Olympics

Shahbaz Khan

Welcomed by Alabamans, DeMarcus Cousins celebrated Team USA’s gold medal victory with a community focus in his hometown of Mobile, Alabama.

Cousins hosted a free basketball camp at his alma mater, LeFlore High School, with instruction by the gold medalist himself. A DMC-led question-and-answer session capped the camp, but the big man’s involvement with the hometown community had just begun.

No. 15 sponsored a panel discussion labeled “Break the Silence, Build the Trust: A Conversation on Police and Community Relationships” alongside local community leaders and the Mobile Police Department. The panel centered on a desire to improve the relationships between police and community – marking the second such event Boogie has taken part in.

“The beginning to correcting all of our mistakes is communication,” said Cousins.

DeMarcus’ insight and actions throughout his time in Mobile were well-received by many, including key members of Mobile’s city officials. Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson presented No. 15 with an Exceptional Citizenship Award while Ricardo Woods, attorney for the city of Mobile, declared Saturday (September 3) as DeMarcus A. Cousins Day in the city.

U.S. Representative Bradley Byrne from Alabama’s 1st Congressional District took to the floor of the House to recognize DMC for his on-court play with the Olympians, and more importantly, his commitment to Mobile.

“While his play on the court is to be commended, I was more impressed by DeMarcus’ work back home in Alabalma,” said Byrne.

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‘DeMarcus A. Cousins Day’ Declared in Mobile, Alabama

While DeMarcus Cousins didn’t lead the National Team in scoring, his presence was certainly felt on Monday, as evidenced by his team-high plus-34 rating. Cousins attempted seven field goals on the night, hitting on four and ending with 10 points, but continually made plays on both ends of the floor.

No. 12’s ability to garner extra possessions on offense, help space the floor with his interior presence and protect the rim gave Team USA a huge advantage throughout the five-game exhibition slate.

Boogie’s versatility was on full display in the first half, pirouetting out of the post for an easy layup, then driving and dishing to Demar Derozan for a highlight finish.

The United States double-digit advantage was built upon as quickly as it was formed, eventually defeating Nigeria by 44 points. Carmelo Anthony led the way for Team USA with 19 points on 7-of-13 shooting in 19 minutes of play.

All teams will now turn their attention to preliminary round play, beginning on Saturday as USA faces China in Rio de Janeiro.

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Boogie, Team USA Cruise to Victory

DeMarcus Cousins continued his aggressive play on Friday evening in Chicago, netting eight free throw attempts in 16 minutes of play en route to Team USA’s fourth consecutive blowout victory.

While Cousins attempted just four field goal attempts, his defense impressed, limiting Venezuela’s starting center and forward to just two points on 1-of-6 shooting.

As a whole, Team USA allowed just 18 first half points, leading to an 18-point advantage through two quarters.

USA’s National Team continued its defensive dominance in the second half, emerging victorious by 35 points while holding the opposition to under 24 percent shooting. Klay Thompson and DeAndre Jordan led the team in scoring with 13 points each while Cousins led the team with 11 rebounds.

No. 12 and Team USA will play in their final exhibition showcase on Monday versus Nigeria in Houston.

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Boogie Continues to Dominate Boards in Victory

Three consecutive standout performances by DeMarcus Cousins during Team USA’s exhibition season have given fans around the globe a small glimpse of Cousins’ abilities. No. 12 leads the National Team in rebounding while averaging the second-highest points per contest on the squad. With ease, Boogie has been able to control the paint on both ends of the floor, shooting a scorching 80 percent from the field in three games versus international competition.

Kings General Manager and Vice President of Basketball Operations Vlade Divac has witnessed DMC’s dominance firsthand, as the All-Star averaged a career-high 26 points per game in addition to 11 rebounds in the 2015-16 NBA campaign. Divac was in attendance courtside at USA Basketball’s most recent game versus the Chinese National Team, where Cousins tallied team-highs of 21 points (7-of-8 shooting) and 11 rebounds.

“It’s a no-brainer,” said the Kings General Manager to CSN Bay Area's James Ham. “He’s the most dominant player in the whole world.”

Playing on the No. 1 ranked team in the world, DeMarcus is doing a lot more than just contributing, he’s leading.

“We’re nowhere near where we need to be,” said the 6-foot-11 center following the team’s 50-point victory on Tuesday.

Cousins’ leadership and on-court versatility will continue on the world’s biggest stage over the next month, as Team USA’s Olympic schedule begins on August 6 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Once it’s all said and done, Boogie stated he plans to bring back his learnings from the experience back to Sacramento. “I’m taking notes.”

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Vlade: DMC Most Dominant Player in World

With Team USA’s exhibition season underway, the trio of  DeMarcus Cousins, Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving has dominated competition, combining for an average of 40 points per game en route to three blowout victories. While the superstars hardwood abilities are mesmerizing, their Taboo game turns heads as well.

Boogie, KD and Kyrie showed up at GQ to face some of the editorial staff in a game of Taboo and while they weren’t as dominant as their on-court performances, they snuck out with a victory.

Cousins descriptiveness and ability to make the most out of hints made him an excellent teammate. Eventually, Team USA went on to defeat GQ in the ultimate Taboo game, 7-6.

We’re expecting plenty of additional victories for the squad throughout August.

See the best from the trio’s Taboo contest below:

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Team USA Also Good at Taboo

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DeMarcus Cousins: USA Exhibition Highlights

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DeMarcus Cousins’ first Olympic appearance will forever be cemented in one of the world’s most popular video games, NBA 2K. The 2016-17 season’s release will feature the United States’ current National Team roster as a playable team, including Cousins.

Boogie is currently rated as a 90 overall in NBA 2K16, with his rating likely to remain constant or increase within next year’s edition. The 6-foot-11 center is currently the game’s highest-rated big man.

Additionally, the ’92 Olympic team, often referred to as the “Dream Team” will feature its entire roster in the upcoming release.

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Boogie, Team USA to Appear in NBA2K17

An exceptional game versus China on Sunday was followed by a near identical contest by Team USA and DeMarcus Cousins on Tuesday. Cousins ended Sunday’s game with 12 points on 5-of-6 from the floor, picking up right where he left off on Tuesday evening with eight first half points on 2-of-2 shooting.

No. 12’s aggressive play earned him seven first half free throw attempts as the National Team led 52-24.

The United States held the Chinese National Team to just seven field goals and 29 percent shooting at the halftime break, converting on 52 percent of their own attempts.

In his first taste of second half action, Boogie recorded four points, a block and a rebound within just 35 seconds of checking in. The big man ended the third quarter with nine points in the frame alone, second only to Carmelo Anthony’s scorching 16-point quarter.

Cousins logged just under two minutes of play in the final quarter, but ended the night with team-highs of 21 points and 11 rebounds, to go along with an assist, a block and a steal. Carmelo Anthony finished with 20 points en route to the team’s 107-57 victory.

“[Coach K] gave me some opportunities tonight to make some plays from out of the post,” said Cousins following the game. “He was trying to see what that look would be like – I think it was successful so we’ll see if it continues to happen.”

No. 12’s next opportunity to showcase his skills will take place on Friday versus Venezuela at United Center in Chicago.