Young America

   As

                        As we speak, basketball gurus Mike Kryzewski and Jerry Coangelo are sorting through another fantastic batch of young American talent. Only seven years ago, very few elite American basketball players saw the value of representing their country internationally, and the results were indicative of it. Players like Stephon Marbury and Allen Iverson were carelessly told to play with each other at the last minute with the assumption any old American talent could simply run the world's table. Several disturbing losses later, the state of American basketball was in shambles. America renovated the roster and system and replaced incompetent and uncaring coaches and players with true patriots. The brass of Kryzewski and Coangelo as well as others teamed with an embarrassed group of young players with a desire to recapture America's former dominance. Six years and four gold metals later, (2 Olympic, 1 world, 1 Americas') America has yet to even lose a game under the current regime, and doesn't appear to have any desire to slow down. With the young talent influx both already in the league and yet to be drafted, the U.S. is poised to run the tables for the foreseeable future. Looking short term though, the 2014 FIBA roster could be loaded with all star talent, just as hungry for gold as the redeem team.

THE PROBABLY GROUP

Carmelo Anthony, LeBron James, Derrick Rose, Kevin Love

           The simplest situation here belongs to Derrick Rose. Recovering from his ACL injury, if Rose keeps his knee safe and has a successful year, he will represent the U.S. in Spain. Barring any need for additional treatment, Rose should contribute as a solid combo guard, and an uber athlete that will give opposing players fits. Carmelo, Kevin, and LeBron are far more complicated. Both players will have the opportunity to become free agents. USA Basketball is a summer long occupation, and the process of signing or re-signing can hinder that occupation. In 2012, Blake Griffin reached a deal with the Clippers and re-signed while at USA's basketball camp via iPad. (Technology is so freaking cool!) In 2010, James missed the world championships in part due to his free agency. If both players manage their business well and on time, expect both players to report to camp.

"NOTHING SHORT OF ALIEN ABDUCTION WILL STOP ME" GROUP

Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, James Harden, Blake Griffin, Chris Paul

         It's well documented how much Durant, Westbrook, and Harden love basketball. I am convinced the three without hesitation would pay to play NBA basketball rather than receive a salary if they so had to. Chris Paul is a fierce competitor with a love for America's program; we can only assume he will return. Finally, Blake Griffin, who missed the 2012 Olympics due to injury, is sure to try to redeem himself.

THE "I'LL TRY BUT I'M TOTALLY NOT A LOCK" GROUP

Andre Iguodala, Deron Williams, Tyson Chandler, Anthony Davis, Rudy Gay, Eric Gordon

         These guys were all on the final list of fifteen players to go to London in 2012, and all but two made it. Unfortunately for all of these players, the level of competition representing the U.S. is increasing every year, so none of these players are guaranteed, or frankly, even likely to receive spots. Given their histories with U.S. basketball, I'd be surprised if they simply called it quits based on their odds of playing.

THE FUTURE IS NOW GROUP

Stephen Curry, Kyrie Irving, Paul George, John Wall, DeMarcus Cousins, Jrue Holliday, Bradley Beal, Damian Lilliard, Kawhi Leonard, Kemba Walker, Greg Monroe, Iman Shumpert

            Let me introduce you to the most unfair U24 team in basketball history. Granted, there are one bagillion point guards vying for spots in the future, but all of them are all-star level talents, and any of them give America a huge backcourt boost. Few of them are likely to make the roster, but the depth of America's core will be unquestioned.

THE FUTURE IS PROBABLY STILL THE FUTURE GROUP

Andre Drummond, Gordon Heyward, Doug McDermott, Klay Thompson, Harrison Barnes, Tyler Zeller, Jabari Parker, Marcus Smart, Derrick Favors

            These guys all have promising careers ahead of them, but the current level of talent is simply too good for them to crack the roster. This is a pretty dominant select team though.

 

DWIGHT

Dwight Howard

            Who knows what he'll do? If he does decide to play America will welcome his return, but Dwight is simply too unpredictable to map.

BEST CASE SCENARIO ROSTER

            This roster may only occur if everything that can possibly go right does. Here, the United States avoid all injuries and Dwight Howard matures ten years under Kevin McHale and Hakeem Olajuwon in Houston.

C- Dwight Howard, Blake Griffin

PF- Kevin Durant, Kevin Love

SF- LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Paul George

SG- Derrick Rose, James Harden

PG- Chris Paul, Russell Westbrook, Kyrie Irving

            Obviously this requires some interpretation, and based on your own beliefs you may prefer one player to another, but this given roster is what every American basketball fan may hope for this year.

EACH GUY'S REPLACEMENT

Dwight Howard- DeMarcus Cousins

(Because volatile centers are a must)

Blake Griffin/ Kevin Love- Anthony Davis

(de ja vu)

Kevin Durant/ Carmelo Anthony/ Paul George- Kawhi Leonard

(Coach K loves Kawhi)

 LeBron James- Kevin Durant

(Durant is the only player in the world worthy to fill James' role)

Derrick Rose/ Russell Westbrook- John Wall

(Athletic combo guards aren't exactly a rarity in America anymore)

James Harden/ Kyrie Irving- Stephen Curry

(Shooters will great ball control are useful in FIBA play)

Chris Paul- Deron Williams

(USA veteran has been there before)

            America is ready to defend its gold, thanks in large part to the next generation of athlete's great patriotism and pride for their country. 2014 will be a great success; the only question left is which soldiers will make the squad?