Michael Redd Seeks Gold in Beijing

Michael Redd was asked to join the USA men’s basketball team for one reason, to shoot the ball. He has been described as a “pure shooter” and a “pro’s pro” by USA coach Mike Krzyzewski. The upcoming Beijing Olympics will give Redd the opportunity to showcase his talents and help USA win the gold.

By Eric Geier

    It seems that Michael Redd’s abilities have always been shadowed in Milwaukee. Redd has quietly averaged 20.5 ppg for the past seven years. But you won’t see him on Sportscenters top plays very often. What Michael Redd lacks in flash and flair, he makes up for with solid, consistent play. Coach Mike Kryzewski picked Redd because he is trying to adapt the USA style of basketball for world play. Kyzyzewski wants more shooters, guys who can shoot perimeter shots and guys that can be part of a team.  Michael Redd can do both.

    Michael Redd is ready for the challenge and the scrutiny that comes with the Olympics. When Redd was selected he said, “The goal is to win a Gold Medal, no doubt about it. I think we have all the components to do that.” Here are some quotes and a recent interview with Michael Redd, courtesy of USA Basketball and the NBA.

On the chance to represent the USA…

    This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. I remember when Ray (Allen) went (to the Olympics) in 2000 and how great of an opportunity it was for him. I talked to him a couple of days ago and he said, ‘you have to do it’. If you asked me six years ago if this would have happened, I would have said no. But it’s cool. I’m loving it.

    I kind of went through a similar situation in 1999 when I went to the World University Games. That’s small compared to the Olympics, but just the fact that I had that (USA) jersey on. I have that jersey hanging up at my house right now. It’s a great honor to represent my country and you can’t get any bigger than that.

(On making the decision to play…) 


    Mr. Colangelo was very patient with me throughout this process, as was USA Basketball, and we were able to get it done. This is the ultimate stage; the opportunity to represent my country. I’m lucky and fortunate to be a part of it.

Kobe Bryant is a great competitor. Does anybody compete as much as he does?


    Yes, me! We all love to compete, but he is a fierce competitor, no doubt about it.
You never question his competitiveness. I love playing against him. Even in practice we go at each other, punch each other, push each other. I love playing against him, he raise your level of intensity.

How as the camp this week and talk about the game tomorrow?


    I’m looking forward to the game, I’m looking forward to playing. We had some great practices to send us off right. Our camaraderie has been great. We all make one another better and we are ready to start playing somebody else.

How did the USA Select Team look? What did they bring to the table?


    They were great. That’s our future. They are talented and brought the best out of us. They competed hard, very competitive, very professional in their approach.

Did they win a few of the quarters?


    Yes, a few of them, but we smashed them in the games. They’re competitors and they’re going to play hard. But at the same time, I think we beat them by 40 or 50 for the game.