UNITED STATES—Team USA unveiled its roster for the 2016 summer Olympics in Rio De Janiero, Brazil on Monday, June 27. The 12 players chosen are a healthy mix of returning faces, new comers and even a few surprises who are looking to deliver the U. S. Olympics Men’s Basketball Team it’s third consecutive gold medal.
Leading up to Rio, (August 5-August 21), Team USA will go on a brief exhibition tour. The USA Basketball Showcase presented by Verizon-possibly the best tour this summer-will visit Staples Center on Sunday, July 24 at 5:00 p.m., taking on Team China. The showcase will head north to the Bay Area, once again meeting Team China on Tuesday, July 26 at Oracle Arena at 7:00 p.m., in Oakland
Los Angeles Clippers Center DeAndre Jordan, who collected All-NBA First Team Defense honors, earned a spot for his shot blocking prowess and swarming defense.
Clippers stars Chris Paul and Blake Griffin wanted to particapate, but due to injuries sustained during the playoffs, they were forced to decline the invite. The NBA’s two biggest stars: LeBron James and Steph Curry will also skip the Olympics and recuperate after a long grueling playoffs which concluded with an epic Game 7 NBA Finals.
The Golden State Warriors have 3 players representing the Red, White and Blue. They are Harrison Barnes, Draymond Green and Klay Thompson. From the Sacramento Kings, the rapidly improving DeMarcus Cousins was chosen.
“I think I can speak for the entire coaching staff and say we’re extremely excited about the team we will field for Rio de Janeiro 2016,” said Jerry Colangelo. Since 2005, he has served as the Managing Director of Team USA Basketball.
Team USA will feature two players who won gold in London in 2012, Kevin Durant and Carmelo Anthony. Durant led the U.S. with 19.5 points per game, as for Melo, he will make history by being the first male basketball player from the United States to play in four Olympic games. This is a relatively young roster, the average age is 27.
Team USA will train in Las Vegas from July 18-21. Followed by an exhibition game vs. Team Argentina on Friday, July 22 at the brand new, stunning T-Mobile Arena.
This will be USA Head Coach Mike Krzyzewski’s final Olympics. He has compiled an outstanding 75-1 record, including two gold medals in 2008 and 2012.
For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit: www.usab.com/showcase
