SYDNEY -- The world of international basketball has been changed forever.
 Many today will say for the better.
 Lithuania's atom-splitting near-victory over the United States early yesterday morning in the Olympic men's semi-final served notice to players and fans around the world that the U.S. can be beaten at its own game. It is now just a matter of when.

Sep. 30: Full column

  SYDNEY -- "I feel like I let everyone down."
 The words came nearly an hour after the loss to France and the tears Steve Nash had shed inconsolably as he came off the floor -- with teammate Sherman Hamilton's arm around his shoulder -- had long ago dried.

Sep. 29: Full column

  SYDNEY -- They have known one another literally since they were teenagers.
 They like to play dribble tag with one another during practice, have contests to see who can hit shots from half-court, contests their coach still takes part in.

Sep. 27: Full column