U.S Olimpic team?

[bballer22]

did the U.S always had the best players for the olimpic team? Coz i had a argument with my coach, he's form Europe and he follows Olimpic bball carefully and he said that U.S always put their best team of NBA players to olimpics but Collage player to world games??
right?

[Andrew]

After the US failed to win gold at the 1988 Olympics, they campaigned to get professional players into the Games. The following year the no-professionals rule was abolished. That led to the Dream Team in 1992 - since then, NBA players have represented the US in the Olympic basketball tournament.

But before the change in 1989, NBA players were exempt from Olympic competition.

[TRUball]

After the US failed to win gold at the 1988 Olympics, they campaigned to get professional players into the Games. The following year the no-professionals rule was abolished. That led to the Dream Team in 1992 - since then, NBA players have represented the US in the Olympic basketball tournament.

But before the change in 1989, NBA players were exempt from Olympic competition.

That is knda stupid, cause the Olympics is supposed to have each country represented by their best, but if you don't let professional players play, than the country isn't getting represented by there best.

[nikolass127]

After the US failed to win gold at the 1988 Olympics, they campaigned to get professional players into the Games. The following year the no-professionals rule was abolished. That led to the Dream Team in 1992 - since then, NBA players have represented the US in the Olympic basketball tournament.

But before the change in 1989, NBA players were exempt from Olympic competition.

That is knda stupid, cause the Olympics is supposed to have each country represented by their best, but if you don't let professional players play, than the country isn't getting represented by there best.

but the Olympics have been made for Ameteurs athletes

[Andrew]

That is knda stupid, cause the Olympics is supposed to have each country represented by their best, but if you don't let professional players play, than the country isn't getting represented by there best.

And that's one of the arguments that was presented when they campaigned for the rule change. The rules were changed, so now every country can be represented by their best players, be they professionals or amateurs.

But as nikolass127 said, the Olympic games were originally meant for amateur athletes; it wasn't just basketball players who could forfeit their eligibility. Australian swimming legend Dawn Fraser was once barred from Olympic competition because she had won a cash prize at a local swimming competition. It was a small event, but because money was involved she was considered to have forfeited her amateur status.

[bballer22]

so what u r saying is that b4 88 Olimpic games were olnly for amatures?? and coz u get paid for ur sport ur not an amature?
coz my coach told me that Yogosllavia had their best team? in europe they dont have collage plyers??

[Andrew]

No, 1992 was the first time professional basketball players were allowed to compete. And yes, there are some pretty strict rules about amateur and professional status.

There was some controversy about the loss in 1988. Some people felt some of the other countries did sneak professional players in, another reason for the campaign to get NBA players into the Olympics.