Sports/Olympics / Basketball

U.S. ready to make run for world gold
(AP)
Updated: 2006-08-18 08:24

That's been a weakness for the Americans in recent years, but this team has shot better. The Americans shot 41 percent from beyond the 3-point arc during the exhibition series. In the 2004 Olympics, the U.S. shot 31 percent from 3-point range on its way to a disappointing bronze medal.

Anthony, the team's leading scorer, and Antawn Jamison each hit 8-of-17 three-pointers (47 percent). Brad Miller is 6-of-7 (86 percent) and Wade 4-of-7 (57 percent) from beyond the arc.

"We've shot the ball very well," Krzyzewski said. "We do have really good shooters on the team. Carmelo has been unbelievable. I guess on any night or any afternoon something can change, but we feel that we have good outside shooting."

If the U.S. can keep hitting shots, it will be tough to beat in this tournament.

Expectations for U.S. basketball are always high. But with five confidence-building exhibitions behind them, the team's own expectations are soaring as the tournament tips off.

"I don't think any of us will be satisfied until we can play well and hopefully win the gold," Shane Battier said.


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