By: Kevin Cottrell, Jr. Since the collapse of Team USA (Basketball) in the 2004 Olympic games in Athens, many wondered if it was due to lack of talent in the NBA, or a vast improvement in the European players? Sure there have been an incredible amount of young players to enter the NBA and granted many marquee players in the league are international players, however a 12-man roster of American born players can still be constructed to recapture the gold. Jerry Colangelo, National team managing director, released a 23-man roster that was invited to Las Vegas to try-out for the '06 National and '08 Olympic teams. The obvious greats in the league such as: Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett, and Allen Iverson are not included whether they declined an invite or simply weren't invited (we all know who wasn't invited) for various reasons. But the team included a three-time champ, a "King", a "flash", and a player that's so smooth he's "Melo". Colangelo had the daunting task of developing a 23-man roster so I'll assist him in narrowing the roster down to 12. As a result of the influx of international players, the NBA "style" of play or intelligence has been somewhat exported to international teams due to their NBA participants. For those with short memories, Yao Ming (China), Dirk Nowitzki (Germany), Pau Gasol (Spain), Carlos Arroyo (Puerto Rico) and Manu Ginobli (Argentina) are a minute percentage of international players who have received NBA training and have succeeded at competing at the pro level. To combat this sudden balance of power below is a clear explanation of the 23-man roster madness. In constructing any team no matter the sport one must build inside out, let's take a look at the "Front-Line of Defense." Shane Battier, Chris Bosh, Antwan Jamison, Lamar Odom, and Brad Miller have all been selected to the team. I feel as if they are all symbolic of international forwards. Guys who are not that tough but the foundation of their game are fundamentals. Many of these guys have a good mid-range game and that is what the USA will be facing in Beijing. However, My ideal "Front Line of Defense" would include: Amare Stoudemire, Shawn Marion, Dwight Howard, and Elton Brand. This core group of guys have the ability to dominate on the glass, block shots, run the floor well, and they are all great finishers. International play involves a lot of transition play so athleticism in the frontcourt is key in being a dominant force. Next up are your "Floor Generals"; these players are key in maintaining the flow of offense providing direction on the floor and creating opportunities for the wing players. To provide this spark Colangelo invited: Gilbert Arenas, Joe Johnson, and Luke Ridnour. These players are very good players but when you're faced with creating a great team your "Floor Generals" must be lighting quick game changers that specialize in assists. Ideally, the two that will make the 12-man roster is Chauncey Billups, and Chris Paul. When it comes to managing the flow of an offense these guys always seem to make the right decision whether it's a perfect lob pass, converting on a big jump shot or blowing by defenders and finishing at the cup. Either way you can get to the promise land with those two generals in charge. Every great team includes specialist. In international play one must include "Sharp Shooters", that has the ability to connect from long distance like AT&T. To many this is what the NBA or American born players tend to lack, but Colangelo and I tend to think otherwise. Snipers invited to camp included: Rashard Lewis, Paul Pierce, and Adam Morrison. While all of the previously mentioned posses the capability of connecting from deep, the problem I have is that Rashard can be streaking, Pierce needs the ball too much for a specialist, and Morrison isn't quick enough to come off screens. However, the upside is that they can provide a good look for the 12-man roster as a preview of things to come in international play. The two "Sharp Shooters" on the final roster will be: Michael Redd, and J.J. Redick. Yes, Redick will make the list. Redd size coupled with his southpaw release will be tough for international players to defend. As for J.J. his style of play is perfect for the Olympics because he is in great condition and his range starts when he enters the gym. Due to the College like three-point line Redick will feel right at home connecting from downtown. Many may argue that while offense is imperative defense is the key to winning. And I would agree. This is why Colangelo invited Bruce Bowen, and Josh Howard to Vegas. To many that selection was a gamble but these two guys face the likes of Dirk Nowitzki, and Manu Ginobli in practice everyday and that could prove to help the final roster of guards to properly defend the perimeter. The last group of men needed to dominate in international play, are the "Assassins". Ironically enough the four clutch players that make up the crew of assassins include four of the top seven scorers in the NBA. Kobe Bryant (35 pts/g.), LeBron James (30 pts. /g.), Dwayne Wade (27 pts. /g), and Carmelo Anthony (26 pts. /g.). When looking at their scoring output one may not think that there will be enough basketballs to go around. I would say think again. James, Wade, and Anthony were apart of the Athens debacle and they were all anxious about returning to avenge their Bronze medal finish. Not to mention the ultimate assassin in Bryant (see 81-point output versus Raptors) has joined forces to make sure that a game never gets out of hand. Other than their scoring ability they all bring a versatile game that will be too dominate for any team to figure out. Kobe is arguably the best perimeter defender not named Ron Artest. LeBron rebounding and passing abilities matched with his 6'8 frame will definitely create match-up problems versus any team on the planet. D-Wade is known as "flash" because of his intense style of play and opportunities that he create that will never notch the box score. Carmelo is a force both inside and out. As a result forwards across the world will have a hard time deciding whether they will give him room around the perimeter or try their best containing him in the post. The coaching staff is legendary in its own right, which includes: Coach Mike Kryzewski (Duke University), Jim Boeheim (Syracuse University), Nate McMillan (Portland Trailblazers), and Mike D'Antoni (Phoenix Suns). They will be sure to instill defense, attacking the offensive boards, and most importantly transition play. The wizard of the crew may be D'Antoni since he has succeeded at coaching in international play. Finally, to get things started let's go with Dwight Howard-C, Amare Stoudemire-PF, LeBron James-SF, Kobe Bryant-SG, and Chauncey Billups-PG. Good luck World... TEAM USA is out to regain supremacy.