The eyes of 20 of the NBA’s brightest stars were focused on Coach K last week in Las Vegas as he welcomed the group to the USA Basketball Mini Camp and the opportunity to wear the USA jersey. During the meeting, the players were shown video of the 2008 Olympic team’s run and Coach K talked about what the USA staff is looking for as it evaluates for the 2010 World Championship Team.
“The fact that all these guys are here, shows that guys are anxious to play for their country,” said Coach K. “We need to keep developing the program where we give them opportunities, and we build on that feeling.”
Given that many of the 2008 Olympians will return in 2010, USA players are competing for only a few open spots for next summer. “Whatever it takes, like I’m trying to get a job,” said OJ Mayo. “Dive on the floor, wipe the sweat up, whatever I have to do to be a part of Team USA, I’m definitely open. It’s a great opportunity to play for USA and have USA across your chest. Hopefully we can motivate kids to keep the tradition up.”
The USA Basketball National Team brain trust has worked hard to build a family atmosphere that extends across the whole program. Even if a player doesn’t make a particular team, he is the USA pipeline building equity in USA Basketball and building relationships with future teammates and coaches.
“When we figure out who we will eventually have we will have now gotten to know them, not just as pro players but as U.S. players and you get to meet them, you have relationships,” said Coach K. “To start relationships with these guys, whether they play in 2011, 2012, 2014, 2016 in Chicago, it’s a good thing.”
