As Team USA is preparing for Beijing, Nike decided to give the “Redeem Team” a reminder of why they are going to China and what they are playing for: “The Commitment,” an art gallery chronicling Team USA’s journey from 1992’s Dream Team to present-day, opened its doors in late-June, with the ’08 U.S. squad getting the first exclusive look.

Located on 116th Street in Harlem, in a renovated branch of NYC’s famous Training Camp sneaker boutique, the gallery sits conveniently next to the world-famous Amy Ruth’s soul food restaurant. The layout of the space is nothing short of incredible. Upon entry, you’re immediately greeted by a copy of the same letter that USA Basketball executive director Jerry Colangelo sent to all of the players on the roster to remind them of the importance of their commitment to the program.

The USAB exhibit is filled with nostalgic artifacts that bring fans back to the glory days of the Dream Team all the way up to the current group. Some of the memorabilia includes Michael Jordan’s Olympic Air Jordan VII kicks and Charles Barkley’s Olympic Air Max 180s that they wore back in ’92. Odes to other past Olympic teams are found all over as well. Pictures of Ray Allen, Scottie Pippen, and the infamous Vince Carter dunk over Frederic Weis can also be found adorning the walls.

Bron’s painting at the gallery

The 2008 men’s national team is also fully represented. Huge oil paintings of LeBron and Kobe catch your attention as soon as you set your eyes on them. Painted by artist Chris Young, these 20-foot images are lifelike and we’ve seen them drop jaws. When LeBron saw his painting, he wanted it shipped to his house as soon as possible.

On a whole, the USAB exhibit is an aesthetic masterpiece. The best feature of the whole space might be the 30-foot American flag made out of 300-plus red, white, and blue Nike Hyperdunks that engulfs the entire back wall.

Team USA had a private viewing of the exhibit during a trip to NYC during their training for the Olympics, and everyone, from the players to the coaches, was moved by the experience.

“It makes you realize what we are going to China for,” Chris Paul told us afterwards. “You see the teams of the past and it makes you think about what we have to do.”
Walls of Nike Hyperdunks

Now open to the public throughout the whole Olympic Games, the USAB exhibit also features a projector that will be showing all of Team USA’s basketball games. “The Commitment”’ is located at 111 W. 116th Street between Lenox Ave. and Adam Clayton Powell Boulevard. Gallery hours are Thursday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

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