It has been 36 years since basketball entered the Olympic Games as a full medal sport for men. From then, many would not question about who would win, but who would finish second.

In 1972, the Soviet Union took home the gold as they toppled the US team in a controversial game. After another semi-final victory for the Soviets in 1988, the sport finally opened for professionals. From then again, the question was raised “who would finish second?”.

In 1992, there was a squad featuring some of the world’s best-known athletes - Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird. These basketball players were part of the the gold-medal winning US “Dream Team” in Barcelona. They gave an exhibition of basketball at its best.

After the disappointing NBA All-Star packed team, who finished only sixth during the recent FIBA World Championship in 2002, fans constantly ask if the winning streak of US teams can still prevail in future Olympic Games.

Women’s basketball was not such a one-sided affair. This has been included in the Olympic programme since 1976. Starting then, the gold medals have been divided between the US, the Soviet Union and, after the break-up of the Soviet Union, the Commonwealth of Independent States. The Atlanta, Sydney, and Brazil have been some of the runners up of the recent games.

How about this upcoming Beijing basketball 2008, who will top the basketball Olympics? Or should I ask, who would finish second?

Among the most awaited international events this year will happen in Beijing. You may notice that people are starting to get more and more excited about the basketball Olympics, which is one of the highlights this coming August.

If you are one of the basketball enthusiasts who are curious about the format of the tournament, then better take note of these:

Twelve teams are split into two preliminary round groups.

• The top 4 teams from each group will qualify for the knockout stage.
• The two fifth-placed teams are ranked 9th-10th by basis of their records.
• The two sixth-placed teams are ranked 11th-12th by basis of their records.
• During the quarterfinals, the matchups will be: A1 vs. B4, A2 vs. B3, A3 vs. B2 and A4 vs. B1.
  • The eliminated teams at the quarterfinals will rank 5th-8th by basis of their preliminary round records
• The winning teams during the quarterfinals that will meet in the semifinals would be: A1/B4 vs. A3/B2 and A2/B3 vs. A4/B1.

Which team do you think will win? Better find out on August 9- 24, 2008 at Wukesong Indoor Stadium in Beijing, China.

The basketball event of the 29th Olympic Games is scheduled on August 9-24 and will be held at Wukesong Culture and Sports Center in Beijing.

The Wukesong Indoor Stadium:

Athlete Quota:

• 144 men (12 teams of 12 players each)
• 144 women (12 teams of 12 players each)

Total of 288 athletes