In February a new HBO documentary on a little-known scrimmage in June 1992 between the Dream Team, probably the best hoops team ever assembled, and a college all star squad debuted via streaming channel. It was called “We Beat the Dream Team” and featured plenty of well-known Duke and North Carolina folks in what is considered one of the biggest upsets ever.
Chuck Daly of the Detroit Pistons was the Olympic coach with Wilkens, Carlesima, Coach K as assistants.
The Dream Team had Michael, Magic, Larry, 8 other Hall of Famers (including Pippen, Malone, Ewing, Mullin, Drexler, Robinson, Barkley, Stockton), plus Laettner. It was the first year pro players were brought in to represent the U.S. in the Olympics.
On June 24, 1992, there was a 20-minute scrimmage at UC San Diego with the USA Select Team—Hurley, Hill, Hardaway, Montross, Houston, Webber, Rogers, Mashburn.
They were coached by Roy Williams, George Raveling, Gary Williams. The college kids were sharp and won 62-54. Daly had the final score quickly removed from the scoreboard before the doors were opened.
There were no spectators or reporters in the gym and only one VHS tape of what happened. The tape is the basis of the behind-the-scenes documentary, written and directed by Michael Talajian, with lots of interviews.
The next day there was another scrimmage. It was a blowout with the pros dominating 102-55. The Dream Team went on to easily win an Olympic gold in Barcelona.
The film was dedicated to Daly and Montross. Both died of cancer.
Check it out. I stumbled on it late on a Friday night on truTV.
J.B.