The 12 national teams which will compete at the 2004 Olympics in Athens have been determined after China defeated South Korea 106-96 at the Asian Championships to secure that continent's lone berth.

The sense of invulnerability surrounding Team USA was first punctured in a near-loss to Lithuania at the 2000 Olympics and then shattered by a sixth-place finish at the 2002 World Basketball Championships.

After an undefeated run through the FIBA Americas Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Puerto Rico, Team USA appears to be back, though the Americans' road to redemption won't be complete unless they win Olympic gold.

So, as much as the shape of international basketball has been altered since Sydney, the central question remains the same: can anyone beat Team USA? We take an early look at the top medal contenders for 2004:

Allen Iverson and the U.S. are the team to beat heading into the 2004 Olympics. Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE/Getty Images

Qualifying stars: Tim Duncan (15.6 ppg, 8.0 rpg, 3.4 apg), Allen Iverson (14.3 ppg, 54% 3PT), Vince Carter (12.6 ppg, 77% FG), Jermaine O'Neal (11.2 ppg, 6.2 rpg)
Qualifying roundup: Larry Brown had Team USA running on all cylinders by tournament's end. The Americans looked like Phi Slamma Jamma in a sensational 106-73 dismissal of Argentina in the final in Puerto Rico, which -- considering the competition -- might have been the most awesome Team USA performance since the original Dream Team.
Outlook: Have restored status as overwhelming favorites, but if Tim Duncan -- easily the dominant player in Puerto Rico -- were to get injured, could the Americans be vulnerable inside?

Qualifying stars: Peja Stojakovic (18.8 ppg), Marko Jaric (13.6 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 4.0 apg)
Qualifying roundup: Serbia & Montenegro figuratively limped home from Eurobasket 2003 in Sweden with its sixth-place finish and literally in the case of Stojakovic, who sprained an ankle. Fortunately for them, Serbia & Montenegro had already qualified for Athens by virtue of winning the 2002 World Championships.
Outlook: With a berth secure, several top players opted not to play in Sweden. At full strength, Serbia & Montenegro fields a roster which is easily the most talented after that of the U.S., and might have even more size than the Americans. Likely silver medalists, with an outside shot at the big upset if its collection of stars can play together.

Qualifying stars: Emanuel Ginobili (14.1 ppg, 4.4 apg), Andres Nocioni (12.4 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 52% 3PT), Fabricio Oberto (11.7 ppg, 64% FG)
Qualifying roundup: The 2002 world silver medalists remain a dangerous outfit, as evidenced by their 94-86 loss to Team USA in second-round play in Puerto Rico, in which they trailed the Americans by just four with 1:13 remaining. While inconsistent throughout the tourney, Argentina's 101-71 thrashing of Canada in the semis was a classic display of this experienced squad's pride, teamwork, and hustle.
Outlook: Argentina won't be able to sneak up on anybody in Athens, but this cohesive, athletic unit will continue to be tough to beat if opponents aren't prepared and focused to defend against constant ball and player movement. Should be strong medal contenders.

Also see:

ESPN.com: Americans may be too tough in 2004 ESPN.com: An American team in Paris by 2010? Sacramento Bee: Teams breathe easier when players bow out of international competition Seattlesonics.com: Post-tournament Q&A with Ray Allen Washington Post: Jasikevicius has continental flair Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung: German national team to miss Olympics Washington Post: Lithuania wins Euro crown

Qualifying stars: Sarunas Jasikevicious (14.0 ppg, 8.2 apg), Arvydas Macijauskas (15.8 ppg), Saulis Stombergas (13.7 ppg), Ramunas Siskausas (14.8 ppg)
Qualifying roundup: The Lithuanians pulled off the surprise Eurobasket championship without any notable NBA names on its roster, and with an unselfish display of passing and shooting that delighted fans in Sweden, especially the noisy throng which traveled from Lithuania. Former University of Maryland guard Jasikevicious was the maestro, earning the tournament MVP for his leadership and court vision.
Outlook: Lithuania must maintain its extraordinarily precise teamwork in order to compete for medals in Athens. An Argentina-Lithuania matchup in the medal round would be a basketball purist's dream.

Qualifying stars: Pau Gasol (25.8 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 65% FG), Juan Carlos Navarro (16.2 ppg)
Qualifying roundup: Gasol was enormous in Sweden, displaying versatility and a new-found strength that carried Spain to silver.
Outlook: Navarro, a second-round pick of the Wizards in 2002, and Jorge Garbajosa are the only other notable players on this team. Lack of depth will make it difficult for the Spaniards to climb the medal stand.