USA Basketball named its initial pool of talent from which it is to draw its roster for the 2014 FIBA World Cup and possibly the 2016 Rio Olympics.
A group of 28 NBA players were named to the initial pool, most of which have had experience in either the Olympics or in the World Championships (which the World Cup replaces).
Included in that list are eleven players from the team that won the gold medal in the 2012 London Olympics (Kobe Bryant is the lone non-participant from that group). Also included are seven players from the team that won the 2010 FIBA World Basketball Championships in Istanbul.
USA Basketball Chairman and National Team Managing Director Jerry Colangelo referred to the announcement as "the first step of building the USA Basketball National Team pool of players for 2014-16." He adds that the pool is "extremely talented, deep and versatile," and noting the 11 out of 12 factoid, highlighted the recognition and importance that the players have made in representing the United States.
Colangelo cited the continuity and familiarity that has been set up in the squad, noting that all 28 players named have had previous involvement with the program. He also says he has the option to add players onto the pool as he sees fit, in case of any injuries or other kinds of circumstances that might take place.
Returning to the pool are three-time Olympians LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony, two-time Olympians Chris Paul and Deron Williams and one-time Olympians Tyson Chandler, Anthony Davis, Kevin Durant, James Harden, Andre Iguodala, Kevin Love, Russell Westbrook and Dwight Howard.
Also called up into the pool are Stephen Curry and Derrick Rose, who were with Chandler, Durant, Iguodala, Love, and Westbrook in the 2010 title-winning team in Turkey.
Blake Griffin, who was originally in the 2012 Olympic roster before being sidelined due to injury, highlights the newcomers, which are composed of LaMarcus Aldridge, Bradley Beal, DeMarcus Cousins, Andre Drummond, Kenneth Faried, Paul George, Gordon Hayward, Kyrie Irving, Kyle Korver, David Lee, Kawhi Leonard, Damian Lillard and Klay Thompson.
Returning to coach the team is Duke University head coach Mike Krzyzewski, with Syracuse head coach Jim Boeheim, Chicago Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau and New Orleans Pelicans head coach Monty Williams as his assistants.
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