Monday Notes: Team USA golden, role of small market teams, October trip to China

by Alex Boeder on Aug 25, 2008 12:33 PM CDT in Daily Notes

Kelly Dwyer reflects on Team USA's gold medal triumph and win over Spain.

Nobody whined about minutes. Nobody was caught on the bench, barely hiding their frustrations at not being able to crack double-figure minutes in a 37-point win. Nobody whined about who started (except this guy), and nobody was caught moping in the face of the lineup that finished the lone close game against Spain.
SI.com breaks down the inevitable debate: Dream Team or Redeem Team?
WhaIfSports simulates a seven-game series pitting the 1992 and 2008 Team USA's.
Jim Paschke thoughtfully considers the "redemption" aspect of Team USA.
Charley Rosen of FoxSports.com hands out individual grades to American players.
J.E. Skeets at Ball Don't Lie captures more internet reaction following Team USA's win in Part I and Part II.
My five thoughts after Michael Redd and Team USA won gold.
Frank serves on the panel for Hardwood Paroxysm's highly pertinent NBA Blogger Roundtable: The Role Of Small Markets In The League, Part I.
Posted last Thursday, JS Online's Charles Gardner reports encouraging news on Bogut's ankle.
Gardner also previews the Bucks' upcoming trip to China, where they will play two games, including one against the Warriors the week of October 12.
Truman Reed of Bucks.com takes a closer look Luke Ridnour's point guard pedigree.

Luke grew up tagging along to practices and games with his father, Rob, then played for him from 1996 through 2000. Together, they led Blaine High’s Borderites to a four-year record of 97-11, highlighted by Washington class AA state championships in 1999 and 2000.

The coach’s son averaged 23 points and seven assists over the course of his prep career. He was a three-time AA state player of the year as well as a 2000 McDonald’s and Parade All-American, and he still holds Washington AA tournament records for career points and assists.
Who should start at point guard? Vote for Ramon Sessions or Luke Ridnour (or Tyronn Lue) if you haven't already. Here's the tally at the time of posting: Sessions 171, Ridnour 139, Lue 3.
The Bratwurst notes Scott Williams joined the Phoenix Suns as a color analyst. Always was enjoyable on the Bucks broadcasts. Good luck, congrats on the new gig, and enjoy the dessert warmth, Scott.
The 540 ESPN audio library has archived interviews with John Hammond and Luke Ridnour.
Dime reminisces about Michael Redd's 57-point burst against the Jazz on Nov. 11, 2006.
SI.com's Steve Aschburner writes about Desmond Mason's latest moving experience.
Bethlehem Shoals' exit interviews installment of Portraits in Patriotism is up at SLAM Online.