DeMarcus Cousins talks about his selection to the 2012 USA Select Team.
The initial thrill of being named to the 2012 USA Men's Select Team has waned a little, Kings center DeMarcus Cousins said today. Asked in a media conference at the Kings' practice facility if he is "looking forward to this," Cousins deadpanned: "To what? This workout?"
"No, I'm excited," Cousins said. "It's a stepping stone. It's going to be a great experience. Get a chance to be around some of the elite players in this league, so I plan on learning a lot from them, take advantage of the situation."
The Select Team is scheduled to train against Team USA during its training camp in Las Vegas from July 6-12, helping Team USA prepare for the London Olympics.
"My main focus is to come back a better leader," Cousins said. "Learning from those elite guys in this league who are already leaders on this team. Just picking up habits from them."
Cousins, who averaged 18.1 points and 11 rebounds in 64 games in his second NBA season, said he recently returned to Sacramento after taking about a month off after the season ended. He seemed anxious to get to a scheduled workout.
Cousins will be joined by the following players on the Select Team roster, as announced on May 21:
F Ryan Anderson (Magic)
C DeJuan Blair (Spurs)
G DeMar DeRozan (Raptors)
F/C Derrick Favors (Jazz)
G Paul George (Pacers)
F Taj Gibson (Bulls)
F Gordon Hayward (Jazz)
G Kyrie Irving (Cavaliers)
F/G Kawhi Leonard (Spurs)
G Jeremy Lin (Knicks)
G Klay Thompson (Warriors)
G John Wall (Wizards)
Coaches: Mike Hopkins, Jay Triano
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