Brand Heading Back to Duke After Successful Summer

Brand's play once again helped send a message to other countries: American amateur players can more than hold their own against the world's best pro's.

"It felt good to get the gold because those guys are pros we are playing against," Brand admitted. "Especially, where they're from-- overseas and internationally. So, it just shows in this country that our amateurs can still play."

Brand averaged 17 points and a team high eight rebounds per outing at the Goodwill Games, numbers that should let the nation know he's back to 100 percent after an injury filled freshman campaign.

"Playing well against that type of competition lets my teammates know and let's fans know that I'm 100 percent, and I'm back," said Brand. "So, it's definitely a confidence boost."

Schooling the world's best pro players can have that affect on a so-called amateur.