Team USA Basketball: Previewing The FIBA World Cup Roster

Aug 1, 2014; Las Vegas, NV, USA; USA Team Blue forward Mason Plumlee (35) reacts to his wrist being held by USA Team White center DeMarcus Cousins (36) during the USA Basketball Showcase at Thomas & Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Height is Might

After relying on speed and quickness in most of its international competitions, USA Basketball has decided to “go big” this time around. This version of Team USA has the tallest frontline during coach Mike Krzyzewski’s USA-era, with four players measured at 6’10” or taller.

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According to USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo, there is a reason.

"[via ESPN] “USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo, in explaining the selections made official early Saturday morning, told ESPN.com before the team’s afternoon flight to Spain that keeping Drummond — along with DeMarcus Cousins and Mason Plumlee — gives coach Mike Krzyzewski ‘an opportunity to throw a new look at people.’”"

Using a new look of players means being able to use a conventional four and five in the lineup instead of using stretch fours, like LeBron, Durant or even Carmelo, in the past.

And why not?

Those three aren’t even on the team. As Coach K’s team is faced with the possibility of battling the daunting frontline of host Spain in the finals, Team USA needs the height and the heft to rule the world this time around.