Men’s basketball: Tayshaun Prince, United States

From the NBA season to a youth camp in Lexington, Ky., then on to training camp in Las Vegas and five exhibitions in China, Tayshaun Prince has been keeping a rapid pace.

Now he’s ready for the payoff: an Olympic gold medal.

When Team USA opens play in the Beijing Olympics, the opponent will be none other than China (Sunday, 7:15 a.m. PDT).

Forecasts indicate that it may be the most-watched sporting event of all time.

“It’s going to be a great atmosphere for the first game,” Prince said. “We have to play with that hunger and that desire in order to come out and be successful.”

Prince, a former University of Kentucky standout who has played all six of his NBA seasons with the Detroit Pistons, epitomizes what Team USA is all about. He’s talented, with an eye on defense. He’s versatile. He knows his strengths and limitations. And he’s a team player.

Lexington Herald-Leader