By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Kyle Kuzma was more than happy to receive the call from Team USA ahead of China’s FIBA World Cup this August, so this opportunity is precious to him.
“I got the call from USAB, and they wanted me to come and tryout. I was ecstatic”, Kuzma told NBA.com.
For Kuzma, spending the summer with Team USA means that he will be able to compete with top-level teams, so it’s a chance for him to grow.
“I just want to be a great player,” Kuzma said. “I don’t like to sit out. I like to play basketball. It’s my life. So, for me to have the opportunity to play for USA Basketball and have a chance to go and win a medal, you can’t beat that. You don’t get that opportunity all the time.”
As if this could get any better for the Lakers player, he also gets to be around Team USA head coach Gregg Popovich. “He’s my favorite coach of all time. Growing up, I’m a hoops junkie, watching a lot of the Spurs teams, and he’s won. He’s won at every level he’s been at. So, to be here and learn, to be around him, it’s really great.”
USA plays against Spain on Friday in Anaheim, then will go to Australia for several more games. The 12-man roster goes to China on August 29, two days before tipoff.