Despite being skipped over in the initial invitations, it appears Rudy Gay has a real shot at making Team USA's roster heading into the 2014 FIBA World Cup.
“Yes, he does have a legitimate chance,” USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo told Brett Pollakoff of NBC Sports. “Rudy was on our 2010 World Championship team. He made a great contribution there, he’s in pretty good shape, and he stepped in today like he hadn’t missed a beat, either.”
Gay offered his services to head coach Mike Krzyzewski after Paul George suffered a fractured tibia and fibula and Kevin Durant was forced to withdraw from the U.S. men's national team.
"My owner with the Kings, he pushed me into it,” Gay said. “And then my agency, they told me I probably should think about it. I had fun last time. I learned a lot, and it was great for me. Also, the guys — a couple of the guys I played with before, and also the World Championship team. They kind of pushed me into playing here again.”
Gay last represented his country at the 2010 FIBA World Championship in Turkey, where he averaged seven points in nine games. The 27-year-old is coming off a successful season in Sacramento, averaging 20.1 points and 5.5 rebounds in 55 games.