USA Basketball

torjlopez

Kyle Lowry is a low-key kind of guy. Give him his family, friends, basketball and a game of golf here and there and he'll be OK. From basketball shoes with his sons’ initials scrawled on the toes to the Villanova hat that’s usually in his locker, it isn’t hard to see what’s important to him. He keeps the things -- and people -- that are important to him close.

In addition to suiting up for his country alongside Raptors backcourt mate DeMar DeRozan this summer, an added bonus of pre-Olympics preparation was getting to hang out with Villanova coach Jay Wright during USA Basketball's training camp in Las Vegas in mid-July. Wright coached Lowry at Villanova and the two remain close. In April, Lowry made the trip to Texas to support Wright and the Wildcats as they defeated the University of North Carolina to capture its second NCAA title in team history. After Toronto’s season wrapped up, Lowry was back at Villanova, working out on a familiar court, finishing his morning workout as the Wildcats would begin their own morning session.

“Before we came out here, as soon as [the season ended],” Wright said. “He did that all last summer, too. No exaggeration. No exaggeration. We would start practice at 6:30 a.m. sometimes and he would be finishing. We would get on the court at 6:15 a.m. and he would be finishing, drenched in sweat.”

Lowry showed up to training camp last season looking leaner than he has since college. The morning workouts were huge for him, but Wright believed the example extended well beyond his own game.

“I told him I think that had an impact on our team last year,” Wright said. “Guys get on the floor like there’s no reason for me not to be ready to go to work. This guy is an All-Star. As soon as he agreed to play on this team, he started that routine again. Before we came out here, he was in there in the morning, getting ready.”

In addition to Lowry serving as the greatest kind of motivation for his players, just getting to be around one of his former players was special for Wright. As the Raptors kept extending their NBA season through the first round, second round, and finally into a six-game Eastern Conference Finals series against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Wright was following along. Through watching games, checking boxscores, reading articles, and watching interviews, Wright tracked Lowry’s most successful season as a pro. He can’t speak about the growth he’s observed in his point guard without smiling.

“What has amazed me, when he was with us in college, he grew up a lot,” Wright said. “As a high school kid he was a street kid. When he got to Villanova he really grew up. Then to watch him in the NBA, each year he’s matured, but what really amazed me is even after being an All-star, he continues to mature. He continues to take on more responsibility. I said it to him that I’m so proud.”

While Lowry prepared for Rio with USA Basketball, Wright was working as an assistant with the younger Select team. The opportunity to spend time together removed from the stresses and busy-ness of their respective basketball seasons wasn’t lost on either party.

“I’m with the Select team, but I’m watching him,” Wright said. “Just his leadership out here, as a point guard, it’s really impressive. It’s great for any young person to see even after you’ve attained success you can continue to get better.”

Lowry wore an easy smile for the duration of his time in Las Vegas.
“It’s unbelievable,” Lowry said. “From where we’ve come from as a player and coach to mentor and mentee. It’s been good. It’s a good run. We’ll be able to look back on this when we’re old and grey, which is not too long from now [for him], and we’ll be able to talk about it.”

Wright has always known Lowry’s potential, but he isn’t sure that Lowry himself could have dreamed up how the last year has unfolded for him.

“I think the dream of playing in the NBA he could have imagined, but where he is as a man and as a leader, I don't think he could have even comprehended when he was in high school,” Wright said. “I think each year he saw himself growing and getting closer to it. He knew that’s what he wanted. It’s been really cool to watch.”

lowry-making-memories-during-basketball-filled-summer

Lowry Making Memories During Basketball-Filled Summer

photo-gallery-derozan-lowry-prepare-for-olympics-with-usa-basketball

Photo Gallery: DeRozan & Lowry Prepare for Olympics with USA Basketball

Featuring six Olympic and/or FIBA World Cup gold medalists, USA Basketball unveiled its official 12-man 2016 U.S. Olympic Men’s Basketball Team.

Selected for the 2016 U.S. Olympic Team, which is seeking a third consecutive Olympic title, were: Carmelo Anthony (New York Knicks/Syracuse); Harrison Barnes (Golden State Warriors/North Carolina); Jimmy Butler (Chicago Bulls/Marquette); DeMarcus Cousins (Sacramento Kings/Kentucky); DeMar DeRozan (Toronto Raptors/USC); Kevin Durant (Oklahoma City Thunder/Texas); Paul George (Indiana Pacers/Fresno State); Draymond Green (Golden State Warriors/Michigan State); Kyrie Irving (Cleveland Cavaliers/Duke); DeAndre Jordan (Los Angeles Clippers/Texas A&amp;M); Kyle Lowry (Toronto Raptors/Villanova); and Klay Thompson (Golden State Warriors/Washington State).

