Nikcevich Takes Defense Overseas

As expected, Dream Team II won the gold medal at the WorldChampionship of Basketball last week in Toronto. But somevisionaries boldly are predicting U.S. domination of the sport willend in the next decade.

If it happens, former Lyons Township coach Ron Nikcevich mightget some of the credit - or the blame, depending on which flag youare waving.

Don't be surprised if the next time you see a European team tryto defend Shaquille O'Neal, David Robinson, Shawn Kemp or ReggieMiller, it employs a 1-3-1 matchup zone Nikcevich has taught for morethan 25 years.

It was as effective in 1970, when athletes such as MarcusWashington and Owen Brown used it to win a …