NCAA Players: The True Team USA
By Daniel Tran
NBA players in the FIBA World Cup? What a waste of time. Send them to the Olympics when it really matters. The FIBA World Cup is made for college athletes to really measure themselves against grown men in international competition. Don’t get me wrong I love summer basketball, especially when it’s international, but NBA players don’t need to risk horrific injury (NSFW) or potential fatigue (i.e. “the Slim Sleeper” Kevin Durant) in a glorified exhibition tournament that doesn’t come close to the significance and pride of the Olympic Games.
NCAA basketball players should be the ones to represent the United States and showcase their skills. Not only will they be able to compete, they have enough talent to take them to the gold medal. Here’s the team of current NCAA basketball players that should be sent to Spain this year for the FIBA World Cup:
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The J-Notes
Team USA Starting 5:
Fred VanVleet, PG, Wichita State – One of the best pure point guards in the nation. Armed with impeccable decision-making and unbreakable poise, VanVleet was the engine that drove Wichita State to a 29-1 record last season averaging 11.6 points and 5.3 assists against 1.4 turnovers. His 41.1% three-point field goal percentage didn’t hurt either. VanVleet can also turn up the pressure on defense leading the Wichita State with 1.9 steals a game. With his savvy and unflappable disposition, VanVleet would make for the perfect floor general for Team USA.
Caris LeVert, SG, Michigan – Sure his wiry 6’5, 170 pound frame will be an issue against international competition, but his scoring won’t. LeVert brings an ability to put up points that will be valuable to Team USA. His most important asset will be the 40.8% three-point field goal percentage he achieved last season with Michigan. On defense, he may be bullied by some of the larger shooting guards, but he uses his length well and should be able to play the passing lanes and take advantage of errant passes caused by the press.
Sam Dekker, F, Wisconsin – His production may have dipped a little bit, but Dekker is still an all around threat in the frontcourt. Not only is he a good shooter (55.0% on two-point field goals), he can pass and hit the offensive glass hard as well accounting for 19.3% of the teams offensive rebounds. He may not have the quickest feet on defense but he does have a motor that will not stop, making hustle plays that do not show up on the stat sheet.
Frank Kaminski, PF/C, Wisconsin – An international basketball team would not be complete without a 7-foot big man that can make it rain from the outside. Kaminski fits that bill and then some. Last year, Kaminski shot 37.8% from three-point range in his first year playing big time minutes. He wasn’t afraid to bang around in the post either. He gathered 19% of the team’s total rebounds and blocked 1.7 shots a game.
Jahlil Okafor, C, Duke – I know, I know. He’s an incoming freshman that has played as much NCAA basketball as I have (0), but the kid has proven skills in international competition. He played for Team USA in the FIBA U19 World Championship, where he led the tournament in field goal percentage (77%) and was a part of the All-Tournament team. Okafor is physical monster for his age, listed at 6’10, 270 pounds with a standing reach of 9’2.5”. He uses that frame and polished footwork to dominate opponents on both sides of the court. You don’t have to take my word for it. Look at the game tape.
Not bad for a guy that’s being hailed as the next Tim Duncan.
Team USA Bench:
Stanley Johnson, G/F, Arizona – Another tough, talented incoming freshman that can guard 4 positions, incredibly athletic, and finish strong around the rim. Defensive prowess will trump lack of experience.
Quinn Cook, PG, Duke – It wouldn’t be a Mike Krzyzewski team unless he had a point guard he could trust. Cook can do it all, averaging 11.6 points last year, shooting 37.1% from 3-point range, 4.4 assists against 1.6 turnovers a game, and play great full court press defense that has been a staple of Team USA.
Joe Young, SG, Oregon – There may not be a better scorer in the nation. Averaging 18.9 points a game, Young would bring explosive scoring off the bench.
Micah Mason, G, Duquesne – Like Michael Redd before him, Mason will be the three-point specialist of this team. Mason made 2.6 threes a game on 56.0% shooting from three-point range. Mason is the deadeye shooter this team needs.
Cliff Alexander, C, Kansas – Alexander is a man-child. A 6’8”, 250 pound man-child. He plays with a real chip on his shoulder and attacks the rim with ferocity. He may be a bit raw on defense, but his athleticism and competitiveness will be an asset to the team.
Montrezl Harrell, F, Louisville – Another Team USA representative in FIBA U19 World Championship, Harrell provides another tough body with a motor that will not stop and decent jump shot. Defensively, he provides length and quickness perfect for the full court press and hedging on pick and rolls.
Georges Niang, F, Iowa State – All-around threat from the forward position with a high basketball IQ. He’s not ultra athletic like the other guys on this list, but he makes up for it with fundamentally sound play and a good jump shot.