July 26
There will be excitement galore in Indianapolis when the 2002 FIBA World Basketball Championship comes to the United States for the first time in over 50 years.

With sixteen countries represented, including Yugoslavia, Russia, Germany, Brazil, Spain, Canada, Argentina, and China, and some of the biggest names in basketball competing, it will be world-class action, baby! The Championship takes place from Aug. 29 to Sept. 8.

In the last World Basketball Championship, in 1998, Yugoslavia got the gold. The U.S. earned the bronze by beating host Greece in the third-place game. Remember, back then the American squad was affected by an NBA lockout.

A man of tremendous class, C.M. Newton, is CEO of the Championship. That says a lot to me. Newton has contributed so much to basketball and is the perfect person to run this event. His leadership ability, integrity and incredible knowledge of the game makes him a special ambassador. And with the help of Tom Jernstedt (who would make a great replacement for Cedric Dempsey as NCAA leader), you know it will be first-class all the way.

USA Basketball has teamed with Indiana Sports Corporation to host the event. Together, they should do an amazing job. Indianapolis has always been one of my favorite Final Four host cities because hospitality and general interests have always been unique.

I've had the time of my life meeting with the Indianapolis media while promoting this event. "Dribble and Dream" is one of the campaigns running through the state, where basketball is a way of life. It will be 11 days of absolute basketball bedlam, with a total of 62 games!

A dazzling array of stars is coming to Indianapolis for first-class competition. The rosters represent a who's who of the game! Scheduled to appear: Dirk Nowitzki (Germany), Steve Nash (Canada), Pau Gasol (Spain), Rick Fox (Canada), Hidayet Turkoglu (Turkey), Vlade Divac (Yugoslavia), Predrag Stojakovic (Yugoslavia) and Todd MacCulloch (Canada). These players are battling with pride at stake.

A young, talented team will represent the United States. It's not just an all-star team, but one that has each position covered with players who understand how to play the game.

At point guard is Jason Kidd, one of last season's most valuable NBA players, with Andre Miller as a backup. At scoring guard is local favorite and flat-out gamer Reggie Miller, a guy who always wants to take the big shot.

The American squad also has Ray Allen of Milwaukee, Paul Pierce of the Celtics, Michael Finley and Raef LaFrentz of the Mavericks, Elton Brand of the Clippers, Antonio Davis of the Raptors and another hometown favorite, Jermaine O'Neal of the Pacers. There is such an upside to O'Neal's game.

In the last World Basketball Championship, in 1998, Yugoslavia got the gold. The U.S. earned the bronze by beating host Greece in the third-place game. Remember, back then the American squad was affected by an NBA lockout. The team included Fab Five member Jimmy King, Wendell Alexis, David Wood, Jimmy Oliver and Jason Sasser, and was coached by Rudy Tomjanovich. They gave their all.

This year's lineup, coached by George Karl, will be a lot stronger. Karl certainly has plenty of options. There is no doubt the fans of Indianapolis will respond in a positive way. My gut feeling is that chants of U-S-A, U-S-A, will bring goose bumps to those in attendance at the RCA Dome and Conseco Fieldhouse.

The big question is whether the U.S. will see the red, white and blue flag waving as champion. It won't be easy, and it will be a great spectacle. I know there will be a big smile on C.M. Newton's face. This will be a first-class, Rolls Royce event. Karl and company should stand tall, hopefully winning the gold medal.