Marcus Smart to Attend USA Mini Camp

March 20, 2013; San Jose, CA, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys guard Marcus Smart (33) addresses the media in a press conference during practice the day before the second round of the 2013 NCAA tournament at HP Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

According to Oklahoma State’s official website, Marcus Smart has been invited to Team USA’s National mini camp. The point guard will be the only non NBA player at the camp. The event starts on July 22 and goes for three days in Las Vegas and concludes with a scrimmage between two sides on UNLV campus.

“We’re very excited for Marcus,” said OSU head coach Travis Ford. “It’s an incredible honor to be the lone college player to be selected. It’s a great honor for him and our program. He continues to represent us in a first-class manner, both on and off the court.”

After getting the chance to be a leader for USA’s delegation for the FIBA under 19 championship and winning gold, this will be another great experience for Smart. He will have the chance to play with and learn from the likes of John Wall, Kyrie Irving and Mike Conley. Some of the game’s best young point guards currently in the NBA.

The invitation to the mini camp could also create a great pipeline for Smart and his future odds of playing for the national team. Whether that be at the FIBA championships or even eventually at the Olympics, participating in USA basketball events is a great way to get yourself noticed by the people picking the teams.

Ultimately, it will also be a great learning experience that should make him a better player for the upcoming season at Oklahoma State. Smart is already expected to be a high lottery pick in next year’s draft and having the chance to measure up against guys he will eventually be going up against will be a great way for him to see how ready he is to compete in the NBA.