As I'm watching Daily News on CSN, they are talking about the World Baseball Classic and American national pride. I know this isn't entirely about basketball, but I think it really is a good topic to talk about for any sports fans. The United States lost to Korea 7-3 and they are in danger of falling out of the picture. The "Dream Team" in Athens 2004 also finished with a bronze. Few years ago, they also finish 6th or 7th in the basketball tournament. What is up with them? The Americans were supose to blow everyone out in the Olympics for basketball. The Americans are supose to win the WBC with their all-star roster. Are these American professional athletes lacking national pride? Are they underestimating other countries? Venezula went wild when Bobby Abreu won the Homerun Derby. The Koreans obviously went wild after wins over Japan and America. China is crazy about Yao. Taiwan is crazy about Wang Chien-Ming. Is there something these players lack?
I thinks its just the big league player's taking it for granted. I guarantee that amateur players would put their heart and soul into the tournament if they went in. However, I wouldn't use the WBC as an example, since the requirements to play for a nation are so relaxed. I mean, clearly A-Rod wasn't spurred by patriotism when he was sitting on the fence between the US and the D.R. Its not fair to say that NBA players don't care though. I think they weren't expecting the great improvement in the international teams. I also see a difference between sports. The NHL players who represent America have never really shown this problem before.
As a non-American, it does seem that national pride comes second to money for American athletes (professional athletes, that is). You can see the difference when you look at Pau Gasol, who is absolutely desperate to play for Spain in the off-season. He takes great pride in it. There's also a basketball from my country who is giving up a $10k a week contract in Europe (in our league he would earn about $40K a year) just so he can play for us at the Commonwealth Games, which start today.
