Team USA roster finalized
The highly anticipated Team USA Men’s basketball roster has been completed and will be favorites to win the gold medal at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.
The roster headliners include Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Chris Paul and Deron Williams. The rest of the spots went to Carmelo Anthony, Russell Westbrook, Tyson Chandler, Kevin Love and added three finalists Blake Griffin, Andre Iguodala and James Harden.
Team USA had been dealt with plenty of injuries even before picking players, favorites like Dwight Howard, Dwayne Wade, Derrick Rose, Rudy Gay, Anthony Davis, Eric Gordon and even LaMarcus Aldridge dropped out due to healing time. Lamar Odom and Chris Bosh chose not to participate on their own terms.
James, Bryant, Anthony, Paul and Williams were all part of the 2008 Olympic gold medalists while Durant, Westbrook, Chandler and Love played on the world championship team two years ago. Chandler who is reigning Defensive Player of the Year is the only true center on the team.
The 2008 silver medalist Spanish team will consist of Pau and Marc Gasol, Rudy Fernandez, Serge Ibaka, and possibly Ricky Rubio and will be the main rival for the Americans, as the US is not as strong in the size compartment, they will use their scoring ability and transition offense to carry them.
Team USA will be coached by Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski.
photo courtesy of ibtimes.com
Nicholas Filipas