Anthony Davis: Kentucky Star to Play for 2012 U.S. Olympic Basketball Team?

Anthony Davis is likely to be the first player selected in the upcoming 2012 NBA Draft, but he’ll also likely be receiving a somewhat unexpected invitation to play for the 2012 U.S. Olympic basketball team.

Davis would be the first player since 1992 to be a contributor to the U.S. Olympic team without having any major NBA experience under his belt.

The U.S. team is currently in shambles, so Davis has to be a serious option. Chicago’s Derrick Rose just tore his ACL.  New York’s Chauncey Billups tore his Achilles' tendon and Orlando’s Dwight Howard is having surgery on his back. Lamar Odom and the Lakers’ Andrew Bynum likely won’t participate.

That leaves Davis.

The U.S. coach, Mike Krzyzewski, has added Davis to the preliminary roster. With the plethora of injuries to the talent pool the team has to work with, Davis will not have to be a major contributor to the team, should he receive and accept an invitation to the final roster.

Davis was dominant while at Kentucky last year. He averaged 14 points, 10 rebounds and a jaw-dropping 4.7 blocks per game. He was far and away the best player at the collegiate level and is now looking to take his domination to the NBA.

Davis’ presence on the interior of the U.S. defense would be a huge boost for the team. He may not light up the board offensively, but there are other players who can do that. Where Davis will be best for the team is down low controlling the boards and making sure no opposition enters the paint for easy points.

He may be inexperienced, but Davis is the best option for the team now. The opportunity will allow him to blossom into an even better NBA player while he trains with some of the elite talent of the NBA.

This is the best move for both parties. It allows Davis to mature rapidly as a player, and it will allow the U.S. to bring home the gold from London. 

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