The US took a small first step on the march to Beijing on Saturday.
The Americans tried on their new uniforms, then went through a two-hour practice at Cox Pavilion on the University of Nevada, Las Vegas campus.
“We just wanted to start putting our offense in and run shots and the speed at which we’re trying to play, and let them interact,” coach Mike Krzyzewski said. “That’s a big thing — understanding the magnitude of all this.”
This was the first gathering of the 12-member squad since it was announced on Monday. Four players — LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Dwyane Wade and Carlos Boozer — are holdovers from the 2004 Olympic team, which won the bronze medal.
This year’s team has a loftier goal — the US’ 13th gold medal.
Anything less will be an enormous disappointment for players who gave a three-year commitment to the national program.
“It’s a brand-new start,” said James, adding that the 2004 holdovers will wear different numbers than they did in Athens.
James, who wore No. 9, will wear No. 6 in Beijing; Wade swapped his No. 6 for No. 9; Boozer switched from No. 7 to No. 4; Anthony from No. 8 to No. 15.
Saturday’s workout produced little news — and that was good news.
Center Dwight Howard missed practice as he continued to recover from what Krzyzewski described as a stress fracture in his sternum.
But Howard is expected to be ready for next month’s training camp.
“He’s just precautionary,” Krzyzewski said. “There’s no need to do anything today. He’s got three more weeks, so let’s make sure he’s healthy.”
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