The U.S. Olympic Men’ Basketball Team was approved by the USA Basketball Board of Directors and is pending final approval by the United States Olympic Committee.

“I think I can speak for the entire coaching staff and say we’re extremely excited about the team we will field for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro,” said Jerry Colangelo, who has served as managing director of the USA Men’s National Team since 2005. “I love our depth, which is another indication of the depth of talent our national team program is blessed with. We’ve got a great mix of talent, scorers, past gold medal winners and outstanding youth.”

“I’m anxious to get on the court, and along with my great coaching staff, get to work,” said USA head coach Mike Krzyzewski, who by serving as head coach of his third Olympic squad is now tied with coaching legend Henry Iba for the most U.S. Olympic basketball head coaching assignments. “Since 2006 and including the last two Olympics, our players have represented themselves, the game and our country in an exemplary manner. I know this team will continue that standard.

“Looking at this team, our overall balance is what strikes me. We have lightning-quick guards who can score as well as distribute the basketball. We have great shooters and explosive scorers, we’re big and athletic, and I think we’ll really be able to defend.”

The U.S. roster features the return of two members from the 2012 gold medalist U.S. Olympic Team (Anthony and Durant) and five players who have been members of USA World Cup gold medalist teams; Cousins (2014), DeRozan (2014), Durant (2010), Irving (2014) and Thompson (2014).

With his selection to the 2016 Olympic Team, three-time Olympic medalist Anthony becomes the first United States male basketball player selected to four Olympic teams.

Durant, who collected MVP honors in leading the USA to gold at the 2010 FIBA World Championship and finished as the U.S. team’s leading scorer at the 2012 London Olympics by averaging a U.S. Olympic record 19.5 points a game, was named to his second Olympic team.

The average age of the 12 U.S. players will be 26.8 years at the conclusion of the Olympics (Aug. 21, 2016).

Included among the named 2016 U.S. Olympians were 2015-16 All-NBA first team selection Jordan; second team choices Cousins, Durant and Green; and third team picks George, Lowry and Thompson. Additionally, Jordan and Green collected 2015-16 NBA All-Defensive first team honors, while Butler and George were second team selections.

Nine players -- Anthony, Butler, Cousins, DeRozan, Durant, George, Green, Lowry and Thompson -- were named as 2016 NBA All-Stars, while Irving, who was named MVP of the 2014 World Cup after helping lead the Americans to gold, recently helped Cleveland capture the 2016 NBA championship.

The 2016 USA coaching staff is led by Duke University Hall of Fame mentor Krzyzewski, who since being named in 2005 head mentor of the USA National Team program has compiled a spectacular 75-1 record and led the USA to 2008 and 2012 Olympic gold medals and 2010 and 2014 FIBA World Cup titles. He will be assisted by Syracuse University Hall of Fame mentor Jim Boeheim, Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Tom Thibodeau and Monty Williams.

The USA National Team will train July 18-21 in Las Vegas, Nev. The Americans’ Las Vegas training concludes July 22 (6:00 p.m. PDT) with the USA Basketball Showcase presented By Verizon that features the USA facing Argentina at the T-Mobile Arena.

The U.S. will play two exhibition games versus 2015 FIBA Asia zone champ China, the first at the Staples Center in Los Angeles at 5 p.m. (PDT) on July 24 and the second at 7 p.m. (PDT) on July 26 at Oracle Arena in Oakland.

Continuing its exhibition tour in Chicago, the USA will play on July 29 at 8 p.m. (CDT) at the United Center versus 2015 FIBA Americas gold medalist Venezuela and will conclude the USA Basketball Showcase facing 2015 FIBA Africa zone champion Nigeria on Aug. 1 at 7 p.m. (CDT) in Houston at the Toyota Center.

Tickets for the USA Basketball Showcase exhibition games are on sale now. VIP ticket packages available in select markets. For ticket information visit usab.com/showcase.

The U.S. men have collected a medal in all 17 Olympics in which they have competed, including 14 gold medals, one silver and two bronze medals. The American men own an impressive 130-5 (.963 winning percentage) all-time record in Olympic action, and since NBA players began representing the United States in 1992, the USA is 45-3 in six Olympics, capturing five gold medals and one bronze medal.

Since the formation of USA Basketball’s national team program in 2006, USA National Teams have compiled a spectacular 75-1 record and claimed top honors in five of six FIBA and FIBA Americas competitions. Currently, USA national teams enjoy a 63-game win streak (45 straight wins in FIBA and FIBA Americas competitions and 18 consecutive wins in exhibition games). The streaks dates back to the bronze medal game (Sept. 2, 2006) of the 2006 FIBA World Championship in Japan.

The USA also currently enjoys a 17-game Olympic win streak that dates back to the bronze medal game of the 2004 Athens Olympics.

Since first fielding a USA Basketball team of legendary NBA stars in 1992, USA Basketball National Teams comprised of NBA players have claimed gold medals in 14 of 16 major international basketball competitions, while compiling an impressive 126-7 overall record (.947 winning percentage) in those competitions and a record of 46-1 (.979 winning percentage) in exhibition games.

2016 U.S. Olympic Men’s Basketball Team

Carmelo Anthony | F | New York Knicks / SyracuseHarrison Barnes | F | Golden State Warriors / North CarolinaJimmy Butler | G | Chicago Bulls / MarquetteDeMarcus Cousins | C |  Sacramento Kings / KentuckyDeMar DeRozan | G | Toronto Raptors / USCKevin Durant | G | Oklahoma City Thunder / TexasPaul George | F/G | Indiana Pacers / Fresno StateDraymond Green | F | Golden State Warriors / Michigan StateKyrie Irving | G | Cleveland Cavaliers / DukeDeAndre Jordan | C | Los Angeles Clippers / Texas A&amp;MKyle Lowry | G | Toronto Raptors / VillanovaKlay Thompson | G | Golden State Warriors / Washington State

Managing Director: Jerry Colangelo, USA Basketball
Head Coach: Mike Krzyzewski, Duke University
Assistant Coach: Jim Boeheim, Syracuse University
Assistant Coach: Tom Thibodeau, Minnesota Timberwolves
Assistant Coach: Monty Williams
Athletic Trainer: Gregg Farnam, Minnesota Timberwolves
Athletic Trainer: Joe Sharpe, Oklahoma City Thunder
Team Physician: Dr. Lisa Callahan, Hospital for Special Surgery

lowry-derozan-named-to-usa-basketballs-2016-u-s-olympic-team

Lowry & DeRozan Named To USA Basketball's 2016 U.S. Olympic Team

Three-time Olympic medalists Carmelo Anthony (New York Knicks) and LeBron James (Cleveland Cavaliers) headline the list of 30 finalists today named for the 2016 U.S. Olympic Men’s Basketball Team by USA Basketball. The player selections were approved by the USA Basketball Board of Directors. The official 12-member 2016 U.S. Olympic Men’s Basketball Team roster will be announced later this year.

Featuring 18 players who have collected 29 Olympic or FIBA Basketball World Cup gold medals and six bronze medals, the 30 finalists for the 2016 U.S. Olympic Team include: LaMarcus Aldridge (San Antonio Spurs); Anthony; Harrison Barnes (Golden State Warriors); Bradley Beal (Washington Wizards); Jimmy Butler (Chicago Bulls); Mike Conley (Memphis Grizzlies); DeMarcus Cousins (Sacramento Kings); Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors); Anthony Davis (New Orleans Pelicans); DeMar DeRozan (Toronto Raptors); Andre Drummond (Detroit Pistons); Kevin Durant (Oklahoma City Thunder); Kenneth Faried (Denver Nuggets); Rudy Gay (Sacramento Kings); Paul George (Indiana Pacers); Draymond Green (Golden State Warriors); Blake Griffin (Los Angeles Clippers); James Harden (Houston Rockets); Gordon Hayward (Utah Jazz); Dwight Howard (Houston Rockets); Andre Iguodala (Golden State Warriors); Kyrie Irving (Cleveland Cavaliers); James; DeAndre Jordan (Los Angeles Clippers); Kawhi Leonard (San Antonio Spurs); Kevin Love (Cleveland Cavaliers); Chris Paul (Los Angeles Clippers); Klay Thompson (Golden State Warriors); John Wall (Washington Wizards); and Russell Westbrook (Oklahoma City Thunder).

