The last time NBA players wore "USA" across their chests, in the 2002 World Championships of Basketball in Indianapolis, it was a star-strangled gagger. They had to tuck their tails after disgracing themselves and the nation. Not only did they become the first squad to lose with NBA players after 58 consecutive victories, but they also failed to medal, finishing a disappointing sixth after losses to Argentina, Yugoslavia and Spain.

It wasn't just that Team USA lost, but how it lost --- with in-fighting (team members Baron Davis and Paul Pierce feuded with coach George Karl), backbiting (some teammates secretly called Pierce a gun), and seemingly lacking excitement about representing the red, white and blue.

"Terrible," Elton Brand said recently. "The whole thing was terrible."

Indiana Pacers forward Jermaine O'Neal, a participant in last summer's debacle, was so embarrassed and ashamed afterward he said he couldn't show his face around his home team's city for awhile. But this summer, O'Neal is confident that he will put that memory way behind him, and the current U.S. men's senior team will dominate the FIBA Americas Olympic qualifying tournament, which runs today-Aug. 31 in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Team USA will play Brazil tonight at 10 and has to finish in the top three to reach the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens.