Denver Nuggets guards Emmanuel Mudiay and Gary Harris were named to USA Basketball’s 25-man Select Team roster, the league announced today.
The Select team will train with the USA Men’s National Team July 18-21 in Las Vegas, prior to the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
It’s a big honor for Mudiay and Harris and is well deserved based on their rising stature in the league. Mudiay is coming off a promising rookie year that saw him improve as the season went along, ultimately averaging 12.8 points, 5.5 assists and 3.4 rebounds per game. Harris emerged as the Nuggets’ starting 2-guard in his second season as a pro scoring 12.3 points per game.
The Select team’s main purpose is to prepare those on the National Team for the Olympics, while also giving them a chance to experience USA Basketball firsthand. Spurs coach and future USA Basketball head coach Gregg Popovich will lead the Select team with a watchful eye for future National team talent. Olympians such as Russell Westbrook, Kevin Durant and Kevin Love got their start with USA Basketball on the Select Team.
I talked with coach Malone after a draft workout a 2 weeks ago about how important the Select Team will be for Mudiay & Harris’ development.
— Harrison Wind (@HarrisonWind) June 7, 2016
He was thrilled they were going to be in Vegas and playing against that type of competition. They could both be in for big years next season
— Harrison Wind (@HarrisonWind) June 7, 2016
“Being chosen for the Select Team is an honor and it is an important step in becoming involved in USA Basketball’s National Team program in the future,” said Jerry Colangelo, USA Basketball National Team managing director, in a press release.
Kenneth Faried named a finalist for Rio
Forward Kenneth Faried was also named one of 31 finalists for the 2016 USA Olympic Team, the league announced along with the Select Team roster.
Stephen Curry has already opted out of the Olympics becasue of recent ankle and knee injuries, while LeBron James, Pau Gasol, Russell Westbrook, and Andre Iguodala are undecided if they will play, citing health concerns around the Zica virus.
Based on his performance from when he’s represented the National team in the past, Faried has a legitimate shot at making the final roster.
