The Mike Krzyzewzki-coached and (take your choice) LeBron James- or Kobe Bryant-led U.S. men's basketball team (relatively) breezed in its first real "test" Thursday when it beat Greece by 23 points.
But the Americans will be facing what is probably the second most-talented squad in the field Saturday night (7:15 a.m. Pacific Time) in Beijing when they take on Spain.
Spain, also 3-0 in Pool B action, has a roster dotted with NBA players, including the Lakers' Pau Gasol and his 7-foot brother, Marc, who is expected to start for the Memphis Grizzlies this coming season.
It will also be the first opportunity for most basketball followers in the U.S. to see Spain's 17-year-old wunderkind point guard, Ricky Rubio.
He could be the first player chosen at his position in the next NBA Draft. He has been playing as a professional in Europe for three years.

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