USA Basketball is focused on creating a strong team for the Paris Olympics this summer, and Alex Caruso from the Chicago Bulls has an opportunity to be selected.
Caruso has been included in the initial Olympic player pool announced by USA Basketball on Tuesday. The group of 41 players picked by Team USA managing director Grant Hill and coach Steve Kerr will be narrowed down to a final 12-player roster for a camp and exhibition in July in Las Vegas.
Being chosen for the team is a major milestone for Caruso in his career.
Caruso expressed his enthusiasm about the selection, considering it as a significant advancement in his career. He hopes to be chosen to actually participate, which would be an even greater accomplishment and an exciting adventure.
Caruso found out about his inclusion in the player pool a week before the announcement and had a conversation with Hill before the Bulls’ game in Toronto on Jan. 18. His journey to this point includes contributing to the national team as a two-way player in the G League during the World Cup qualifiers.
Coach Billy Donovan revealed that Kerr first contacted him about Caruso last summer, but at that time, the guard was recovering from a foot injury that prevented him from being part of the FIBA World Cup roster. However, Donovan believes that Caruso is now ready to make a strong contribution to the national team.
Donovan, who has coached U-18 and U-19 national teams, understands the qualities needed for FIBA tournaments. He has confidence in Caruso's ability to excel in those environments due to his defensive skills and understanding of zones.
Donovan emphasized the physical nature of the game and the importance of players who are adept at playing against zones. He believes that Caruso's skill set is well-suited for this purpose.
Caruso is aware of what made him stand out to the national team staff.
As an All-NBA defensive selection last season, Caruso has established a reputation for himself based on his defense. This season, he is averaging 1.3 steals, 0.9 blocks, and 3.3 deflections.
Caruso emphasized his strong defensive record over the past few years, considering it as a significant factor in his selection. He anticipates that his role on the team would primarily involve showcasing his defensive prowess.
The question remains whether his defensive abilities will be sufficient for him to make the final cut. Caruso has been working on improving his 3-point shooting this season, but he acknowledges that maintaining his strengths that have elevated his status in the league will be crucial for securing a spot on the Olympic roster. accuracy to 42%.
However, he understands that preserving his strengths will be essential for increasing his chances of being chosen for the Olympic roster.
Alex Caruso said he doesn't need to pretend to be someone else. The team recognizes his strengths, which usually help win basketball games. This tournament is like the playoffs or any other basketball tournament.
He believes that excelling at playing winning basketball, defending, doing the little things, and winning possessions is important, along with scoring.
The Summer Games will take place from July 24 to August 11.
Full player pool
Bam Adebayo, Jarrett Allen, Paolo Banchero, Desmond Bane, Scottie Barnes, Devin Booker, Mikal Bridges, Jaylen Brown, Jalen Brunson, Jimmy Butler, Alex Caruso, Stephen Curry, Anthony Davis, Kevin Durant, Anthony Edwards, Joel Embiid, De’Aaron Fox, Paul George, Aaron Gordon, Tyrese Haliburton, James Harden, Josh Hart, Tyler Herro, Jrue Holiday, Chet Holmgren, Brandon Ingram, Kyrie Irving, Jaren Jackson Jr., LeBron James, Cam Johnson, Walker Kessler, Kawhi Leonard, Damian Lillard, Donovan Mitchell, Chris Paul, Bobby Portis, Austin Reaves, Duncan Robinson, Jayson Tatum, Derrick White, Trae Young
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