Despite a rash of dropouts on Team U.S.A. ahead of the 2014 FIBA World Cup, John Wall found himself as the odd man out in a crowded backcourt.
With the international basketball tournament in Spain approaching at the end of the month, the Americans have seen some of the NBA's biggest stars withdraw from the team. The latest was Kevin Durant, the reigning NBA MVP, further depleting Team U.S.A.'s frontcourt.
Wall, a late addition and early cut, told CSN Washington he will use the move as motivation. Unfortunately for the Washington Wizards' point guard, he had to compete with Derrick Rose, Stephen Curry, Damian Lillard and Kyrie Irving.
Wall was not among the initial 28 players invited in January and he learned he was added to the team just four days before camp opened July 28. Other players who have withdrawn from Team U.S.A. include Blake Griffin and Kevin Love.
"Yeah, definitely, always. You want to make every team you try out for. When you don't, it's more motivation for me," Wall told CSN Washington. "Not even (against) just those (Team USA point guards), but the NBA, period. I guess I'm overlooked again. I guess have to prove myself one more time."
In need of forwards, Team U.S.A. announced late last week that Rudy Gay had been added to the team.
"I received a call last night indicating that Rudy was available to join the National Team if [Mike Krzyzewski] and I felt he could help," Colangelo said in the announcement. "We both felt he would be a valuable addition because of his outstanding skills and the fact that he is so familiar with USA Basketball and our national team program. Rudy has been an integral member of USA Basketball since 2005 and was a tremendous contributor to our 2010 World Championship Team. He has a lot of equity in the USA Basketball National Team."
Team U.S.A. will practice at the West Point Military Academy on Aug. 18 as part of an all-day visit. The team will then play various exhibition international friendly matches before traveling to Spain Aug. 24. The FIBA World Cup begins Aug. 30 and ends Sept. 14.
