Nets center Mason Plumlee named to Team USA for World Cup
Mason Plumlee talks with the media following practice at the PNY Center. (July 5, 2013) Credit: Joe Epstein
Nets center Mason Plumlee said he was "a little on edge," heading into the final cut for the U.S. National Team, but he did not have to be. He was named Saturday as one of the 12 NBA players on the squad for the World Cup in Spain starting next week.
It was a triumph for Plumlee, who had been invited to the U.S. camp as a member of the group that was assembled to practice against the top team. He impressed the coaches so much that they moved him up. "It's been a great experience, no matter what happens," he said after the exhibition game against Puerto Rico at Madison Square Garden Friday night. "I'm grateful for the opportunity to work out with this team."
The experience can only help him, and the Nets, who will be relying on Plumlee while starting center Brook Lopez makes his way back from foot surgery. "The biggest thing I've noticed is how deliberate guys are in making decisions. There's no hesitation. They play off instinct," Plumlee said of his time with the star-filled U.S. roster.
After Saturday's announcement, that list also officially includes DeMarcus Cousins, Stephen Curry, Anthony Davis, DeMar DeRozan, Andre Drummond, Kenneth Faried, Rudy Gay, James Harden, Kyrie Irving, Derrick Rose and Klay Thompson. The cuts were Damian Lillard, Gordon Hayward, Kyle Korver and Chandler Parsons.
