Knicks’ guard Tim Hardaway Jr. and Nets’ big man Mason Plumlee were among the 13 players named by USA Basketball Tuesday to the Select Team that will practice against Team USA for the upcoming FIBA World Championship in Spain.
“It’s an honor and privilege to be able to have such a wonderful opportunity playing with the USA Select Team,” Hardaway Jr. wrote on Instagram. “Dreams are becoming a reality. Thank you all for the support along the way.”
Also named to the 2014 USA Basketball Select squad were: Harrison Barnes (Golden State Warriors); Trey Burke (Utah Jazz); Jimmy Butler (Chicago Bulls); Draymond Green (Golden State Warriors); Tobias Harris (Orlando Magic); Doug McDermott (Chicago Bulls); Victor Oladipo (Orlando Magic); Miles Plumlee (Phoenix Suns); Marcus Smart (Boston Celtics); Dion Waiters (Cleveland Cavaliers); and Cody Zeller (Charlotte Hornets).
“USA Basketball’s Select Teams are critical for getting some of the game’s brightest and most promising young players experience at the USA National Team level, and getting them into our pipeline,” said Jerry Colangelo, USA Basketball National Team managing director. “Again this summer, as was done in 2007, 2008, 2010 and 2012, the members of the USA Select Team will play an important role in helping prepare the USA National Team for the 2014 FIBA World Cup.
“Being chosen for the Select Team is an honor and an important step in becoming involved in USA Basketball’s National Team program in the future. In the past, current national team players like Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, Kevin Love, Derrick Rose, Russell Westbrook, as well as many other outstanding players got their USA National Team start through the Select Team.”
Members of the USA Select Team will assemble in Las Vegas and train with the USA National Team July 28-31 (12:00-3:00 p.m. PDT). All practices will take place at UNLV’s Mendenhall Center.
The 2014 Select Team features five players who completed their rookie NBA season in 2013-14, three who wrapped up their second NBA season, two three-year NBA players and two players who will make their NBA debut in 2014-14
Burke, Hardaway, Oladipo and Mason Plumlee were named to the 2013-14 NBA All-Rookie first team, while Zeller earned All-Rookie second team honors. Butler was named 2013-14 NBA All-Defensive second team, while Barnes and Waiters earned All-Rookie first team honors in 2012-13.
While Barnes, McDermott, Smart and Waiters participated in the 2013 USA National Team mini-camp, McDermott and Smart were the only two collegians involved in the camp. Smart was the No. 6 overall pick by Boston in the 2014 NBA Draft, while McDermott was selected No. 11 overall.
