USA Basketball wraps up week of training camp
USA Basketball concluded a productive week of training camp in Las Vegas with a scrimmage last night televised live on ESPN2. The White squad took out the Blue team by a 114-96 score. The staff and players will head home for a couple of weeks before packing their bags and heading to New York City.
“We had a terrific week,” said USA Basketball Chairman Jerry Colangelo. “We had a great response from our players, they really worked hard. They were aggressive, and we really got a lot out of this week . (There’s) tough decisions for us going forward for us, but the plan is to bring 15 players to New York and we advised everyone that we’ll be making those decisions over the next 24-36 hours and players will be advised Monday at the latest.”
Coach K added, “As a coaching staff we thought it was a really good week. As always, coming to Las Vegas for USA Basketball was terrific. We want to thank the fans, so many people coming out for an intra-squad game, and it being on ESPN, it was a good showcase event for these guys. They’ve done a really good job this week and we’re getting to have a personality for our basketball team right now and anxious to get down to 15 and go to New York and try and personalize the team a little bit more. For us, nobody was on the fence. We said we were going to look at this for a week and that’s what we are going to do. At different times, different guys distinguished themselves but overall the unit has distinguished themselves. Just hearing what these guys are saying makes me feel good as a coach because they have the right attitude. They have to build a brotherhood, build a team, being blue collar and trying to win.”
While in New York from August 9-16, the team will continue with practice and preparation, which also participating in the World Basketball Festival. After that, the group will make stops in Spain and Greece before reaching Turkey for the World Championship. Check out USABasketball.com for the latest coverage and info as Coach K continues to lead the National Team in pursuit of gold and the world’s respect.
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More Comments from Coach K
On Tyson Chandler’s shooting:
I would look at his stats … take a look at what he was from the field. We’ll take that shooting percentage and factor it into his free throw percentage and he’ll be alright.
How much zone do you expect to see?
We will always be prepared for the zone. Internationally, there is really good teams. They like to play man but they’ll pack it in. I think we’ll see more man with zone principles. That’s what our NBA players learning to be international players have got to learn … that help side comes over and it stays there. I like the way we tried to distribute the ball today though. We have a couple of things against the zone that I think we’ll be good. I would expect more of sluffing, pack it in man to man against us. We can really change ends well and that’s got to one of the strengths, before they ever set up the defense.
On Andre Iguodala:
I think Andre has had a great week. I think any of these guys would tell you that he’s an easy guy to play with. He doesn’t need the ball. I told him right after the ballgame out on the court that he was beautifully efficient. I’m not sure anyone has ever called him beautiful before … I know no one has ever called me beautiful. I was looking actually for a return of him saying, ‘well coach you look beautiful too’ … maybe as we get to know each other more, he’ll do that. Andre, yeah he can defend. You need guys out there who don’t have to touch the ball long. He’s a fun guy to play … he’ll be one of the key guys for our basketball team.
On the personality of the group:
They’re really good guys. They have listened. Whatever we have asked them to do, they have done it enthusiastically and worked really hard. I think we really have come together even more than I thought we could in this five days while you’re trying to do a selection process also. I think the attitudes that they display shows great respect for the game, great respect for playing for our country and as a result of that, I think they’ll do anything that they can … which we gotta make sure we ask them to do the best things to use their talents. I think there is a great spirit of cooperation.
On Eric Gordon:
He’s was real easy to play with because the amount of time he had the ball and the amount of points that came from him was great. And part of it, I thought Derrick just played a beautiful game. Part of it is that I thought Derrick just played a beautiful game. I don’t think he had a turnover. Did you have one? I was just testing him to see if he was honest. He’s a South Side Chicago guy so I’m just trying to get to know him better. That was good. But it was easy playing with him tonight because he gave you the ball in rhythm. Getting you the ball is one thing … that is great but if you can get it to really good players in rhythm, that’s the best. And those rhythm shots are the thing that is so beautiful about the game. And, I thought he did that and Eric came through hitting like that.
On choosing the 12-man roster:
I am unbelievably impressed with all of them not knowing if they’re going to make the team. So, what we tell them throughout the week is ‘look being a part of this system will make you better … we’re going to be honest with you … we’re going to tell you the truth and you’ll always be part of our family whether you make this team or not. I mean, Tyson didn’t make the Olympic team but he’s back. They’re part of the family. It’s not an easy thing to do but as long as you’re honest about it and try to make the decisions are in the best interest of the team, just like trying to choose the Olympic team. It wasn’t the necessarily the best 12 players. It was how we see them coming together as a unit. That’s how this team will be chosen also. But, again, the players should be given immense credit for coming here like this.
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