Whether he makes the team or not this summer, Tyreke Evans has a great opportunity ahead of him.
Evans was announced as one of four new members to the USA Basketball 2010-12 Men's National Team. Golden State's Stephen Curry, Detroit's Tayshaun Prince and Oklahoma City's Jeff Green were also added to the roster, which now has 31 players.
With the level of experience ahead of him, chances are Evans won't play for the United States in the 2010 FIBA World Championship in Turkey, Aug. 28-Sept. 12.
Among the guards on team are Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade, Chris Paul, Deron Williams and Chauncey Billups.
For as talented as Evans is, it won't be easy to crack the roster. There's a good chance players like Wade might skip camp because of free agency,
Bryant, Paul, Wade and Williams were all members of the 2008 Olympic team that won the gold medal.
Each of these guards could share a bit of wisdom that will make Evans a better player. I plan to expand on this in a story for tomorrow's paper.
I've already spoken to Team USA coach Mike Krzyzewski about the topic. He certainly didn't downplay the benefits of young players being an a competitive environment with veterans.
This experience is one reason I expect a noticeable jump in Evans' play.
And I like Evans' attitude about being named to the team.
I caught up with him briefly on the phone as he headed to the airport after today's press conference in Las Vegas.
He's not looking at this as a chance to just stare at the other stars.
"I'm going to try and make the team," Evans said.
Training camp will be July 19-24 in Las Vegas. Regardless of the outcome, Evans will come out a better player.
--Jason Jones
About Comments
Reader comments on Sacbee.com are the opinions of the writer, not The Sacramento Bee. If you see an objectionable comment, click the "report abuse" button below it. We will delete comments containing inappropriate links, obscenities, hate speech, and personal attacks. Flagrant or repeat violators will be banned. See more about comments here.