The Atmosphere from Athens: Jamie Mathews Q&A

Q: What brought you to Athens for the Olympics? Are you just there to watch the team or are you working in any capacity?
A: I am here to support Stephon Marbury and the entire men's and women's teams on behalf of the New York Knicks and Madison Square Garden. I am also assisting the USA Basketball staff.

Q: The big story so far in Olympic basketball so far has been the struggles of the US team. Is this something you expected, and how do you think the US has responded after losing their first game of the competition?
A: Being a one time employee of USA Basketball, I witnessed first hand the vast improvements of the international players and teams over the past few years. The NBA has brought the game of basketball to the door of all the world and made the game a global experience. I certainly did not expect the men or women's teams to have an easy time in Athens.

That being said, I think that the men's team has improved each game it has played and are coming together as a unit. After the setback against Puerto Rico, the team has stepped up and risen to the challenge the international teams have presented. Once the medal rounds begins, I feel the team will continue to improve and be playing their best basketball which is the goal of any team at the Olympics.

Q: Who do you think will be the strongest competitors coming out of Group B?
A: Lithuania. They are a strong team that really shoots the ball well. They have great guard play and are experienced as well. Group A has some very good teams in it. Having to play Puerto Rico twice in a few week span was difficult and playing Greece in Greece made for an unbelievable atmosphere. It was such a hostile environment. I could not even hear the public address announcer. It was great!

Q: Has there been any other team in the competition that has surprised you with their level of play?
A: New Zealand beating Serbia-Montenegro was a bit of a surprise. Serbia-Montenegro has historically been one of the better international teams and has produced many NBA players. This is just another indication of how difficult each game is here.

Q: We've heard that the attendance for some events at the Olympic games has been lower than expected. How is the crowd for the basketball matches? What is the level of enthusiasm like for Olympic basketball?
A: The crowds have been a bit thin at some of the non-basketball events. It seems odd because there are people everywhere in the heart of Athens. All of the U.S. basketball sessions have been sold out or near capacity. Each country has been well represented at each game which has made for an exciting atmosphere. You never get tired of the "U.S.A." chants and the other countries fans have their own way to excite their teams as well. It is a great experience for all the players, coaches and fans.

Q: What other Olympic events have you gotten to see?
A: I have not been able to see any other events to date. I am hoping to get out and experience some of the other venues and events.

Q: What has been your impression of Athens and the Greek people?
A: This is my second time in Athens. The main impression is a friendly, proud city. The history is very impressive. Many B.C. structures are still standing and are in extremely good condition. I have always been enamored with history, making this trip even more enjoyable.

Q: How do the Athens Games compare to any of the previous Olympics you have attended?
A: In 2000 I had the honor of working for USA Basketball and attending the Olympic games in Sydney, Australlia. The 2000 Olympics have been thought of as the model for the games. The entire nation shut down in the service of the world and its athletes. It was a unique experience because of the massive amounts of volunteers involved with the games and how seamless everything was.

Leading up to the Athens games there were many public concerns and issues that were thought to make these Olympics less than some of the other games. I have not seen any of this. In speaking with a number of people, all have reiterated that the games have been quite successful. Security to this point has been strong, but amazingly discreet. Transportation and all team logistics have been above average and the competition venues are all quality structures getting rave reviews for their atmosphere. I believe the Shot Put competition took place in the original Olympic Stadium. It does not get better than that.

Q: What's been the best party you've attended so far?
A: I have not had too many opportunities to venture out, but last night I was able to attend a small rally at the USA House. The USA House is a building in Athens set up for U.S. Olympians, their families and staff. It was a nice time. I had the chance to interact with some of the U.S. athletes and United States Olympic Committee employees, getting an insiders feel for the games. One of the evening's highlights was when someone pointed out that I was standing next to Mark Spitz, who happens to hold the record for most gold medals at an Olympics with seven.