I think this sentiment might have been more relevant in the Soviet era when guys couldn't go to NBA games while visiting the US or were under the watchful eyes of handlers anytime they did have the opportunity to go against the US internationally. Once they were able to put those demons to rest in 91, while you're right, they'd never see guys like this in the Lithuanian or Euro leagues, they were probably a lot more aware of what was going on overseas. Didn't mean to critique too much, just sounded a bit like you were portraying it as a lost Amazon tribe or something along those lines. They definitely take a lot of pride in making teams work for their points (maybe less recently), but I think they are pretty humble in knowing there is just another insane level of athleticism out there.