After falling short in the 2004 Olympic Games and 2006 World Championships, Team USA Men's basketball had a laundry list of people who's respect and admiration they had to win back. Somewhere, probably near the bottom, was my name.

I'm an NBA fan simply because I love the sport of basketball, but it's fallen below football and baseball among professional sports that bring out the most interest and passion. A result of the declining fundamentals and me-first attitudes around the league, but if I look back, a great deal stems from the 2004 Olympic embarrassment.

It wasn't that they lost, it was all the things that came with losing. Poor teamwork, poor sportsmanship, no defense, and most all, a genuine lack of care. I can overlook a Chicago Bull embarrassing himself against the Detroit Pistons. It reflects poorly on the city to a degree, but in the big picture, not a big deal and forgotten about a day later. On an international stage, watching some of the most popular players around the world getting outworked and outclassed by Argentina was unforgettable.

So while I was invigorated by the way Team USA came out on fire in early tuneups and in pool play, it was emotion and commitment to a goal that starting to hit home. Whether it was Lebron James or Kobe Bryant, and each of the remaining players, they weren't taking their trip to Beijing lightly. When Kobe says this is the highlight of his career, I still have a hard time believing him, but his actions over the last two weeks point to the fact he's really serious. After a few plays were run poorly in the first few minutes against Greece, Coach Mike Krzyzewski simply wouldn't tolerate that type of play. James played every defensive position with the intensity of game seven of the NBA Finals. Dwyane Wade played like an NBA Finals MVP. 

Best of all, I really enjoy that the players weren't too big to be seen at other events like swimming, soccer and track. Supporting other Americans who don't make tens of millions of dollars, but have represented the USA far better over the recent years.

A fitting end to all of this was a hard fought win against Spain in today's Gold medal match. Listening to the players talk over the last few weeks, the repeated how much a win would mean to them. Today, we saw how much it really did. Carmelo Anthony, someone I don't have a favorable impression of, couldn't help but shed a few tears. He really was torn up about 2004. Kobe and Lebron danced and sang the national anthem with unabashed pride, holding onto their gold medals.

The Redeem Team title is now appropriate. They have my admiration and respect back. Thanks for winning the gold, but thanks for representating your country with tremendous passion, teamwork, and class.