Again leading the 2016 USA coaching staff is Duke University’s Naismith Hall of Fame head coach Mike Krzyzewski. Serving as USA assistant coaches are Jim Boeheim (Syracuse University), Tom Thibodeau and Monty Williams (Oklahoma City Thunder).

“It seems like I say this each time we have to narrow down a roster, but I am struck by the remarkable commitment the players in the USA Basketball National Team program continue to display and the enthusiasm they have for representing their country,” said USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo, who has served as the managing director of the USA Men’s National Team since 2005.

“The depth of talent that exists in the national team program is extraordinary. Repeating as gold medalists at the 2016 Olympics will not be easy, but we feel confident that we have 30 finalists who offer amazing basketball abilities and special versatility. We’re also fortunate that the roster is comprised of so many veterans of international basketball. In addition to 18 players who have won Olympic and/or World Cup gold medals, there are 16 finalists who have played between 20 and 72 games for USA Basketball. That experience is extremely valuable and something we’ve not always had available to draw upon.

“Obviously selecting the official roster of 12 players for the Olympics in 2016 will be a very, very difficult process. As has been the case with past USA Basketball teams, the goal once again is to select the very best team possible to represent the United States.”

Krzyzewski, who has coached USA National teams to a sterling 52-1 record in official FIBA or FIBA Americas competitions since 2006, while also compiling a 23-0 mark in exhibition games and leading teams to gold medal finishes at the 2014 FIBA World Cup, 2012 London Olympics, 2010 FIBA World Championship, 2008 Beijing Olympics and 2007 FIBA Americas Championship, echoed Colangelo’s comments on the difficulty in selecting a roster.

“This selection process was difficult from the start, and obviously it is only going to get more difficult as we look to get to the official, 12-man roster,” Krzyzewski said. “I’m excited about the possibilities this team has. Among the finalists we have multiple players who won gold medals at the Olympic or World Cup level. The roster of finalists features incredible talent, great balance, outstanding leadership, and I believe like we had with our previous teams, this team will have a special chemistry.

“Having a deep, very talented, and extremely versatile roster is of critical importance in our pursuit of the Olympic gold medal in Rio. All of the players who have been part of the national team program should be recognized and commended for their commitment and contributions, acknowledged for their willingness to do whatever asked and for representing the United States in such outstanding fashion,” added Krzyzewski.

Anthony (2004 bronze and 2008 and 2012 gold) and James (2004 bronze and 2008 and 2012 gold) are three-time Olympic medalists who are attempting to make a historical fourth U.S. Olympic men’s team, while Paul (2008 and 2012) is a two-time Olympic gold medalist seeking to become one of four (Anthony, James and David Robinson) three-time U.S. Olympic players.

Nine players from the gold medal winning 2012 U.S. Olympic team that went 8-0 in London remain in contention for the 2016 U.S. Olympic squad, including Anthony, Davis, Durant, Harden, Iguodala, James, Love, Paul and Westbrook. Anthony, Howard, James and Paul also were members of the 2008 U.S. Olympic team that compiled an unblemished record of 8-0 and captured gold in Beijing. Additionally, Anthony and James earned bronze medals at the 2004 Athens Olympics.

Ten members of the 2014 USA World Cup Team that finished 9-0 and captured gold in Spain are among the list of finalists, including Cousins, Curry, Davis, DeRozan, Drummond, Faried, Gay, Harden, World Cup MVP Irving and Thompson. Six finalists were members of the 2010 USA World Championship squad that went 9-0 and captured gold in Istanbul, Turkey: Curry, World Championship MVP Durant, Gay, Iguodala, Love and Westbrook all were members of the golden 2010 USA team; while Anthony, Howard, James and Paul earned a bronze medal at the 2006 FIBA World Championship in Japan.

The finalists represent 17 different NBA teams, with the defending NBA champion Golden State Warriors leading the way with five players (Barnes, Curry, Green, Iguodala and Thompson); while the Cleveland Cavaliers (Irving, James and Love) and Los Angeles Clippers (Griffin, Jordan and Paul) each feature three players; the Houston Rockets (Harden and Howard), Oklahoma City Thunder (Durant and Westbrook), Sacramento Kings (Cousins and Gay), San Antonio Spurs (Aldridge and Leonard) and Washington Wizards (Beal and Wall) each have two players among the 30 finalists; and the Chicago Bulls (Butler), Denver Nuggets (Faried), Detroit Pistons (Drummond), Indiana Pacers (George), Memphis Grizzlies (Conley), New Orleans Hornets (Davis), New York Knicks (Anthony), Toronto Raptors (DeRozan) and Utah Jazz (Hayward) each are represented by one player.

