Sept. 22, 2000

This is my first time being down here, and I'm having a whole lot of fun. The best part about it right now is being with the guys, playing with the guys, and just competing, practicing and hanging out with the other players. I've really had a chance to get to know guys I didn't really know. I would say we were acquaintances, and we knew each other in passing and we were friendly. But now some of the guys, I can really say I know them and I know that they're good people, and I understand their makeup better, and that's the best part.

Another highlight of being here is getting a chance to see some of the other events, and having a chance to meet other athletes like Marion Jones, Maurice Green, the Williams sisters, Monica Seles. People I'm big fans of. Steve Smith, Jason Kidd and I went to a table tennis event the other night. I'm having fun with it. I'm going to get out and see some of the track and field, and just have fun and try and enjoy this Olympic experience. And the opening ceremony was just incredible.

Shareef Abdur-Rahim scored 12 points against China and 9 against Italy.(AP)

Of course I used to watch the other Dream Teams, back to the days of Magic and MJ. I'm a fan of the game. Before our games, I'll go and watch the other teams play and just see who can play, and what basketball is like in other countries.

I think our team chemistry is good. We have a real unselfish team. From myself being one of the younger guys on the team, it's been a big-time learning lesson being around some of the older guys I'm around like Gary (Payton), Jason, Alonzo, Tim Hardaway, Steve Smith. Having a chance to sit back and learn from them and see a lot of the things they do and the way they lead. I can apply that stuff to my situation back in Vancouver.

As far as my role on the team, I just try to get in where I fit in. Coach puts me in, and I just go and try to bring some energy to this team. Rebounding, running the floor. I'm not really worried about him calling any plays for me or anything. I just want to fit in with the other guys and compete and contribute to us winning a gold medal.

I think our last game against Lithuania challenged us a little bit. But we're confident in the fact that we play in the best league in the world against the best players in the world, and that's an edge that no one else has. I think that Lithuania executed real well. They ran their offense, and they got the shots they wanted. They tried to mix some things up and get us into a lot of things they wanted us to do.

We're pretty comfortable where we're staying. The hotel we're in has little kitchens in your rooms, so a couple of guys' wives have been cooking. Vin Baker cooks a little. So I've been eating well. My family is coming tomorrow, so I'll do some sightseeing with them. My wife, my mother and father are all coming.

I heard about the Ewing trade to Seattle. Vin and Gary are really excited. They feel like it really made them better, and puts them in contention to compete for a championship.

Well, that's about all from this side of the world. Gotta go try and win the gold! Thanks for stopping by the site.