of being chosen to represent your country in the World Championships? It's a special day and I'm really looking forward to the competition.

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