He's in a rush for gold Paul Coro The Arizona Republic Aug. 11, 2004 12:00 AM Have a question for your favorite Suns, Cardinals, Coyotes, D-Backs player? Click here to submit the question for one of our reporters to take it to the source. Look for the answers on Page 2 of Saturday's Arizona Republic. Richard Jefferson does not have any pending nuptials or births. His knees are holding up just fine at 24 years of age. His tank can take him plenty more miles this summer. Even if he had faced those conflicts, not much could have kept Jefferson from what he considers the greatest honor of his life. While 14 other NBA All-Stars passed on what once was an undeniable honor to play in red, white and blue, Jefferson stuck to his Olympic dream all the way to Greece. Once an April invitation arrived, Jefferson never wavered. Besides, why come home for summertime visits in Phoenix when he can be the first Arizona-born man to play Olympic basketball? "I can't really speak to anyone else's situation, but I looked forward to it the whole time," said Jefferson, whose hoop roots run from Moon Valley High School to the University of Arizona. "It's the Olympics. It's the opportunity to win a gold medal. It's tough for me to put into any more words than that." The closest thing to a dream team will be snoozing on its Corinthian leather couches when Jefferson and the United States commence preliminary round play Sunday against Puerto Rico. Kevin Garnett and Vince Carter have weddings. Ray Allen is expecting his first child's birth. Jermaine O'Neal, Jason Kidd and Karl Malone all had knee injuries. Elton Brand, Shaquille O'Neal, Mike Bibby, Richard Hamilton, Ben Wallace and Tracy McGrady all passed either because of the season's wear and tear, security concerns or both. Kenyon Martin wanted to focus on free agency. Kobe Bryant has a sexual assault trial. Suddenly, only Jefferson, Tim Duncan and Allen Iverson remained from the 2003 U.S. Olympic Qualifying Team "Just because guys are backing out does not make it mean any less or that it's not as important," Jefferson said. "It's still a dream come true. I was a little bummed that Bibby and J-Kidd weren't going to be here, because they're my first point guards. Stay in touch Enter your e-mail address to get Breaking Sports News newsletters. "They were the ones I grew up in basketball with. "Not being with them is frustrating, but I'm looking forward to it and playing with Steph (Stephon Marbury), 'Melo (Carmelo Anthony) and LeBron (James)." Jefferson understands the spirit of the Olympiad. He calls it an honor and a privilege, when his peers treated it like a time-share salesman's offer. "Being a part of this team means a lot, but actually winning a gold medal will mean a lot more," Jefferson said. Jefferson is having a dreamy summer on all fronts. Last week, he agreed to a six-year, $76 million contract with New Jersey. Jefferson did not even expect to have a shot at the Olympics until 2008. Yet, he started all six exhibition games in Europe, shot 56 percent from the field and averaged seven points a game (fifth on the team). "Richard can play," USA Basketball coach Larry Brown said. "He was a terrific member of our team last summer. I think he's gotten so much better in one year, and the fact that he's so unselfish and can defend more than one position is really going to help us." Growing up in Phoenix, Jefferson fondly recalls watching track and field and gymnastics during the Olympics, but he best remembers the 1992 Dream Team, when he was 12. He was eager for Friday's opening ceremonies, when he planned to walk with the UA softball players. http://www.azcentral.com/sports/suns/0811olympics0811.html I think Richard Jefferson is one of the players with the most respectable basketball players out there. I also think he really plays the game for the love of the game even though he got that big contract extension.
