Dwyane Wade of Team USA offers a hand salute as he and other members of the squad arrive at the Yongsan Garrison gymnasium for a practice session Monday. (David Longstreath / AP)
Dwyane Wade of Team USA offers a hand salute as he and other members of the squad arrive at the Yongsan Garrison gymnasium for a practice session Monday. (David Longstreath / AP)
LeBron James chats with fan Zach Buhrer, 10, on Monday after practice at Yongsan Garrison. (David Longstreath / AP)
Team USA’s Camelo Anthony, right, enters the Yongsan Garrison gymnasium wearing an Army combat uniform on Monday. (David Longstreath / AP)
SEOUL — The USA Basketball Men’s Senior National Team “saluted” the U.S. military community during a visit and practice Monday at Yongsan Garrison, South Korea.
The team entered the packed Collier Field House dressed in Army combat uniforms. When introduced, the players saluted their fans in the stands. They also threw autographed basketball shoes into the crowd.
The team, in South Korea for the World Basketball Challenge, made Monday’s visit after pounding Lithuania 111-88 on Sunday.
The team ran several drills in the humid gym before conducting a short scrimmage. And when practice was over, a few pre-selected military athletes took the floor for a 3-point contest.
While the military members took turns shooting, the professionals gave them pointers and advice.
After the demonstration, the team loaded onto buses and headed for the dining facility, where they surprised about 150 soldiers who didn’t realize they’d be dining with NBA greats.
“It’s a good thing for them to come overseas” and meet with members of the U.S. military, said Petty Officer 2nd Class Kevin Harris. “It’s a beautiful thing.”
The team is to conduct another practice at Camp Casey on Wednesday from 10:30 a.m to 12:30 p.m. at the Carey Field House.
Visit www.usabasketball.com for more information on the team.
