Olympic Dream Team

Delivered a stunning 28-point performance against the USA, leading Lithuania to their finest moment of the Games. When not winning games with his shooting, he delivered a staggering array of passes, finishing the tournament on 45 assists, 14 ahead of his nearest challenger.

Highlight moment: Letting go of an unerring three-pointer instants before sustaining a heavy foul from the USA's Lamar Odom, then draining the free throw.

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Shooting Guard - Manu Ginobili (Argentina)

Spiritual commander of the Argentine effort, Ginobili led by example, coming through when his country most needed him. Gave perhaps the most impressive display of the tournament in the semi-finals against the USA, confounding his NBA colleagues with 29 points, three assists and bucketloads of self-belief.

Highlight moment: That extraordinary opening game buzzer-beater to defeat Serbia and Montenegro 83-82. A blow from which the Serbs never recovered.

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Shooting Forward - Lamar Odom (USA)

In a team of megastars, it was the moderately regarded Odom and Carlos Boozer who impressed most for Team USA. Odom played every second at 100%, humiliating team-mates with his extraordinary hustle. His 20 offensive rebounds saved the mis-firing Americans from further embarrassment.

Highlight moment: Odom had a field-day as the U.S. enforcer against Spain, grabbing improbable rebounds, tipping in missed shots and generally infuriating the Spanish.

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Power Forward - Pau Gasol (Spain)

Carried Spanish hopes on his shoulders and came through with flying colours, despite a cruel draw pitting Spain against an incendiary Stephon Marbury in the last eight. Scored 22.4 points per game and still found time to involve his team-mates, leading a young squad with heart and elan.

Highlight moment: Capped off a game-winning preliminary round performance against Argentina with the dunk of the tournament, nearly ripping the rim off its hinges.

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Centre -Luis Alberto Scola (Argentina)

Once the youngest player in Spanish league history, the Argentine big man fulfilled his prophecy in Athens, improving with every game before exploding in the final. Utterly dominated inside, dropping in 25 points and snaffling 11 rebounds. Outshone even the incredible Ginobili, which is saying plenty.

Highlight moment: The fourth quarter of the final, in which an inspired Scola wreaked havoc, dominating the beleaguered Italians at both ends of the court.