They are more inconsistent than they are overrated. There is only one ball and sometimes that becomes a problem, but other times it's not.

Team USA are still a lock for the Gold Medal.

Some of the earlier games listed were played by predominately College players. If they compete as a team and not individuals no-one can come close.

they can break a game open in just seconds, they never play together and they are superstars. Simple, they are just too athletic and strong/skilled to beat.

what do we have to watch is how much did the FIBA had adjusted in years favouring NBA e.g. the three point zone, from 2 halves to quarterly.

Also, Stern's push to have a basketball world cup.

seems these are all moves to support the $$billions NBA business.

i guess FIBA will just have to agree otherwise no money.

Japorms, Stern did not push for a basketball world cup. It is a FIBA initiative to try and give the WC's more credibility.

Lithuania is the only team in present years who proudly fielding players with 100% background of their own ancestry. And producing impressive results.

not sure about Croatia, Macedonia and some other countries.

For sure, China, South Korea, Japan and Taiwan are doing the same but they will need more time to catch up.

oh yeah, Angola, Nigeria and Tunisia too.

lets not forget this thing that some counties prefers to stick on, pride of their own. A matter that they shouldnt compromise with money.

with rich economy China have, the could get any players they want.

I would say the USA might be a little overrated because the media insistent to continue to use the term "the Dream Team".

After the loss in the World Championships in Indiana in 2002 USA Jerry Colangelo suggested the term "Dream Team" was dead and USA had to find the best team not the most talented team.

The "Dream Team" phrase really should only be used with teams from 1992 to 2000 where USA would just field the most talented teams and not worry about role players. This selection method had it's problems as well for even the most successful Dream Team as Larry Bird suggested in an interview that if the 1992 Barcelona Olympics had continued any longer someone would of been killed in that USA Squad. Bird suggested tensions amongst the players for playing time and there were a lot of egos on that team which made it hard for the coaching staff to please everyone.

C'mon guys let's not have selective memories.

The problem for team usa from 2002 - 2006 was that their best players didn't play for Team USA.

look at the rosters for 2002 world cup and 2004 Olympic team. They we're 2nd tier NBA players. No Kobe, No Shaq, etc.

Did USA all of a sudden become basketball gods again by 2008? No they were humbled and just started to send their best players again.

The only true loss I think the USA has ever taken with their very best was in 2006 against Greece, but even then they were missing Kobe Bryant(who was best in NBA at the time.)

This 2012 Olympic team is the very best players in the NBA and a true Dream Team for present active players.

Still missing Dwight Howard to injury (Their best center)

I always laugh when I read about 2002 and 2004 for team usa. Every true basketball fan knows that those teams were not their best.

That Problem has since been fixed obviously.