US beat Canada 113-63 the other day. The count down until we give the rest of the world its comeuppance has officially begun. Our latest "Dream Team" has arrived with a lean and hungry look.

So who wins if this latest all-star collection eventually wins the Olympics? Sure, everyone walks away with shiny gold medals. But that is just a starting point.

Let's break it down.

Does the United States of America, political and civil, win? Not exactly a love fest for America around the world these days. If anything an over powered American basketball engine being fired up looks like a lot like an over powered military machine to the rest of the world.

American basketball in general? Some reputation rehab perhaps? Not really. American players are still defined by what they don't do. Move without the ball, hit open shots, and protect the ball. There is also the curse of great expectations. Win and you've done the expected, lose and the world laughs while American fans curse the jaded pros for blowing it again.

The NBA? No matter what happens at the Olympics the NBA will return with zone defenses, 24 second sucking isolation offenses, and sub 40% shooting percentage playoff games. The good news is despite Donaghy, NBA games aren't fixed. The bad news is the NBA game can't be fixed either.

USA Basketball allows LeBron James to live his dream of being an "international icon". He'll probably win an NBA title about the same time ducks put on goggles and compete in Olympic down hill skiing, but in the mean time a win on the Olympic stage is awfully appealing, international icon wise. Mark him down a winner.

Kobe Bryant is probably thinking a Dream Team appearance will rebuild his image. Unfortunately for him the public has made up its mind already and someone needs to explain that to him. "Dude, they just aren't into you that way, OK?"

Carmelo Anthony is coming up big with this one. He is emerging as the heart of this team and a win in the Olympics will wipe away memories of the Knicks brawl and other off court difficulties.

Jason Kidd should come away with a gold star by his name. The Olympics are a stage for great athletes and they will be a stage for Kidd to show the world what New Jersey Nets fans (all three of them) already know. Kidd has a great game.

Coach K could come out a winner, the pure of heart and soul college coach who tamed the wicked NBA stars and made them a team. Sure, he's a foul mouthed ball of anger during the ACC season, but he sure cleans up nice for TV commercials. And painting him the caring genius fits the company line.

And what company you ask?

Nike, of course. There is something that fills you heart with pride in the good old US of A knowing that a humble company from Oregon is simultaneously sponsoring American basketball and the finest in low cost Southeast Asian shoe making. At the end of the day, the Dream Team is a merchandising dream.

We live in a jaded age. The first dream teams of Jordan and Bird were special because they were new. They were to be an antidote to the disputed Russian victory that ended a seemingly automatic US domination of the game.

Now?

Now the Dream Team is Carmelo, Kobe, LeBron, Kidd and a bag full of useful wrenches and hammers. Talented, yes, but a team yet to forge an identity with the public.

Will we be excited if they realize their Olympic dreams? Will we care? Will we watch like Romans waiting for the lions to devour their prey for our amusement or like a proud nation that has taken a team to heart?

The countdown to the answers has begun.