By: Kevin Cottrell, Jr. I was always told to "never let your mouth write a check that you're a** can't cash". Obviously Manu Ginobili, guard for Team Argentina and the San Antonio Spurs, never learned this lesson. Recently he was quoted as saying TEAM USA's dominance is "part of the past." In fact he believes the gap in the talent level between U.S. basketball and the rest of the world is gradually diminishing. "I don't think you're ever going to see again a U.S. team that beats everyone else by a big margin," Ginobili said. "That was 15 years ago or whenever it was, now basketball has changed and many of us are playing with them in the NBA every single day so we're getting closer." Okay...First of all Mr. GINOBILI, while its true that many foreign players currently occupy NBA rosters, very few players are from the same country. As a result when TEAM USA faces someone like CHINA, the fact that Yao Ming is their star player (and NBA star) does not help their chances of winning, hence the 46-point victory (119-73). Okay so Ming didn't suit up for the game, so let's assume he played a great game and team China would have only lost by 30 points instead of 46. Prior to China's defeat, the U.S. men went on to crush Puerto Rico (twice) led by Magic Guard Carlos Arroyo. Sure the Brazil men made things tough for the men wearing Stars & Stripes, but this may have been due to the fact that Team USA lost their leading scorer in Carmelo Anthony midway through the second quarter. Okay, so maybe I am siding with my fellow Americans in regards to the four point win, and excuse them for not beating the crap out of everyone they face but a W is still a W, just don't tell that to Ginobili. "Even though they are very good, beating everyone else by 30 points, that's part of the past." Says Ginobili. Everyone is entitled to their opinion but regardless as to what one may think about the play of Americans, their average margin of victory thus far is 29.5 points, hey Manu go ahead and round that up to 30 please. As we all know TEAM USA took a step back in world dominance during the '04 Olympics (Bronze Medal) and '02 World Championships (6th place finish) but one must not only view the make-up of the team, but examine the Coach. The team was equipped with youth (LeBron, DWade, and Carmelo) that didn't receive much playing time not to mention a couple of guards in which Brown hasn't had the best relationship with (Iverson, Marbury), and you feel as if the gap has been closed. Go ahead enjoy your Gold Medal and NBA Championships but this team is equipped with winners. From Top to Bottom, Coach K has instilled a defensive mindset and togetherness in which they all understand that an up-tempo defense (coupled with communication) will lead to easy buckets and "flashy" play, the American way. Please be mindful of the fact that committed players such as: Kobe Bryant (3-time Champion), Chauncey Billups (1-time Champion), Amare Stoudemire (ManChild), Michael Redd (Sharp-Shooter) are still possibilities for the '08 Olympics. Did I fail to mention that no one in the World could stop a fast break (or half-court set) with the likes of PG Chris Paul (leading the break) with SG Wade, SF James, and PF Anthony streaking up the court for an exciting finish! Did I also fail to mention that the oldest guy in the group, Dwayne Wade-24, is the MVP of the '06 NBA Finals, and the youngest guy on this list, Chris Paul- 21, is the '05-'06 Rookie of the Year. If not then please take note. So, Manu if you still believe that US dominance is a thing of the past, please remember that our future is now and our dominance will continue for another 15 years to come. Check Please!