All 30 finalists possess international or USA Basketball National Team experience with Anthony leading the way with 72 games of international experience. He is followed by James (68), Paul (50), Gay (41), Curry (38), Howard (38), Iguodala (33), Durant (31), Love (28), Westbrook (28), Davis (25), Harden (25), Drummond (25), Thompson (25), Cousins (20), Irving (20), Beal (16), Faried (16), DeRozan (15), Hayward (12), Jordan (10), Green (9), Conley (6), Barnes (3), Wall (3), George (2), Griffin (1) and Leonard (1). Both Aldridge and Butler have participated in previous USA National Team training camps.

The USA National Team’s complete training schedule for 2016 will be announced at a later date.

The 2016 Summer Olympic Games will be held Aug. 5-21 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Twelve nations will compete in the 2016 Olympic men’s basketball competition. Nations qualified for the Olympic competition include the host country, Brazil; the United States, which earned its berth by virtue of claiming the gold medal at the 2014 FIBA World Cup; Africa zone champ Nigeria; Venezuela (gold medalist) and Argentina (silver medalist) from FIBA Americas; FIBA Asia gold medalist China; Spain (gold medalist) and Lithuania (silver medalist) from FIBA Europe; and FIBA Oceania gold medalist Australia.

The remaining three Olympic qualifying spots will be determined in 2016 through three FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments. A total of 18 nations, six teams in each tournament, will compete July 4-10, 2016, for the right to advance to Rio. Nations expected to compete for the final Olympic berths are Angola, Canada, Czech Republic, France, Greece, Iran, Italy, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Tunisia, Senegal, Serbia, and the three nations that win the bid to host one of these Olympic qualifiers. The winner from each of the three FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments will punch its ticket to the 2016 Olympic men’s basketball tournament.

Men’s basketball preliminary play at the ’16 Olympics will be Aug. 6-15, with the quarterfinals scheduled for Aug. 17, semifinals on Aug. 19 and the gold and bronze medal games on Aug. 21.

The U.S. men have collected a medal in all 17 Olympics in which they have competed, including 14 gold medals, one silver and two bronze medals. The Americans own an impressive 130-5 all-time, win-loss record (.963 winning percentage) in Olympic action, and since NBA players began representing the United States in 1992, the USA is 45-3 in six Olympics, capturing five gold medals and one bronze medal.

Based in Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA Basketball, chaired by Colangelo, is a nonprofit organization and the national governing body for men’s and women’s basketball in the United States. As the recognized governing body for basketball in the U.S. by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and the United States Olympic Committee (USOC), USA Basketball is responsible for the selection, training and fielding of USA teams that compete in FIBA-sponsored international competitions, as well as for some national competitions, and for the development of youth basketball initiatives that address player development, coach education and safety.

USA Basketball men’s and women’s teams between 2012-15 compiled a spectacular 151-6 win-loss record in FIBA and FIBA Americas competitions, the World University Games and the Nike Hoop Summit, and posted a 92-15 win-loss record in official FIBA and FIBA Americas 3x3 competitions.

USA teams are the current men’s and women’s champions in the Olympics; men’s FIBA World Cup and women’s FIBA World Championship; men’s and women’s FIBA U19 and U17 World Championships; men’s and women’s FIBA Americas U18 championships; men’s FIBA Americas U16 Championship; the FIBA 3x3 Women’s World Championship; and the women’s Youth Olympic Games. USA Basketball currently ranks No. 1 in all five of FIBA’s world-ranking categories, including combined, men’s, women’s, boys and girls.

usa-basketball-announces-30-finalists-for-2016-u-s-olympic-mens-team

USA Basketball Announces 30 Finalists For 2016 U.S. Olympic Men’s Team

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado – Following the completion of its July 28-Aug. 1 training camp in Las Vegas, USA Basketball National Team Managing Director Jerry Colangelo today announced that 16 players have been selected finalists for the 2014 USA Basketball Men’s World Cup Team roster. The USA National Team is scheduled to resume its 2014 preparations for the FIBA Basketball World Cup on Aug. 14 in Chicago.

