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Report: Marvin Bagley III Withdraws from Team USA Camp to Focus on NBA Season
August 11, 2019
The United States lost another prospective representative ahead of the 2019 FIBA World Cup.
Sacramento Kings forward Marvin Bagley III withdrew from Team USA "to focus on the upcoming season," according to the New York Times' Marc Stein.
Bagley had been with Team USA's Select Team and earned a promotion to the senior squad Friday, per ESPN's Brian Windhorst.
Bagley joins a large group of players who have either left Team USA this summer or declined an invitation to training camp. John Schuhmann of NBA.com noted five veterans remain from the 35 who participated in Team USA's 2018 minicamp.
The fact Bagley was in contention illustrates how deep into the talent pool head coach Gregg Popovich has had to reach in order to build out his 12-man roster.
Bagley showed flashes as a rookie, averaging 14.9 points, 7.6 rebounds and 1.0 blocks while shooting 31.3 percent from three-point range. He finished seventh in the Rookie of the Year voting.
The 20-year-old said in an interview with The Athletic's Jason Jones working out with Team USA was aiding his development as he prepares for his second year in the NBA: "I've gained a lot. I'm learning a lot from these guys, especially the coaches like [Jeff] Van Gundy. Just being here to learn from him and being able to pick his brain. Pop, seeing him, it's just been great, a great experience, a great ride. I'm excited."
With Bagley out of the mix, Popovich has nine frontcourt players remaining among his World Cup finalists.
