After a much-hyped Team USA basketball scrimmage, two Grizzlies are hoping they have done enough to garner a spot on the World Championship roster. Although they will log a combined zero NBA minutes this summer, Rudy Gay and OJ Mayo are playing the role of Grizzlies ambassadors very well as they train and try out for a Team USA roster spot.
Although the World Championships will not tip off in Turkey until August 28th, Team USA coach Mike Krzyzewski is doing plenty to evaluate every possible player until the final roster is set at 12 players. Gay and Mayo both received an invitation to the training camp this past season, and both have come into the camp with something to prove. Gay is out to show the world that he is worth a 5-year/$82 million contract and that he can be a top-notch producer for Team USA. Mayo is trying to use a good camp performance to make people forget about his dreadful point guard experiment in the summer league. However, both players are out to prove that the Memphis Grizzlies are a formidable team that has considerable star power of its own.
In the Blue vs. White scrimmage on Saturday night, both players proved beyond a doubt that they do belong on the team. Gay's 23 points (on 7-11 shooting) led the blue team while OJ's 18 points were second on the squad. Although both players were overshadowed by superstar Kevin Durant and his 28 points, they were spectacular in their own right. They were a combined 6-10 from the 3-point line and paced the blue team throughout the game.
Despite their strong efforts, neither player has a roster spot locked up. Coach K and USA Basketball director Jerry Colangelo are set to make four more cuts to the squad today. Indications are that Rudy is safe, but some reporters believe that OJ may be on the bubble. This is because the roster is loaded with athletic, high-scoring shooting guards and OJ may be passed up for a more experienced player.
Regardless of whether or not Rudy and OJ make the team, they have done the Grizzlies proud this week. Way to go, guys!
Once the cuts are announced, count on GrizzLife to update you.
Owen
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