Featuring 12 players from the Continental Basketball Association (CBA), the U.S. squad proved to be an especially tough team down the stretch, persevering to win a number of close games to finish 8-1 and successfully reclaim the Tournament of the Americas title.

Featuring 10 nations from the Americas, the teams competed not only for the title, but also for one of the America's zone four qualifying berths to the 1998 FIBA Men's World Championship.

The U.S. entered the tournament not needing to earn a qualification berth for the World Championship, the U.S. had previously qualified for the World Championship by capturing the gold medal at the 1996 Olympic Games. Based on the final results, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Argentina and Canada claimed qualifying spots for the ‘98 FIBA Men's World Championship.

Despite fighting back to grab a three-point lead late in the second half, the USA faltered down the stretch and fell to Venezuela 85-75 in its opener. One day later, behind 33 points and a perfect 6-of-6 shooting from 3-point by Jason Sasser, the U.S. routed the Dominican Republic 98-70.

The USA stormed back from a 94-89 deficit in the final 1:42 of the game to snatch a 102-97 victory from a stunned Canadian team as Travis Williams accounted for 24 points. Getting 29 points from Williams, the U.S. handed Puerto Rico a 93-82 setback.

Opening the semifinal round against Cuba, Mike McDonald came off the bench to score 17 points and Williams also added 17 as the U.S. posted a 100-88 victory. The U.S. shut down upset minded Uruguay in the game's final minutes and behind Williams’ 26 points, the Americans outscored the hosts 24-4 over the game's final 7:38 to earn a 98-84 victory.

Led by Rusty LaRue’s 16 points and 15 points from Sasser and Williams, the USA’s balanced scoring effort and strong defensive showing resulted in a 91-78 victory over Argentina on August 29.

With a spot in the gold medal game already assured for the USA, behind a 20 point and 12 rebound effort from Williams and Corey Beck’s 19 points on 5-for-6 shooting from three, the U.S. was solid down the stretch and earned an impressive 93-89 victory over Brazil.

Facing Puerto Rico in the gold medal game on August 31, six U.S. team members scored in double-figures, including a team best 18 points from Beck, and the USA defeated Puerto Rico 95-86 to finish 8-1 overall, and capture the gold medal. Although the U.S. led Puerto Rico 52-28 at halftime, Puerto Rico rallied to within one point several times in the second half, however, the U.S. each time managed to turn away Puerto Rico's upset efforts.

1997 USA TOURNAMENT OF THE AMERICAS TEAM ROSTER

1997 USA TOURNAMENT OF THE AMERICAS TEAM CUMULATIVE STATISTICS