The Dream Team, often hailed as the ultimate basketball squad, dominated the 1992 Summer Olympics, clinching gold without breaking a sweat. However, they did face an unexpected defeat in a scrimmage against college players, a story that few know about. The new HBO documentary We Beat the Dream Team delves into this incredible upset that has faded from the public’s memory.
We recently spoke with director Michael Tolajian about his film, which will premiere on HBO and stream on Max on Feb. 17. This documentary is a partnership involving TNT Sports, HBO Sports Documentaries, and Blue Ox Films.
Note: This interview has been edited and condensed for length and clarity.
Awful Announcing: Why should someone watch your documentary?
Michael Tolajian: “It’s one of the great underdog David and Goliath stories that may have been overlooked in basketball history. Featuring giants like Jordan, Bird, Magic, Pippen, and Barkley, this documentary showcases college players facing the greatest team ever assembled. We tracked down the only surviving VHS tape of that scrimmage, allowing viewers to see this historic moment along with first-hand accounts from the players.”
How did you get involved in this project?
“Being a huge basketball fan and having worked with the NBA since the early 90s, I was present when the Dream Team was assembled. I had the chance to revisit this pivotal era and its legends. It was exciting to reconnect with some of these players, some for the first time.”
What would you consider the most fascinating detail you discovered?
“I was surprised to learn how unaware the college players were about the event unfolding. They were simply told they would participate, with no idea they’d be scrimmaging against the Dream Team until shortly before it happened.”
How eager were members of the Select Team to talk?
“They were extremely enthusiastic, expressing that they’d been waiting decades for someone to inquire about this legendary moment.”
Who was the most eager?
“Grant Hill was particularly passionate, and Chris Webber also provided a deep dive into their experiences. Our scheduled 45-minute talk with him turned into three hours!”
How long did this project take?
“We began filming in November 2023 and finished the film by August 2024. After considering the timing around the upcoming Olympics, we decided that post-Super Bowl, right after the NBA All-Star Game, would be the ideal release window.”
What was the hardest part of doing this documentary?
“Traveling across the country to interview players posed challenges, especially with Chuck Daly no longer around. We aimed to honor his legacy, making it crucial to include insights from coaches like Mike Krzyzewski.”
Was it difficult to get access to the original footage?
“It took some effort working with the NBA and USA Basketball to locate and secure the original tape, fearing the condition it might be in after all those years. Thankfully, it held up well, allowing us to obtain footage from the entire five-day training camp.”
Were any members of the Dream Team reluctant to talk?
“Not at all. The Dream Team players understood the importance of sharing stories for future generations to appreciate. Their attitude displayed a mutual respect between eras of basketball.”
What’s the one takeaway you hope viewers get from your film?
“I want viewers to enjoy a nostalgic trip down memory lane and feel entertained. Ultimately, I hope it reminds everyone that on any given day, despite the odds, preparation and belief can lead to unexpected outcomes.”
We Beat the Dream Team will debut on HBO and stream on Max on Feb. 17.
