In 2004, Carmelo Anthony joined LeBron James and Dwyane Wade as part of a group that seemed destined for gold once again in the Olympics. Hard to imagine a squad featuring these three stars would fail but that’s exactly what happened.

Since 1992, the men’s basketball team has dominated on the world scene, forming Dream Teams to dismantle the international competition every four years. The 2004 group was formed at the last minute and as a result, fell to a bronze medal finish in a disheartening trip to Athens. The lackluster performance sparked an effort from Jerry Colangelo to reestablish Team USA success and start a process focused on commitment. Anthony was at the epicenter of this overhaul.

“Since ’04 up until now, being a major part of the growth of international basketball, USA basketball, being there when we were at the lowest of the low when it come to basketball internationally and then experiencing two gold medals and the way we did it and the way they put the team together, the way it’s going now, I sit back and dwell on that. I realize that this is a special moment,” Anthony reflected.

Anthony emerged as one of the top stars in the league and his commitment to play in the world championships, the FIBA Americas championship, and the 2008 Olympics shifted the power back to North America. Alongside Kobe Bryant, Wade, James, Chris Paul, and several top-notch NBA players, Team USA captured the gold medal and it hasn’t moved outside of the United States since.

“It’s ironic, he was the first player I spoke to back in ’05 to get a commitment from him and so, he’s the last man standing, he’s back,” Colangelo stated.

Following a knee surgery last summer and a full season with the Knicks, Anthony really never waivered on his decision to make a run at gold in 2016 despite most of his crew from the previous Olympic team passing on the opportunity.

“Not many people can say they’ve played four Olympics and have a chance at three gold medals. Not too many people can say that, so for me that’s the way that I look at it and the way that I approach the upcoming Olympics,” Anthony said in March prior to a game against the Nuggets.

New York’s All-Star is now embarking on a journey that could make him the most accomplished men’s basketball player in Team USA history. A successful Olympic trip would place him at the top of the list for most individual gold medals in men’s basketball history. Here’s what Anthony is also chasing in Rio, according to ESPN Stats & Information:

35 points shy of becoming the Olympic men’s basketball all-time leading scorer.

One game shy of for the most Olympic basketball games played in American history.

Trails David Robinson by 41 rebounds (ranks No. 4) for the all-time lead.

Trails Michael Jordan by 36 field goals (ranks No. 5) for the all-time lead.

“He spends his entire pro career playing for the United States,” Team USA head coach Mike Krzyzewski chuckled after Friday’s win over Venezuela. “I’m not sure anybody has ever done that. It’s his fourth Olympics and you learn a lot. He’s been on two teams that didn’t win gold medals, on in the world championship when I coached and in the bronze in Athens but he has been on two that won. So, he’s learned a lot. He’s been helping these guys. He’s amazingly vocal and good with these guys and they’ve responded.”

The desire to redeem what was lost in 2004 has evolved into a trek towards a place in international basketball history for Anthony. From a 20-year old NBA newbie sporting cornrows to a 32-year old vet, Anthony is now determined to solidify his international legacy.