Team USA are winning back respect and fans, polishing a battered reputation with some stirring performances in Japan.

While the US are packing plenty of star power at this championship with names like LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, their emphasis throughout the tournament has been on team work.

Without a world title since 1994, US players have bought into coach Mike Krzyzewski's "team first" concept which has carried the Americans all the way to the semi-finals with an unbeaten record of 7-0.

"I don't know about the make-up of former teams, but I know that this team really cares about USA Basketball," said Memphis Grizzlies Shane Battier.

"We care about playing the right way and playing the game with each other and not against each other.

"That's been the mindset since day one.

"The guys are really unselfish and we're having a lot of fun out there."

Setting the tone for the U.S. are Wade and James.

Two of the NBA's biggest names and brightest young talents, the American co-captains have happily taken a back seat in the US drive towards a gold medal.

Wade, who claimed finals MVP honours leading the Miami Heat to their first NBA title earlier this year, has filled the role of super sub coming off the bench while James has been more concerned with his defensive play and setting up team mates than scoring points.

"It's something I wanted," said Wade. "Of course, coach can start me at any time with these guys.

"But, with me coming off the bench, it gives us another dimension and I love it.

"You know I'm not going to complain, whether I'm starting or coming off the bench. It doesn't matter.

"I am just one of the guys, here."

Wade, who had been averaging 20 points a game, had an off night in the 85-65 quarter-final win over Germany on Wednesday, scoring just three points and missing all five of his shots from the three-point line.

But Wade's struggles had little impact as the Americans leaned on other players, including a 19-point contribution from Denver Nuggets Carmelo Anthony.

"We're going to have nights like that but we got it done with defence," said Anthony. "The coach just told us to keep shooting.

"We control out own destiny, we go out there and play good and the sky is the limit. We play bad and anything can happen."

The US take on European champions Greece in one semi-final on Friday while Spain will face Olympic champions Argentina for the other place in Sunday's gold medal final.