Olympic games in Athens - continued

"This is nothing I've dreamed of. I dreamed of playing in the NBA and winning championships. This is something I didn't have in mind. This is something I've added early to my career. I was shocked when I got the call. I feel special."

As the backup point guard, Wade has been asked to play a more conservative game as the United States tries to re-establish itself as a team. Routed two years ago in the world championships and without the NBA's top players in Greece, Team USA no longer is considered an absolute lock for the gold medal.

The Americans were beaten by Italy in pre-Olympic play, an experience Wade said they needed in order to prepare for Athens. "If we think talent alone is going to get it done, it's not," he said. "We've only been together for two weeks and we're still learning. We can get it done."

Is Wade at all concerned about being the first group of NBA players to lose an Olympic tournament? "Maybe you could say we're too young to be nervous," he said. "We're not nervous at all."

As a child growing up in suburban Chicago, Wade watched the original NBA Olympic team rip through Barcelona, creating an aura that has lasted only 12 years. But that's OK by him.

Maybe this new group is just eager and hungry enough to make its own legacy. It will, if Dwyane Wade has anything to do with it. "Don't call us the Dream Team," he said. "We'll make our own name."

NEXT - Dwayne Wade's 2nd Year in the NBA