The finalists include three Olympic gold medalists from 2012 - Anthony Davis (New Orleans Pelicans), Kevin Durant (Oklahoma City Thunder) and James Harden (Houston Rockets); three 2010 World Championship gold medalists – Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors); Durant and Derrick Rose (Chicago Bulls); and the addition of Mason Plumlee (Brooklyn Nets) to the 2014-16 USA National Team roster and to the list of finalists participating in Chicago. Plumlee began the Las Vegas training camp as a member of the 2014 USA Select Team.

Selected USA World Cup Team finalists were DeMarcus Cousins (Sacramento Kings);Curry; Davis; DeMar DeRozan (Toronto Raptors); Andre Drummond (Detroit Pistons); Durant; Kenneth Faried (Denver Nuggets); Harden; Gordon Hayward (Utah Jazz); Kyrie Irving (Cleveland Cavaliers); Kyle Korver (Atlanta Hawks); Damian Lillard (Portland Trail Blazers); Chandler Parsons (Dallas Mavericks); Plumlee; Rose; and Klay Thompson (Golden State Warriors).

“The ending to our Las Vegas training camp with the injury to Paul George was very emotional for everyone involved in USA Basketball. I very much appreciate the outpouring of support Paul and USA Basketball has received the past couple of days from the basketball world. Past Olympic coaches and some of our past Olympic and World Championship players have reached out offering their continued support and that’s very important. Paul’s injury was an extremely unfortunate occurrence; it was truly a freak accident. We’re all very pleased that his recovery is going well,” said Colangelo.

“We have always approached representing our country as a privilege, a tremendous honor, and USA Basketball is very appreciative of the willingness of our players to play for the United States and in their own patriotic way give back to their country. Historically, the players involved in USA Basketball have become better players because of their experience. They have treasured their USA Basketball experience, as well as the incredible opportunity and honor it has been for them to demonstrate their patriotism and represent their country. 

“Their willingness to represent the United States says a lot about our players' patriotism and their willingness to sacrifice their time to this commitment.  Not every American has the opportunity to represent their country and our players have embraced each opportunity to do it. They have worn the USA jersey with respect and honor, and by their commitment they have made all Americans extremely proud.”

While training in Chicago, the 16 selected finalists will be actively involved in the 2014 World Basketball Festival that is being held Aug. 13-17, and which is being hosted by NIKE, Jordan Brand and USA Basketball.

“We had an excellent training camp in Las Vegas and each player gave a great effort and deserves recognition and thanks for his commitment and hard work. We’ve said all along that we would be proud to have any of the players who were in Las Vegas represent USA Basketball and the United States. This phase of the selection process was extremely difficult and very thorough, and it’s worth again mentioning that we are looking to select the best team, which are not necessarily the best players. We’re pleased with where we are at this point of our training and we’re looking forward to getting back on the court and continuing our preparations to represent the United States at the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup,” said Colangelo.

The 2014-16 USA Basketball National Team coaching staff features USA head coach and Duke University’s Naismith Hall of Fame mentor Mike Krzyzewski. Serving as assistant coaches are USA Basketball and Syracuse University and Naismith Hall of Fame coach Jim Boeheim, Chicago Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau and New Orleans Pelicans head coach Monty Williams. 

The USA finalists will practice Aug. 14-15 at the Quest Multisport Complex, Chicago, and play an exhibition contest versus Brazil at the United Center on Aug. 16 (8 p.m. CDT).

“We’re excited about where the team is headed. Really all 16 guys have a chance to make to the team, which usually does not happen in a training camp, and it shows that all of the guys thus far have done an excellent job. Then it’s just a matter of finding what chemistry that we can develop with the entire group and I don’t think we’ll know that until we play some exhibition games. The 16 guys give us a chance to look at a way of playing in a number of different ways and we just have to figure out what those ways are and then the 12 who will fit best,” said Krzyzewski.

