New Orleans Hornets to have no representation at the 2012 London Olympics - NBA Update
New Orleans Hornets will have no presentation in the 2012 London Olympics, it has been confirmed.
Hornets’ shooting guard Eric Gordon and power forward Anthony Davis have failed to make into the 12 men roster, that will comprise the basketball contingent in the 2012 London Olympics.
After leading Kentucky into NCAA championship this year, Davis became the number 1 draft pick. During his tenure with the Wildcats he averaged 14.2 points, 10.4 boards, and 4.7 blocks, in 40 games and after Dwight Howard and LaMarcus
Aldridge were ruled out of the Games due to severe injuries, the rookie was selected for the roster prior to the draft. However, two days before the training camp, Davis sprained his ankle.
Team USA head Coach Mike Krzyzewski sympathized with Anthony’s situation after the final decision was made.
“It was difficult selecting Davis when he couldn't really practice. I would love to have seen Anthony Davis represent the Hornets, but I'm not heartbroken over this”.
The 19 year old power forward had previously performed at Nike hoop Summit in 2011 and also played for the USA Basketball Junior National Team. However, Davis under the given circumstances was a long shot to make the squad as
he doesn’t have any prior Olympic or NBA experience.
Eric Gordon’s place was taken by James Harden. With Dwyane Wade out due to a planned surgery on his knees, the team officials had to choose between Harden and Gordon for a two guard who will support Kobe Bryant, and in that role
Harden was the best in NBA last season;
However, USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo still said that it was a difficult choice;
"(Harden) have us some things to sit back and think about (during the playoffs)," Colangelo said. "He has size and length at his position defensively, he comes up with loose balls and he's a scorer. It was a tough choice we had
to make, Eric Gordon (and) James Harden. Harden deserved it for the reasons I mentioned."
This year, USA roster has received some serious blows after the season ending injuries of Derrick Rose, Howard and Aldridge and withdrawal of Wade and Chris Bosh. However the defending champions have still lot of hope in the form
of Carmelo Anthony, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, LeBron James and Blake Griffin. Other players that made it into the final list are Kevin Love, Deron Williams, Andre Iguodala and Russell Westbrook.
The mega event will start from 28th July and team USA will take on France in the first game.
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