Courtside Country Pride



Garrett W. Ellwood/NBAE/Getty Images

2011-2012 NBA Defensive Player of the Year Tyson Chandler has helped the USA Olympic Basketball Team strike gold in London after defeating Spain 107-100. Chandler thought winning the gold medal was one of the greatest feelings he has ever felt. He was quoted saying,
"It literally felt like, the only way I can describe it, it was like somebody had a bowl of hot water and they were pouring it from the top of my head to the tip of my feet. You had this warm feeling, you got goose bumps of pride. It brought me to tears and a lot of my teammates as well. It's pride for your country." He was also greatly appreciative that his 3 young children were all there to witness this accomplishment. Though they may not understand it now, this was one of his proudest moments as a parent, and he plans to use it to teach them that they can "accomplish anything that they put out to achieve in life."

Chandler who is pictured above with New York Knick teammate and fellow Olympian Carmelo Anthony hopes that they can bring this success back to the NBA this season. Anthony who is often criticized as a selfish player that does not attempt to play defense, seems to have transformed his game in the 2012 London Olympics. Since the end of the NBA regular season he has reportedly lost at least 12 pounds. Also Melo' broke the U.S single game scoring record with 37 points in a Team USA 156-73 victory over Nigeria, while also shooting 10-12 from 3 point range. Knick coach Mike Woodson flew out to London to check in with his star players, and watch a few games. But he like the rest of the world will have to wait until the season starts to see if the Olympic play will transfer to the NBA court. We have a few months before that happens, so until then Chandler and Anthony can enjoy representing there country as Team USA Basketball gold medalist.