• Balance — Unlike other Olympic squads, the U.S. is not counting on just one or two mainstays. Dwyane Wade and LeBron James are ninth and tied for 10th in scoring average, respectively, but both are in the top six in field goal percentage and total field goals made. And when it comes to unselfishness, the U.S. has three players — James, Chris Paul and Deron Williams — ranked in the tournament's top 10 in assists.

As the Americans and Aussies get set to square off in their quarterfinal, both teams temper acknowledgement of the opponent with some quiet confidence.

"Australia plays a completely different style of game than we played (against Germany)," Kobe Bryant said. "They run a continuity offense and they are very proficient at it, and they run hard cuts and set hard picks. They are real smart, so it will be a different ball game."

Countered Bogut: "I have not seen them play with such a chip on their shoulders since the Dream Team of '92, especially with Kobe running the show. They have a different mentality. They are trying to kill teams, and they are going to try to knock us out with the first punch, but we have to stay calm."

Even the coaches got into the act.

"They are probably playing their best basketball at the moment, and they can put points on," Krzyzewski said of Australia.

Said Brian Goorjian, his counterpart, "We get a chance to step up to the plate and have a swipe at the big dog. I don't know if we can or can't beat them, but I like how Australia's playing. I'm confident we will get out and play ball."

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