Somewhat true, but the reality is two things: 1) International play is a completely different game from the NBA and college basketball. 2) Perimeter shooting and free throws are bigger factors in the outcome of the game than in the NBA. International players on average have higher field goal and free throw percentages than NBA players. Twenty years ago that was not the case as college players routinely defeated international competition for the gold medal. Current NBA players do not focus as much on the fundamentals of shooting. Instead, they focus on defensive play, penetration, and, in some cases, highlight film individual play for attention. Not to mention, the last ten years have brought players into the league who are quite selfish in terms of their demand for the ball and shots per game whether they are making them or not.

I don't think they've caught up talent-wise, but they are close. Plus, they know how to play GOOD TEAM BASKETBALL, which is the only thing you can play if you want to win. (The Pistons are proof of that.)

There is no question that International BB is much better now than it was 12 years ago. They have gone out and gotten BB coaches (most from the US) that TEACH the game, the fundamentals of passing, setting screens, blocking out, and playing in your face defense. Overall, I don't think that they are as athletic as the majority of US players, but if you play the game right, then you don't have to be as athletic. That is why the zone defense was invented, and why it works so well. NBA players don't like the zone because it interferes with the clear out and dunk concept that makes all the highlight reels.

The top countries (lithuania, spain, italy, argentina, serbia montanegro, etc) are nearly as athletic and more skilled. When the US first introduced professionals in '92, the average margin of victory was 42 points. This year, it was 3 points. Clearly other countries are catching up. Note to Chauncey: if the US had brought in Yao Ming they would have been disqualified. Yao is Chinese.