(21 July 1996; Day 02)
For women's basketball teams in the United States, Australia, Brazil and Ukraine, the future is now. These are the teams that have the best chances of winning medals at the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games.
Then, there are the teams from countries like Zaire, a small African nation on the opposite end of the basketball spectrum. While other teams are expected to win at the Olympic Games, Zaire was not even expected to compete. It took a five-game win streak at the 1994 African Championships to earn the team an invitation to Atlanta.
"We are proud to be here and hope that the international experience we gain will help us become a better team in the future," said Zaire's head coach Mongamaluku MOZINGO.
While experience for Zaire may be important, it is the nation's exposure to basketball that may prove be its greatest asset.
"Basketball is still developing for both boys and girls in Zaire," said MOZINGO. "The television exposure from the Olympics will hopefully help build excitement. Girls can watch and learn from our championship team, and boys can watch and learn from players all over the world."
One such player is NBA star Dikembe MUTOMBO of the Atlanta Hawks, a big supporter of Zaire's national basketball program.
"Since our arrival at the Olympics, Dikembe MUTOMBO has helped us tremendously," forward Lukengu NGALULA (ZAI) said. "He has purchased our clothing and helped us both physically and emotionally. It is great to have his support in the arena."
With the support and exposure being received, Zaire's national basketball program seems primed to move forward. The players and coaches realize that many changes will be needed if Zaire is to move into the basketball world's international elite.
"The play here is very different when compared to the play in Africa," NGALULA said. "We do not have much competition (there), except for Senegal, so here at the Olympics, there is a lot better competition. We feel a little behind the others right now, but we know that hard work and a lot of effort will pay off."
This is an official publication of the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games Sports Publications Department. Written by Wayne White.
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| The volunteer staff of the 1996 Olympic Games totaled 50,152. They worked an estimated 850,000 shifts. |