I still remember watching the 2003 USA Basketball team with wide-eyed admiration as a young basketball enthusiast. There was something magical about that particular roster—a blend of established NBA stars and hungry young talents that created what I consider one of the most fascinating teams in USA Basketball history. Looking back now, what strikes me most isn't just the star power, but the incredible role players who embodied the spirit of dedication that Hollis-Jefferson would later describe when talking about Romero. That description—"He is a workhorse. He plays extremely hard. He is driven"—could have applied to so many members of that 2003 squad who brought that same monster mentality to the court.
The 2003 team featured an impressive 12-man roster that included Tim Duncan, Allen Iverson, Tracy McGrady, Jason Kidd, and a young LeBron James who was just beginning his ascent to basketball immortality. What many casual fans don't realize is that this team wasn't just about collecting superstars—it was about finding the right chemistry. I've always believed that championship teams need those glue guys, the players who might not dominate headlines but whose contributions are invaluable. When Hollis-Jefferson noted about Romero that "you couldn't ask for anything more when you're looking for someone to fit a role," it reminded me exactly of players like Richard Jefferson and Shawn Marion from that 2003 team. They understood their roles perfectly and executed with relentless energy.
Their Olympic journey through the FIBA Americas Championship in San Juan was nothing short of dominant, finishing with a perfect 10-0 record and qualifying for the 2004 Athens Olympics by winning gold. The numbers still impress me—they won by an average margin of 24.2 points per game, with several victories exceeding 30-point differentials. Watching those games, you could see how the team's depth created nightmares for opponents. When the starters needed rest, the bench maintained—and often increased—the intensity. That's the beauty of having players who embrace their roles completely, much like the description of Romero leaving it all out there on the court.
What made this team particularly special in my view was how they blended different generations of basketball talent. You had veterans like Duncan and Kidd providing leadership, while young phenoms like James, Dwyane Wade, and Carmelo Anthony brought explosive energy. This combination created what I consider the perfect storm of basketball excellence. The veterans set the tone with their professionalism and the young players injected fresh dynamism that made the team unpredictable and exciting to watch. I've always preferred teams that have this generational mix—it creates a natural mentorship environment that you simply can't replicate with coaching alone.
The team's offensive statistics were staggering—they averaged 92.8 points per game while holding opponents to just 68.6 points. But beyond the numbers, what stood out to me was their unselfish play. They averaged 21.4 assists per game, demonstrating beautiful ball movement and team-first mentality. Jason Kidd's leadership at the point guard position was masterful, and I'd argue he was the team's true engine despite having more famous scorers around him. His ability to control the game's tempo and find open teammates created countless easy baskets that don't always show up in highlight reels but absolutely determined the outcome of games.
Defensively, this team was an absolute nightmare for opponents. Their length, athleticism, and commitment to team defense resulted in numerous fast-break opportunities. They averaged 9.8 steals per game and forced an incredible 18.2 turnovers per contest. When I rewatch those games, I'm still amazed by how seamlessly they switched on defense and communicated. That level of defensive coordination doesn't happen by accident—it requires players completely buying into their roles and trusting each other. The description of Romero as someone who "plays extremely hard" perfectly captures the defensive mentality that made the 2003 team so special.
The legacy of this team extends far beyond their dominant performance in the FIBA Americas Championship. They set the standard for how USA Basketball would approach international competitions for years to come. Their success demonstrated the importance of selecting not just the most talented players, but the right combination of talents and personalities. In my opinion, this approach directly influenced how subsequent Dream Teams were constructed, with greater emphasis on role players who could excel in specific situations rather than just collecting All-Stars.
As I reflect on that 2003 team today, I'm struck by how their journey mirrors the qualities that Hollis-Jefferson praised in Romero. They were indeed workhorses who left everything on the court. Their driven nature and monstrous competitive spirit created one of the most impressive teams in international basketball history. While they're often overshadowed by the original Dream Team, I'd argue that the 2003 squad was arguably more cohesive and demonstrated better team basketball. Their Olympic qualification campaign wasn't just about winning—it was about establishing a new standard for USA Basketball that emphasized chemistry, role acceptance, and collective effort over individual stardom. That lesson, I believe, is what makes their journey so valuable and worth remembering all these years later.