Team USA Basketball: Previewing The FIBA World Cup Roster

Aug 1, 2014; Las Vegas, NV, USA; USA Team White forward Chandler Parsons (34) shoots the ball against the defense of USA Team Blue center Anthony Davis (42) during the USA Basketball Showcase at Thomas & Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Brow not Bron

Forget about LeBron, ‘The Brow’ is here.

There was a reason why Anthony Davis was brought in for the Olympic team of 2012, and that reason was for the future. Unfortunately, with the absence of LeBron, Durant, Love, Griffin and Aldridge, that timetable has been accelerated.

That being said, it does seem to come at the right time. Davis had a breakout MVP type season in 2014. The NBA’s leading shot blocker averaged 20.8 points and 10.0 rebounds per game last season, and it didn’t look like it was his best yet.

In the FIBA World Cup, Davis will be the key for Team USA. His incredible length and freakish athleticism are attributes that no other nation has. In fact, his attributes are what Team USA never has had before.

Coach K agrees.

"[via USAToday.com] “‘Anthony would have had a huge role no matter what,’ U.S. head coach Mike Krzyzewski said. ‘Anthony’s one of the best players in the NBA. Scoringwise, he’ll get more opportunities. If you have Durant, you’re going to put things in for him. When he’s not there those things aren’t in so for everybody it becomes a little more available. Anthony played a great game against Brazil, not a good game. He had an influence on every exchange offensively or defensively while he was in there.’”"

Davis proved his worth in the Brazil exhibition game. USAB hopes he’ll do the same in the tournament.