The Works: To Live and Die by Team USA

Filed under: Wizards, FIBA, NBA Media Watch, USA Basketball, FIBA World ChampionshipIn The Works today, a guide to enjoying USA Basketball, the Delonte West-Gilbert Arenas comparison to end all Delonte West-Gilbert Arenas comparisons and a few words on Jason Whitlock's purpose.

But first, an indictment of the so-called architect of the new, improved USA Basketball program.

Slick as They Come: As we get deep into international competition, one thing simply must be said: Jerry Colangelo didn't save USA Basketball.

Well, at least not as advertised. He did get the commitments of superstars that led directly to the gold medal in Beijing (that should be read in your best Bill Cosby voice), but he didn't build anything lasting. And that, if you think back, was what we were promised. That's not to say that USA Basketball is in crisis. Despite a height-starved roster that has some people freaking out, America appears to be cruising right through the Worlds, which haven't even started yet.

After beating Spain and Lithuania in heated exhibitions this weekend, this Kevin Durant-led squad looks to have some pluck up its face. Cue Dracula laugh and thumb piano loops.

But what if Team USA gets trounced, and then -- thought of all thoughts -- can't recreate the star-studded surge of the Redeem Team? Colangelo asked for three years, stars gave it (some paid a price), and now, we're already seeing a reluctance to show up summer after summer. That's why we're headed into battle with a "we got next" squad that's more USA Select than August Team USA.

Then, we kick it back to Colangelo, brilliant architect of the new USA Basketball and ask, "what now?" Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

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