Phoenix Suns' Robin Lopez To Compete for USA Basketball Roster
Thursday morning, the Phoenix Suns 22 year-old center, Robin Lopez, was added to the list of players competing for a roster spot on the USA Basketball Men's National Team.
Lopez had a stand-out season averaging 11.3 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.1 blocked shots in the 31 games after he became a starter on January 18. He had an bulging disk that kept him out the last ten games of the season, and the first and second round of the playoffs. He returned from injury for the Western Conference Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Suns fans can hope he takes this opportunity of competing against the other young NBA stars seriously, and continue to improve his offense and defense. As well as staying healthy as possible for the upcoming season.
There were no returning players from the 2008 Gold Medalist team who where added to this years list of players.
The list of players who will be at the USA Basketball Men's National Team training camp are: Chauncey Billups (Nuggets), Tyson Chandler (Mavericks), Stephen Curry (Warriors), Kevin Durant (Thunder),Tyreke Evans (Kings), Rudy Gay (Grizzlies), Eric Gordon (Clippers), Danny Granger (Pacers), Jeff Green (Thunder), Andre Iguodala (76ers), David Lee (Warriors), Brook Lopez (Nets), Robin Lopez, Kevin Love (Timberwolves), O.J. Mayo (Grizzlies), Lamar Odom (Lakers), Rajon Rondo (Celtics), Derrick Rose (Bulls), Amar'e Stoudemire (Knicks), Gerald Wallace (Bobcats), and Russell Westbrook (Thunder).
Probably most important, the same coaching staff will be back. Head coach Mike Krzyzewski, and assistant coaches Jim Boeheim, Mike D'Antoni, and Nate McMillan look to lead Robin Lopez and the other hopeful USA Basketball Men's National Team to a second Gold Medal in a row.
Daily practices for the National Team will start on July 20, with the first intra-squad game on July 24.
Fans of the Phoenix Suns will need to cheer on Robin Lopez in hopes that he gets a chance to represent the Untied States in the 2010 FIBA World Championship, as well as the 2012 Summer Olympics.
*UPDATE: Suns center Robin Lopez will not play for Team USA this summer. Lopez wants to continue rehabbing his injured back. "I think it's just a precaution. His back is doing fine. Just precautionary," Robin's bother Brook told Chris Tomasson of FanHouse.*
