Tuesday, August 13, 2013
No Kobe Bryant in 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup
Two-time Olympic gold medalist Kobe Bryant had a definitive answer when asked if he's going to suit up for the United States team that will play in the 2014 FIBA World Cup.
"No," was the response given by Bryant.
"I think we can have the young guys to go out there and play. I think it is important for the next generation to get up and have their chance to represent our country," explained Bryant, who donned Team USA's colors in the 2008 Beijing and 2012 London Olympics.
The United States of America qualified for the 17th edition of the World Championships that will be held in Spain by virtue of winning last year's Olympic games.
The Manila-visitor was also part of the USA team that won the 2007 FIBA Americas Championship, where they were able to sweep the 10-nation tourney.
"I love competing. I love competition. I can always play more but I think you have to allow the young guys that are coming up to have their opportunity," continued Bryant.
The USA men's national basketball team recently held their training camp in Las Vegas, Nevada last July 22-25, where a couple of up and coming stars like Kyrie Irving, Paul George, Jrue Holiday, Damian Lillard and Anthony Davis showed up.
"I've had my fun. You can go play in the Worlds, just leave the NBA Championship stuff to me," said the accomplished basketball superstar to USA's youngsters.
Bryant, who's currently in town for the promotional tour of electronics brand Lenovo, is aware that the Philippines qualified for the FIBA World Cup.
He gave his advice to the Gilas-Pilipinas team, which will take on 23 other teams in the tournament that will be played in Madrid next year.
“Just continue to play together. It’s not the strength of the individual in team sports. It’s how well those individuals play together as a team,” Bryant, who played alongside fellow NBA superstars LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony among others for Team USA, said.
“So just continue to work together, (build) constant communication. If that happens, you have a chance to accomplish something truly special.”
The Philippines, Gilas Pilipinas, qualified for the 2014 FIBA World Cup after placing second to Iran in the 27th FIBA-Asia Championship. South Korea, which won the bronze medal, will be Asia's third representative.
article source: solarsportsdesk.ph
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