All is well for the USA Basketball Men’s National Team as they move closer to the Olympics. Aiming to have the best possible team, the USA Basketball team is now down to its top 15. And as they take the preliminary steps to defend USA’s 2008 gold medal in the 2012 London Olympics, a group of 15 finalists started their training camp in Las Vegas, Nevada last July 5, 2012.
The first challenge was choosing the best players to complete the roster of 12. Fifteen hopefuls had a chance to give a show in front of Jerry Colangelo (USA Basketball Chairman and Men’s National Team Director) and Mike Krzyzewski (USA and Duke University Hall of Fame head coach).
According to head coach Mike Krzyzewski, choosing the 12 roster spots is a difficult choice. The finalists who will complete the roster all possess the things they could use for the team and that it is a challenge figuring out who has something that is more important than another. When asked about the health of the players, he responded confidently that they are all in better shape as he could not see a wear and tear at all. He sees a good group and is very optimistic of creating a team as they head for London.
Kobe Bryant, meanwhile, spoke well about the team.
“We have a lot of depth. We have a great deal of versatility, speed, and agility. We have quite a few things. One of the biggest strengths for USA Basketball is guys growing up and being able to do everything. Being able to handle the ball, shoot the ball, post up. We have so many athletes that can really cover the floor. We have to take advantage of that.”
The training camp will end in a series of exhibition games before finally arriving in London for the 2012 Olympics.
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