Jason and the rest of Team USA touched down in China on Sunday, beginning what will hopefully be a gold medal journey for America’s Olympic hoops squad.

Jason during the USA’s 120-65 crushing of Canada (Getty Images).

No. 5 — the number Jason sports for USA Basketball — was eager to arrive. The US crushed Canada, 120-65, in an exhibition game July 25th, but given that Canada failed to qualify for the Beijing Games, J-Kidd and the rest of the team are eager for more meaningful preparation.

In 16 minutes against Canada, Jason did not take a shot, finishing with five rebounds and a steal.

WE’VE DONE NOTHING YET
USA coach Mike Krzyzewski set a tone upon reaching China that Jason would likely echo. As he told the Associated Press:

"We’re going to use these matches to get better every day, every second we’re on the basketball court, to come together to be the team we need to be to win the gold medal."

"We’re not complacent. You shouldn’t play unless you’re confident but we have nothing to be complacent about. We haven’t accomplished anything," he said.

"So we’re in the midst of trying to accomplish so there will never be any complacency."

RESPECT
As his teammates become even more familiar with him, Jason is earning even more of their praise. As reported by FoxSports.com, Deron Williams is one of his foremost fans.

"Big guards tend to have an advantage in this game," said Deron Williams, the third-string point. "Plus, he’s Jason Kidd, one of the best point guards ever to play the game…We have so many scorers. But he can dominate a game without taking a shot."

LEFT MEDAL AT HOME
In a recent article written by ESPN.com, Jason explained that he left his 2000 Olympic gold medal at home, rather than bringing it to training camp. The rationale: He wants his teammates to be hungry.

"I didn’t want to jinx myself by bringing it and looking at it. I want to play for this: Beijing. I want to play for this gold medal."

"I thought about bringing it, I wanted to show the guys, but I thought differently — for us to be hungry to get that gold medal, I just left it at home. I’ll leave it in the box and then leave it to

[son] T.J., and hopefully he won’t lose it."

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