Leaders of the New School

 

Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA Today Sports

 

Just days away from the start of the 2014 FIBA World Basketball Championships, the final 12 man roster has been set for Team USA as they prepare for group play. With the injury to Paul George and withdraws of Kevin Love and Kevin Durant, coach Mike Krzyzewski and Team USA have new hurdles to overcome and holes to fill in very little time. The talent of the aforementioned players cannot be replaced, but depth and versatility will be the theme for this American team. There are four players who will need to step into a larger role in order to complete the task at hand that is winning the gold medal.

 

Stephen Curry

Seeing limited minutes in the 2010 FIBA World Championship, Stephen Curry has elevated his game to elite status through the USA Basketball camp. Despite the loss of Durant, he is slowly becoming a leader for this team. Curry has been able to pick up the scoring load while playing both guard positions on the floor along with his improved defensive intensity. Coach Krzyzewski will need Curry to carry his hot shooting into group play and throughout the tournament to win gold.

 

USA Today Sports

 James Harden
After recent comments being made regarding the best player in the NBA, the stage is set for James Harden to support his statement. The loss of George and Durant has now positioned him to show his abilities on the offensive end, but also the defensive end where he has been criticized for being lackadaisical at times. Team USA is depending on Harden to become who he says he is starting on Saturday.

Derrick Rose

Chicago Bulls and basketball fans must remain patient with the comeback of Derrick Rose during this tournament. However, expect him to have an impact on this roster as it progresses. With the idea of alternating with point guard Kyrie Irving at the starting position, it gives Rose a chance to improve his stamina mentally and physically before the start of the 2014-15 NBA season. It will be vital for Rose to play well in spurts for this team while remaining healthy.

 

Anthony Davis

Since the warm up games leading to Saturday, Anthony Davis has became the face of USA Basketball going into his third year in the NBA. He has been a man amongst boys in the frontcourt while adding weight to his body along with the improvement of his jump shot. This has allowed him to add to his array of skills he already possesses. After winning the national championship at the University of Kentucky, Davis was forced to grow and mature quicker than other rookies being on the 2012 Olympic team. Now, he is poised to lead USA all the way.

 

MJ Mondays- 1992 Olympics vs. Lithuania

 

       The performance of the 1992 USA Dream Team has started the revolution of countries around the world to assemble their best talent to compete as the world’s best basketball team. With the many names committed to head coach Chuck Daly and his team, none were more important than Michael Jordan.

     Jordan would embrace a different role during his second stint with Team USA. Being the main catalyst for the 1984 team, an influx of talent featuring NBA stars Charles Barkley, Magic Johnson and fellow teammate Scottie Pippen would be reassurance for him. As a result, this meant a less workload for him.

 

The Dream Team would annihilate all competition standing in their way as Jordan would have one of his best all around performances versus Lithuania led by Arvydas Sabonis and Sarunas Marciulionis.

 

Michael would set the tone on both sides of the ball, finishing with 21 points, 3 rebounds along with the suffocating defense resulting into 6 steals and 2 blocks to lead USA to a 127-76 win to advance Gold Medal Game where they would meet Croatia.

 

 

USA would go on to victory, defeating future teammate Toni Kukoc and Croatia 117-85 to claim the gold medal.

FIBA Four Breakout Players

 

While we await the anticipated return of the NBA season, we are just a few weeks away from the start of the 2014 FIBA World Basketball Championships. This summer’s basketball festivities will give fans not only the opportunity to see the many talents from around the world, but also the growth of the global game of the sport. As all eyes will be on USA Basketball, we focus the spotlight on who to watch in each group’s pool play.

 

Group A- Marc Gasol (Spain)

      Spain continues to find success throughout international play through players such as Pau Gasol, Juan-Carlos Navarro and Jose Calderon. Marc Gasol has slowly became the leader of Spain basketball. As a veteran of FIBA competition, he has became a global household name being a leader on defense and a focal point of the offense. Gasol must lead by example and set the tone early in the tournament in order for Spain to win it all.

Getty Images

 

Group B- Giannis Antetokounmpo (Greece)

The horizon of Greece basketball has caught the eye of people and made them a favorite to win in group play. The player to look out for will be the second year player of the Milwaukee Bucks, Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Greek freak has captured the attention of fans with his size and athleticism while showing his talents in spurts during his rookie season. The FIBA platform is an ideal stage for Antetokounmpo to shine and display his game.

 

AP Images

 

Group C- Derrick Rose (USA)

With the departures of Paul George and Kevin Durant, the stage has been set for Derrick Rose’s return to basketball to lead USA Basketball to repeat as FIBA World Basketball Champions. So far throughout the two scrimmages we have seen, Rose has played with confidence and performed at an exceptional level. The basketball world will be anticipating the comeback as he has only played 11 games in the previous two seasons due to injuries. Whether he is still elite will not be a concern, but rather the health will be a problem for Rose in this tournament.

 

Group D – Dante Exum (Australia)

The new kid on the block that may have a breakout performance in pool play is Dante Exum. Without team leading scorer Patty Mills, more responsibility will be asked from the 4th overall pick in order for Australia to compete for a shot at the championship. Not knowing what Exum can bring to the table makes this the best opportunity to show what he is able to bring to the Utah Jazz in the upcoming season.