Team USA Basketball: Previewing The FIBA World Cup Roster

Aug 20, 2014; New York, NY, USA; United States guard DeMar DeRozan (9) controls the ball against Dominican Republic forward James Maye (18) during the second quarter of a game at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Deciphering DeRozan

Along with Drummond, the Toronto Raptors’ high scoring young All-Star was one of the last selections made, according to Colangelo. However, DeMar DeRozan wasn’t picked because of his scoring prowess.

"[Via TorontoSun.com] “‘He’s an athlete, he’s versatile and he’s shown really well,’ USA Basketball managing director Jerry Colangelo said Friday. ‘He just beat out a few people. He can not only play two positions but, against certain international teams, he can play even against bigger guys.’”"

Call him a poor man’s Paul George because of that versatility, but DeRozan does have the ability to play multiple positions on the court and is athletic enough to run with this high octane team when needed. With George suffering that horrific injury, DeRozan was almost a must for this team.