The 2023 FIBA World Cup saw Team USA suffer a disappointing defeat to Germany in the semi-finals despite being an overwhelming favorite in the tournament. The loss triggered a storm of reactions on social media, with many highlighting Noah Lyles’ recent ‘World Champions’ comment. Meanwhile, the loss has also led to a Kobe Bryant interview from his Redeem team days resurfacing on the Internet. One of the greatest players to wear the Team USA jersey, Kobe Bryant talked about the overwhelming joy of representing the country, in the interview.
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The FIBA World Cup journey of Team USA did not go as many would have expected. Their first loss came against Lithuania in the second round of group stages. The defeat led to the USA finishing second in Group J. The team would then go on to beat Italy in the Quarter-Finals, only to be knocked out by Germany in the Semi-Finals.
Kobe Bryant describes his ‘Redeem Team’ journey in resurfaced clip
With the vast majority of NBA superstars hesitant to play on the International stage nowadays, Kobe Bryant was one of the greatest players to suit up for Team USA. A member of the ‘Redeem Team’, he represented his country in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, securing the Gold Medal at the end of the competition. Recently, a clip from the 2022 Netflix documentary on the ‘Redeem Team’ has resurfaced on social media, where Kobe can be seen talking about the honor of representing his country. Here is what he says:
“When they cut it two points, this is so much fun. I remember wanting the ball so much in those situations. Once I made the shot, it just felt good. I wanna do it again. We are all playing for USA basketball. It carries a great honor, that goes above and beyond winning an NBA championship.”
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Along with his achievements in the NBA, which includes five championships, Kobe had an amazing record while representing his country as well. He played for five different Team USA rosters and won two Olympic medals in the process. He had an unbeaten 36-0 record while playing in those games. With his ‘Mamba Mentality’, Kobe was known for doing whatever it took to win.
Kobe facing Pau Gasol in the Olympics
During the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Bryant and Pau Gasol were teammates in the NBA, representing the Los Angeles Lakers franchise. Apart from being a teammate, Pau was like a brother to Kobe. So, when they were faced against each other in the Olympics, Kobe decided to send a message that showed his teammates what winning meant to him.
In the very first play of the game, Bryant decided to run through Pau Gasol’s chest. That move set the tone for the rest of his teammates. In the 2022 documentary, his teammates LeBron James and Dwayne Wade talked about how the moment took them by surprise. From thereon, it was all about the country, and it did not matter who the opponents were.
