A lot of people come to Las Vegas to make a name for themselves, while even more people go there to win. Suns rookie Robin Lopez achieved both this week.

Everyone already knew that Lopez could rebound, hustle and play post defense. But he’s shown some ingenuity on the offensive end, averaging 16 points on 49 percent shooting coming into Saturday’s game. Besides an array of moves with his back to the basket, he has also demonstrated a soft touch on his jump shot.

“I think everyone was so focused on him just being a defensive player because his brother was so polished offensively,” Suns Head Coach Terry Porter said. “But I think his offense is going to get a lot better and he’ll get more comfortable, especially once he gets more reps on the offensive end.”

To his credit, Lopez has been eager to learn.

"I knew I was going to learn a lot, but I’m surprised at just how much I’ve learned from everyone on the team, from Tuck (Alando Tucker), from DJ (Strawberry), from all of the coaches," Lopez said. "It’s really amazing."

The Suns aren’t the only organization to be impressed with the former Stanford Cardinal. USA Basketball, managed by former owner Jerry Colangelo, just recently added the rookie to its Select Team. The US Select Team, ateam comprised of rising basketball stars, will scrimmage against and prepare the US National Team for the upcoming Olympics in Beijing in August.

Some of the other players included on that team are LaMarcus Aldridge of the Portland Trail Blazers, Rookie of the Year Kevin Durant of Oklahoma City and No. 1 overall pick Derrick Rose of the Bulls.

They will be matched up against the likes of Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and Dwyane Wade from July 21-24. Once that mini-camp wraps, the national team will take on the Canadian National Team in the 2008 State Farm USA Basketball Challenge.

“I think being chosen for the US Select Team will be very good for him,” the Suns Head Coach stated. “He’ll get a chance to play against some of the better players in the league and I think that will really help with his growth.”

If USA Basketball is looking for a young player to bring enthusiasm and energy to the interior defense of the Select Team, they've found their man in Lopez. He has averaged 7.8 rebounds and 1.8 blocks in just 28 minutes a game throughout the summer league.

Suns President of Basketball Operations and General Manager Steve Kerr is also pleased by Lopez, but is quick to point out that the 20 year-old center still has a great deal to learn.

"He has a long way to go offensively," Kerr said. "He's pretty raw, but anytime you have a 7-footer that plays with that kind of energy, it’s a huge asset.”

“He’ll be very good for us defensively right away and his offense will come."

After struggling from the field against the Blazers in a 74-73 loss Saturday, Lopez knows that it is going to take some time to adjust to the NBA.

"I’ve been trying to talk a lot more out there while recognizing different situations on pick and rolls and just slowing down in the post," the rookie said. "The intensity is way up there because everyone out here really wants to make their presence known.

"They want to be seen and they want to make their teams. With that said, I’ve learned I really have to take it slow and that I have to look at all my options."

It all is a part of the developing process for Lopez, who for one thing, is not short on praise for his teammates.

"It’s been really easy to play with these guys this week," the No. 15 pick said. "It's really easy to get up for the games and play really hard."

Suns fans everywhere will be looking forward to how much he gets up for his final summer league contest tomorrow against the Wizards. The game tips off at 3 p.m.

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