Then came coach Krzyzewski with three NCAA titles and the start of selection of players who could commit time and energy to the cause and could work well together.

ESPN made a video program about these players' journey for gold in Beijing, Road to Redemption, and the players came up with a nickname-"The Redeem Team."

"I want U.S. basketball to be dominant again," James said.

Passion, teamwork and a coach familiar with international basketball rules-all these key factors helped the chemistry in the team. The Americans claimed gold at the 2007 FIBA Americas Championships in Las Vegas, Nevada. With a 10-0 win-loss record, they accomplished their first goal of qualifying for the 2008 Olympic basketball tournament.

After two summers of training and international competitions, Krzyzewski knew that the U.S. team was gaining important things that past teams didn't have.

"A chemistry and the continuity of having layers year after year," the coach said. "We all know each other. We have developed friendships and trust. The cornerstones of any successful organization start from those core values."

Veteran leadership is a must for any team hoping to capture the Olympic gold. As for the U.S. team for the Beijing Olympics, Kidd, 35, and Bryant, 30, filled that role. Of the 12 members, six were part of the team for the 2006 FIBA World Championships and eight were part of the team for the 2007 FIBA Americas Championships. Anthony, James and Dwight Howard were on both teams.

This team went unbeaten in the Olympic qualifying matches and extended their winning streak until the end of the Beijing Games.

The 1992 Dream Team, with Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird and Charles Barkley on its roster, overcame its opponents by an average of more than 40 points a game. This time, the "Redeem Team" outclassed its opponents by an average of 30 points before the final. In their eight-game run to the gold medal, the Americans forced an average of 19.4 turnovers per game, shot 55 percent from the field and outscored their opponents 17.4 to 4.1 points a game on the fast break.

"We were at America's lowest point in 2004 and to be sitting here, on top of the world, I think we did a hell of a job of putting American basketball back where it's supposed to be," Anthony said.

As for Bryant, the Beijing Olympics offered him the chance to get the only gold medal he hadn't already owned in his career.

"It is more important and more special than any championship any of us will ever win," said Bryant.