Team USA Basketball: Previewing The FIBA World Cup Roster

Jul 30, 2014; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Team USA center Andre Drummond waits for a ball during a practice session at Mendenhall Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Drumming up Drummond

According to Colangelo, the last player picked was the Detroit Pistons’ 6’10” center Andre Drummond. The 21-year-old former UConn star averaged career-highs of 13.5 points, 13.2 rebounds, 1.6 blocks and 1.2 steals per game during the NBA’s 2014 season.

Colangelo says that Drummond isn’t just a part of this team, he considers him to be a part of USAB’s future the way Anthony Davis is.

"[via FreeP.com] “‘(Drummond) is a blossoming center in the NBA,’ Colangelo said. ‘He’s just a kid, but he’s come a long way in a very short period of time. We see him as a big part of our future. It’s a little bit similar to Anthony Davis getting his opportunity in London. Maybe it kind of catches people by surprise. Yes he’s young, but a 7-foot, 280-pound guy who can run the floor the way Drummond runs and who protects the rim … when you describe all the physical attributes, that’s a hard call to leave a guy at home.’”"

By having Drummond, Krzyzewski now has the ability to play Anthony Davis at the power forward spot if needed, since he also has DeMarcus Cousins as a third center on the team.

Davis is being projected as the team’s starting center, but with the potential starter at the four spot being the undersized 6’8” Kenneth Faried, going big could be the right option for USA.