Mike Krzyzewski has used his status as Team USA coach to his advantage.
That means former Duke players like Rodney Hood and Jabari Parker get the benefit of the doubt with the American basketball program.
Gery Woelfel of The Journal Times:
USA Basketball czar Jerry Colango just told me Bucks talented young forward Jabari Parker has been chosen to US Select Team. .
— Gery Woelfel (@GeryWoelfel) May 12, 2016
Chris Haynes of Cleveland.com:
Utah Jazz swingman Rodney Hood will play for USA Select Team this summer, league source informs @clevelanddotcom.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) May 13, 2016
Denver Nuggets G Gary Harris has accepted invitation to play for USA Select Team this summer, league source informs @clevelanddotcom.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) May 13, 2016
Hood, Parker and Gary Harris join known select–team members:
- Marcus Smart
- D’Angelo Russell
- Julius Randle
- C.J. McCollum
- Myles Turner
- Brice Johnson
- Devin Booker
- Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
- Stanley Johnson
- Zach LaVine
I’m more bullish on Hood’s chances of someday making an Olympic team than anyone else on that list. A quality outside shooter, he has developed impressively as a playmaker. His 6-foot-8 frame gives him immense defensive potential.
Harris was one of the NBA’s most improved players. The Nuggets guard is absolutely on the right track.
Parker had a nice second season to follow his injury-shortened rookie year. If he expands his shooting range beyond the arc, he’ll really be onto something. That could be the difference between Parker being a solid NBA player and someone who deserves legitimate national-team consideration.
