USA Basketball Exhibition vs. Dominican Republic Preview

Tonight the USA Mens basketball team begins their journey toward the gold in the first of five exhibition games in Las Vegas, NV as they play host to the Dominican Republic.  Kentucky University head coach, John Calipari will lead a team that features the likes of two NBA players in Al Horford and Francisco Garcia, however, beyond that, they lack any substantial depth. 

The USA team, however, will feature a starting five that will most likely run any team they face in exhibition out of the gym. Chris Paul will start at the point with Kobe Bryant and LeBron James on the wings, Kevin Durant (or Carmelo Anthony) at the four and Tyson Chandler will anchor the middle. 

Think that lineup is fearsome? Check out the bench. Deron Williams, Russell Westbrook, Andre Igoudala, Kevin Love, Blake Griffin and James Harden.

Athleticism, All-stars, and more athleticism. This team will run and then run some more. Mike D'antoni creates an interesting dynamic as an assistant on this squad as Carmelo and Tyson are his former players in New York.  Everyone knows the Knicks chose Carmelo over Mike this past season and that could make for some side-story talk entering the olympic games in London. 

Either way, tonight should be a nice preview of what is to come as we will almost certainly witness a 25+ point thumping in what will be a glorified All-star game where USA will be playing hard on both ends of the floor from beginning to finish.

Losing is not an option, whether it is an exhibition game or the knockout stage in London. This years' version of the Dream Team will do what they are expected to and bring home the gold. Tonight figures to be an entertaining game with some high-flying alley-oop dunks and acrobatic playmaking. Be sure to tune in.