Kobe Bryant, guard of US men's national basketball team.

Kobe Bryant, guard of US men's national basketball team says "That was a amazing. I still don't know how it happened, but it feels great. I feel deeply honored to have such a warm reception here and be so well liked here."

In China, basketball is second only to soccer. Such a huge fan base impresses the players greatly.

Jason Kidd, guard of US men's national basketball team says "I think it's great that China really loves the game of basketball and they really understand the players. And we're really happy and hopefully we're not gonna disappoint them."

Despite its popularity and dominance on the court, team USA is facing increased competition.

The team lost three games on its way to a bronze medal four years ago at the Athens Olympics. This was a record that represented more losses in a single year than the country's Olympic teams had suffered in all previous Olympiads combined.