Bulls' Rose Among 16 Finalists USA World Cup Roster
(CBS) USA Basketball on Tuesday morning announced its 16 finalists for the World Cup roster, and as expected, Bulls point guard Derrick Rose made the cut. He's considered by nearly all observers to make the 12-man roster that will compete in Spain in the tournament that takes place from Aug. 30-Sept. 14.
Hawks forward Paul Millsap and Wizards guards John Wall and Bradley Beal were cut from the squad after a week-long mini-camp in Las Vegas. Pacers forward Paul George is also out of the picture after suffering a gruesome broken in last Friday night's intrasquad exhibition game.
The finalists are: Rose, DeMarcus Cousins (Sacramento Kings), Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors), Anthony Davis (New Orleans Pelicans), DeMar DeRozan (Toronto Raptors), Andre Drummond (Detroit Pistons), Kevin Durant (Oklahoma City Thunder), Kenneth Faried (Denver Nuggets), James Harden (Houston Rockets), Gordon Hayward (Utah Jazz), Kyrie Irving (Cleveland Cavaliers), Kyle Korver (Atlanta Hawks), Damian Lillard (Portland Trail Blazers), Chandler Parsons (Dallas Mavericks), Mason Plumlee (Brooklyn Nets) and Klay Thompson (Golden State Warriors).
"The ending to our Las Vegas training camp with the injury to Paul George was very emotional for everyone involved in USA Basketball," USA Basketball managing director Jerry Colangelo said. "I very much appreciate the outpouring of support Paul and USA Basketball has received the past couple of days from the basketball world. Past Olympic coaches and some of our past Olympic and World Championship players have reached out offering their continued support and that's very important. Paul's injury was an extremely unfortunate occurrence; it was truly a freak accident. We're all very pleased that his recovery is going well.
"We have always approached representing our country as a privilege, a tremendous honor, and USA Basketball is very appreciative of the willingness of our players to play for the United States and in their own patriotic way give back to their country. Historically, the players involved in USA Basketball have become better players because of their experience. They have treasured their USA Basketball experience, as well as the incredible opportunity and honor it has been for them to demonstrate their patriotism and represent their country.
"Their willingness to represent the United States says a lot about our players' patriotism and their willingness to sacrifice their time to this commitment. Not every American has the opportunity to represent their country and our players have embraced each opportunity to do it. They have worn the USA jersey with respect and honor, and by their commitment they have made all Americans extremely proud."
Team USA will resume practice on Aug. 14 in Chicago, where it will also play an exhibition against Brazil on Aug. 16 at 8 p.m. at the United Center.