The American squad will continue its World Cup preparations Aug. 18-22 in New York, and play a pair of exhibition games at Madison Square Garden, Aug. 20 against Dominican Republic, and Aug. 22 versus Puerto Rico. The USA will complete its pre-World Cup exhibition tour on the island of Gran Canaria, Spain. Training Aug. 24-25, the U.S. will close out its exhibition tour on Aug. 26 facing Slovenia at Gran Canaria Arena. Conducting a basketball clinic for youth on Aug. 27 in Dakar, Senegal, the USA team will complete its training for the FIBA (International Basketball Federation) Basketball World Cup Aug. 28-29 in Bilbao, Spain, the site of its World Cup preliminary round games,

The 2014 World Cup, featuring a total of 24 national teams, is scheduled to be held Aug. 30-Sept. 14 in Spain. The USA will play its preliminary round games in Bilbao, after being drawn into Group C along with teams from the Dominican Republic, Finland, New Zealand, Turkey and Ukraine.

The USA opens the 2014 World Cup on Aug. 30 against Finland, and then faces Turkey on Aug. 31 in a rematch of the 2010 FIBA World Championship gold medal game, a contest in which the USA claimed an 81-64 victory. Following a day off on Sept. 1, the USA resumes play Sept. 2 facing New Zealand. The U.S. will go against the Dominican Republic on Sept. 3, and will conclude its preliminary play on Sept. 4 facing Ukraine.

Each team at the 2014 World Cup will play the other teams in its preliminary group, and the top four finishing teams from each of the four preliminary round groups will then qualify for the round of 16. Winners of the round of 16 games will advance to the quarterfinals, while losers are eliminated. Winners of the quarterfinals games will advance to the medal round semifinals, while the quarterfinals losers are eliminated from the competition. Winners of the semifinals will advance to the Sept. 14 gold medal game, while semifinals losers will meet in the bronze medal game on Sept. 13.  The games from the round of 16 to the semifinals will be played in Barcelona and Madrid, and the bronze and gold medal games will be held in Madrid.

Based in Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA Basketball, chaired by Colangelo, is a nonprofit organization and the national governing body for men's and women's basketball in the United States. As the recognized governing body for basketball in the U.S. by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and the United States Olympic Committee (USOC), USA Basketball is responsible for the selection, training and fielding of USA teams that compete in FIBA-sponsored international competitions, as well as for some national competitions, and for the development of youth basketball initiatives that address player development, coach education and safety.

USA teams are the current men's and women's champions in the Olympics; men's and women's FIBA World Championships (Basketball World Cup); men’s and women’s FIBA U19 and U17 World Championships; men's and women's U18 and U16 FIBA Americas Championships; the FIBA 3x3 Women's World Championship; and the FIBA 3x3 Women's U18 World Championship. USA Basketball currently ranks No. 1 in all five of FIBA's world-ranking categories, including combined, men's, women's, boys and girls.

For further information about USA Basketball, go to the official Web site of USA Basketball at usab.com and connect with us on facebook.com/usabasketball, twitter.com/usabasketball, plus.google.com/+usabasketball and youtube.com/usab.

usa-basketball-announces-16-finalists-for-next-round-of-team-training

USA Basketball Announces 16 Finalists For Next Round Of Team Training

admin

Any doubt about the intensity of USA Basketball practices was erased when a Klay Thompson elbow clipped DeMar DeRozan in the face. With assistant coach Tom Thibodeau screaming at DeRozan — and the rest of his team — to step up their efforts on defence during Monday afternoon’s scrimmage, DeRozan draped himself over Thompson and was rewarded with a direct (unintentional) hit. Knocked to the ground almost immediately, droplets of blood splayed across the court as his teammates picked him up and he went to the bench to have a trainer pack his nose with tissue to stop the bleeding.

“It’s cool,” DeRozan said as he sent a trainer to get more ice for him after the practice finished. “Ain’t nothing to it.”

Being named a first-time All-Star before leading the Toronto Raptors to the postseason for the first time in five seasons, this is a big summer for the 24-year-old swingman. With general manager Masai Ujiri re-signing the core to this year’s team in the first weeks of the offseason, DeRozan is eager to press fast forward and get to training camp.

“Honestly, it’s been eating away at me since Game 7,” DeRozan said. “Just to get back out there, to play and work, get back competing at a high level. We’re still dwelling on that Game 7 loss. We just want to get back out there. We still feel like we have a lot to prove, for myself and I feel I can speak for my teammates as well.”

Photo Gallery: DeRozan At USAB Training Camp

DeRozan’s gym rat tendencies have been well documented over the years. After reaching the postseason for the first time in his career, his offseason approach hasn’t changed. Spending time in both Los Angeles and Las Vegas to train, he also spent a week in Houston working on post moves with Hakeem Olajuwon.

