Anyone missing basketball? We still have about a month and a half until training camps even start–nothing like some good old A.I. memories to fill our need for some b-ball. Does anyone remember the 2003 Team USA team? Don’t worry, not many do, but it was the team sent to Puerto Rico to qualify for the 2004 Olympics (but we won’t talk about THAT team).
You might know some of the players from the 2003 squad. Of course, there was Allen Iverson. He was joined by Jason Kidd, Ray Allen, and Mike Bibby. The forwards weren’t too shabby with Tracy McGrady, Vince Carter, Richard Jefferson, Kenyon Martin, and Elton Brand. Finishing off the lineup were big men Tim Duncan, Jermaine O’Neal, and Nick Collison. They all formed a team pretty skilled on the court and with a strong sneaker game as well.
Iverson would have plenty of highlight moments during the first few games. Sneaker fans would notice he was rocking the Reebok Answer VII during his time in Puerto Rico. However, the pair he wore wasn’t something you could just walk into Foot Locker and grab. The special USA-themed version sported an American flag added onto each tongue on a primarily white and grey base. During his standout game against team Canada lead by point guard and tournament MVP Steve Nash, you could really see the U.S. flag all around the court. In the third quarter alone he made 7 threes finishing the game with 28 points by making 10 of 13 shots for a 76.9% FG rate. Add in 3 dimes and 3 steals in 23 minutes and you have a-then Team USA qualifying record for points. Man, we sure miss A.I.
Aaron Nojima
Robbie Falchi