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Other than the Olympics themselves, the most anticipated arrival here in Beijing has got to be the United States' men's basketball team.
They're calling themselves the "Redeem Team," after the three-loss debacle in Athens four years ago.
As expected, they rolled through a soft pre-Olympic schedule 5-0, and Team USA has finally busted into Beijing.
Coach Mike Krzyzewski said, "Now that we're here, there's only one thing we're here for: and that is to try and win the gold medal." But he didn't say no when the guys asked if they could visit the athletes village the night they arrived.
Kobe Bryant, who's at his first Olympics, said, "That's what it's all about really. Celebration of all the great athletes, other cultures and it's a great chance to mingle and mix with ‘em."
Carlos Boozer said, "I met my folks and some other athletes the other day. Athletes from Brazil, Canada and Argentina, from all over the place. It's fun, very exciting."
Krzyzewski said, "They all said, 'can we go to the village.' So they went to the village and spent over four hours there."
Deron Williams won a couple of state wrestling titles when he was a kid, but wrestling isn't on his short list of Olympic events.
Williams said, "I definitely want to see the boxing. I want to see some gymnastics. Of course, women's basketball. track and Field."
Krzyzewski says it's all good with Team USA, but Jazzman Carlos Boozer, a second-time Olympian, is averaging less than three points, two rebounds and just six minutes a game.
Krzyzewski said, "I'd rather not talk about individuals or individual minutes because it's not pertinent. You either play 30 minutes, five minutes or none. You know, you still have a role on the team in that game and any other game."
Carlos Boozer added, "We need to continue to push each other. and I think that is one of my roles on this team as much as be prepared offensively."
LeBron James said, "That was the first day, the first day of practice and this is when it begins. It begins today at practice and on our way to a gold medal."
Here's a surprise. LeBron, not Kobe, is emerging as Team USA's leader.
E-mail: tkirkland@ksl.com
