Team USA Update: Derrick White Named To Select Team
Derrick White will help get Team USA ready (Photo via twitter)
After a strong sophomore season in the NBA, Derrick White’s stock is on the rise. On Thursday, the guard for the San Antonio Spurs was named to USA Basketball’s Select Team. White and the rest of the Select Team will help prepare Team USA for the World Cup.
The Select Team will practice from August 5-8 at the World Cup Training Camp in Las Vegas. On August 9th, there will be a scrimmage between Team USA and the Select Team.
Does This Mean Derrick White Is On Team USA?
No. While Team USA — coached, of course, by Gregg Popovich — is having a difficult time convincing stars to suit up for the World Cup, this news does not mean White has been named to the USA Men’s National Team.
The Select Team is a group of young players coached by Jeff Van Gundy tasked to help Team USA get ready for the World Cup. While this will undoubtedly be a great way for White to gain experience and compete against other talented players, it’s not much more than that — at this point, at least.
Does Derrick White Have A Chance To Be Named To Team USA In The Future?
Yes. It’s very unlikely that he’ll be asked to play for Team USA at the forthcoming World Cup, even if a handful of additional players drop out. But getting experience with the Select Team increases his chances going forward.
In recent times, holes in the Team USA roster have been filled by players with USA Basketball experience. Playing with the Select Team puts White in that pipeline.
What Other Players Are On The Select Team?
Joining White on the Select Team are De’Aaron Fox and Marvin Bagley III of the Kings, Trae Young and John Collins of the Hawks, Jarrett Allen and Joe Harris of the Nets, Mikal Bridges of the Suns, Jalen Brunson of the Mavericks, Pat Connaughton of the Bucks, Jonathan Isaac of the Magic, and Landry Shamet of the Clippers. Assisting Van Gundy will be Mark Few, the head coach of Gonzaga.
Are There Any Spurs Players On Team USA?
Not currently. At the World Cup Training Camp, so far Team USA has a roster of 17 players who have confirmed. Neither LaMarcus Aldridge nor DeMar DeRozan are on that roster. Aldridge was rumored to attend but apparently he hasn’t confirmed yet. DeRozan recently decided to withdraw.
The Spurs will, at least, be represented by Popovich. Unfortunately, new assistant coach Tim Duncan won’t be joining Popovich at the World Cup. Instead, his assistants will be Steve Kerr of the Warriors, Lloyd Pierce of the Hawks and Villanova’s Jay Wright.