Feb 21, 2025 - Sports

The story behind the Dream Team's scrimmage at UC San Diego

Kate Murphy

Larry Bird and Magic Johnson of Team USA stand in front of bleachers answering questions from media in 1992. — Larry Bird and Magic Johnson after a practice at UCSD's Main Gym ahead of the 1992 Summer Olympics. Photo: Icon Sportswire

In 1992, the U.S. men's Olympic basketball Dream Team played at UC San Diego ahead of the Summer Olympics in Barcelona.

The team did something they wouldn't do again: they lost.

Driving the news: "We Beat the Dream Team," now streaming on Max, recounts the story of the group of top college players, including Grant Hill, Chris Webber and Penny Hardaway, who won that secret scrimmage at UCSD's Main Gym.

Team USA practiced at the facility on Gilman Drive in La Jolla, setting off the "global basketball revolution" that inspired a generation of players, coaches and fans as the team went undefeated to win the gold medal.

Between the lines: Before 1992, only amateur basketball players were allowed to play on U.S. Olympic teams. So, when the pros took over the roster, it left a group of elite NCAA players ready to prove they were more than just a practice squad.

The Dream Team lost 62-54, but assistant coach Mike Krzyzewski said head coach Chuck Daly "threw the game" to show that the team could be beaten, per UCSD athletics. When they played the next day, the Olympians won handily.

The intrigue: The gym still has those wooden bleachers, but the basketball and volleyball teams moved out and it's the fencing team's home court.

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The story behind the Dream Team's scrimmage at UC San Diego

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