It doesn't seem that long ago. Vince Carter was the NBA's next big thing, and a burgeoning national phenomenon in Canada. Tracy McGrady, the reluctant understudy, flashed glimpses of potential.

But it was a long time ago, at least in basketball years. Three seasons have passed since Carter and McGrady, distant cousins, played together for the Toronto Raptors.

Today, McGrady has become one of the NBA's best players, leading the league in scoring last season with the Orlando Magic. Carter, a North Carolina alum once considered the heir apparent to Michael Jordan, is trying to repair a career sidetracked by injuries.

Though their stature in the game has changed, McGrady and Carter are together again. The former teammates have reclaimed that bond here as part of Team USA at the FIBA Americas Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

"It brings back old times," said Carter, a late Team USA injury replacement for Kobe Bryant. "We still have a chemistry together, believe it or not. We're able to work together. It's like we picked up where we left off."

Except that McGrady is now the man. He's part of the core group of USA Basketball -- McGrady is guaranteed a spot on the Olympic team next summer should the United States -- and has started the first four games of the qualifying tournament.