On September 22nd in sports history, one significant event occurred in 1991 when the United States men's basketball team, nicknamed the "Dream Team," began its training camp for the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, Spain.

The Dream Team was the first American Olympic team to feature active professional players from the NBA. The roster was packed with some of the greatest basketball players of all time, including Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Charles Barkley, Karl Malone, John Stockton, Patrick Ewing, David Robinson, Scottie Pippen, Chris Mullin, Clyde Drexler, and college star Christian Laettner.

The assembly of this legendary team marked a turning point in international basketball competition. Prior to 1992, only amateur players were allowed to participate in the Olympics. However, with the increasing global popularity of basketball and the dominance of professional players, the rules were changed to permit NBA stars to compete.

The Dream Team's impact on the global stage was immense. They showcased their superior skills and athleticism, captivating audiences worldwide with their high-flying dunks, precision passes, and unrelenting defense. The team went undefeated in the Olympics, winning their games by an average margin of 44 points. In the gold medal game against Croatia, they secured a 117-85 victory, cementing their place in basketball history.

The 1992 Dream Team is widely considered the greatest sports team ever assembled. Their influence extended beyond the basketball court, as they helped popularize the NBA and the sport of basketball internationally. The team's success also paved the way for future generations of international players to pursue careers in the NBA, forever changing the landscape of professional basketball.