2008

The “Redeem Team” lives up to its billing, as the United States men’s team defeats Spain 118-107 in the gold medal game at the Olympics in Beijing. Dwyane Wade leads all scorers with 27 points while Kobe Bryant takes over down the stretch and finishes with 20. Rudy Fernandez finishes with 22 points for Spain, while Pau Gasol adds 21. In the bronze medal game, Carlos Delfino leads the way with 20 points and 10 rebounds as Argentina defeats Lithuania 87-75.

1965

Reggie Miller is born in Riverside, California. In addition to his basketball legend sister Cheryl, he also has an older brother Darrell who played four seasons of Major League Baseball.

1970

Rick Barry is featured in a controversial cover story in Sports Illustrated with the headline “The Reluctant Virginian.” His ABA team, the Washington Capitols, had just relocated to the Hampton Roads area of Virginia to become the Virginia Squires, and in the article a disgruntled Barry badmouths the region and franchise. About a week later, Barry is traded to the New York Nets.

1979

NBA All-Star Michael Redd is born in Wooster, Ohio.

1984

Charlie Villanueva is born in Queens, New York. He was teammates with Smush Parker at Newtown High School in Queens before transferring to Blair Academy in New Jersey, where he was teammates with Luol Deng.

1994

Kelsey Plum is born in Poway, California. Her parents were both star collegiate athletes but neither in basketball. Her mom Katie played volleyball at UC Davis and her dad Jim played football at San Diego State.