It was a special day, even for him, who has won everything, or does he? Because for Kobe Bryant, who has three NBA championship rings with the Lakers, there is one debt still pending: a gold medal with his country’s national team which he is representing for the first time in this FIBA Americas Championship 2007 in Las Vegas.

People even sang “Happy Birthday” during one of your free throws, what did you feel?

It was sweet. This is the first time in my life that I have to play on my birthday.

Is it special, even for someone your age, to represent Team USA for the first time?

It’s very special. It’s a great honor to represent your country, wherever you are from.

After three rings in the NBA with the Lakers, what Beijing would mean to you?

It’ll mean everything. Playing for your country; winning a gold medal in a World Championship should be great, but nothing compares to winning one in the Olympics.

Did you watch last year’s World Championship in Japan?

Yes.

And what did you feel when it finished?

Spain played some spectacular basketball, as Greece and Argentina as well. They played fantastic. I felt bad after USA lose to Greece in the semi-finals. That gave me, and my teammates, the motivation we needed to be here, and to make amends.

In that moment,  what do you felt was necessary to get back to the top?

That it depended on us. We have to work together, as we are now, keep us in good shape and do everything under our power, individually, to achieve that.

Do you think that it is an issue of rosters, game style or amount of training?

It’s just a matter of been together more time. Jerry Colangelo armed this committement three years ago, with the same group of players, and that surely helps.

Did it hurt your pride?

Yes, of course it did. Everyone wants to be the best, and feel love for their country; that’s why we want to be number 1 again.

Do you think that there is some people out there that may not think you’re the best?

One is the best only after winning a gold medal.

Fabian Garcia
FIBA Americas