Mostly, he wants fans who are also hung up on that season-ending loss to know that he’s putting in work preparing for next season.

“Just that,” DeRozan said. “Nothing else. Nothing else. I try not to change routines at all. Stick to my schedule: Working, working, working. Working hard. Try to lead by example, continue to get better. You only get to do this for so long so every summer I try to get that much better and keep elevating myself and my teammates at the same time. Other than that, nothing else too special. Just work.”

DeRozan can’t wait for the opportunity to get another crack at the Eastern Conference with the same group that surprised outsiders last season. He’s ready to get things going now.

“I done played with damn near 60 players in [my first] five years in the league,” DeRozan said. “Every year, coming in having 10+ new players, you’ve got to learn new guys, they have to learn the system. It’s big personally [to have everyone come back]. The chemistry that we had was definitely amazing.”

From the rookie who was thrown into the fire as an immediate starter, to the All-Star he developed into this past season, DeRozan has matured into a leader his teammates trust to guide them.

“It’s about to be my sixth year,” DeRozan said. “It seems like yesterday was my rookie year, honestly. It’s really crazy how fast time goes by. That’s another reason why I work so hard. When you look at it, time does go by so fast. You don't want to have a wasted day or a wasted opportunity to do something to better yourself. It’s just crazy now. People really are going to look toward me to be that older vet. There’s really no more young guy, whatever you want to call it. I real have to take that onus upon myself. I’m a veteran player now.”

Spending time in L.A. working out with Terrence Ross, Jonas Valanciunas, Amir Johnson and rookies Bruno Caboclo and DeAndre Daniels in July, DeRozan has been able to observe how his teammates look to him to set the tone of their workouts. 

The respect he has earned through his work ethic isn’t something he takes lightly.

“That’s why I work so hard, so I can lead by example,” DeRozan said. “They can see that. I remember as a young guy, seeing other older players work hard and it made me feel insecure about myself if I missed a day, if I didn’t work out or skip a day. Once you have that instilled in your teammates and players around you, that can only make you better as a whole.”

Gesturing around the gym at various players he had grown up playing with years before his NBA dreams came true, DeRozan — who wore a Toronto Blue Jays hat in Vegas on Sunday afternoon — is grateful for all that his career has given him thus far.

“It’s a big deal for me because I kind of represent my country and the country of Canada,” DeRozan said. “I get to show off the two countries that root for me. It’s always fun just to be mentioned in a pool of players that are able to make your country’s team and represent them. It’s a great honour.”

usab-camp-equal-parts-honour-opportunity-for-derozan

USAB Camp Equal Parts Honour, Opportunity For DeRozan

USA Basketball announced Monday that Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan has been added to the 2014-16 Men’s National Team roster. DeRozan will be among the 19 players participating at the team’s Las Vegas training camp July 28 through August 1, from which the 2014 USA World Cup Team will be selected 

DeRozan completed his fifth season in the NBA and ranked ninth in scoring with a career-high 22.7 points, fourth in free throws made (519) and fourth in minutes played (38.1). He also set career highs for rebounds (4.3), assists (4.0) and three-pointers made (64).  

DeRozan is one of 11 players on the roster that participated in USA Basketball’s mini-camp last summer in Las Vegas. He was a member of the 2012 Select Team and the 2008 USA Junior National Select Team that competed in the Nike Hoops Summit. Other Raptors who have competed for USA Basketball include Vince Carter (2000 Olympics), Antonio Davis (2002 FIBA World Championship) and Chris Bosh (2006 FIBA World Championship and 2008 Olympics).

“I’m very pleased about the 19 players who are now confirmed to participate in the 2014 USA National Team training camp in Las Vegas,” said USA Basketball Chairman and Managing Director Jerry Colangelo. “This group possesses outstanding individual talents, while also boasting of excellent versatility and varying amounts of USA Basketball experience. I am also pleased about the addition of DeMar DeRozan and Chandler Parsons (Dallas) to the USA National Team and to the 2014 training camp. Both played well in last summer’s USA Basketball National Team mini-camp and went on to record outstanding NBA seasons.”

The 2014 FIBA World Cup, featuring a total of 24 national teams, is scheduled to begin August 30 in Spain.