(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
NBA players and fans are doing a lot of soul-searching after the FIBA Basketball World Cup.
Team USA just experienced another disappointing run in the tournament, again failing to earn a medal even after a very strong start and with a slew of great players on the roster.
What can the team do to improve its chances in future World Cups and Olympic games?
NBA star Rudy Gay has an idea.
On Twitter, he said, “Team USA really has to go back to tryouts.”
Team USA really has to go back to tryouts
— Rudy Gay (@RudyGay) September 10, 2023
Gay then elaborated:
“Nothing to do with coaching or whether it’s a B or C team. These other countries have players that would die to be there, we have players that where chosen.”
Nothing to do with coaching or whether it’s a B or C team. These other countries have players that would die to be there, we have players that where chosen
— Rudy Gay (@RudyGay) September 10, 2023
Gay may be onto something here.
There was a time when players fought hard to make it onto the team.
This was definitely true when the national team was composed of college players.
But when the rules changed and professional stars were able to participate, there was still a series of tryouts they needed to get through.
However, over the years, things have changed and Team USA now pursues players, recruiting them instead of having them try out like in the past.
Gay thinks that Team USA should go back to the old-school approach.
Players need to earn their spot on the team instead of being asked to play.
Tryouts would eliminate those whose hearts aren’t really in it and would make inclusion on the team all the more important for those who make the cut.
After rough eliminations in their last two World Cup appearances, will Team USA actually take Gay’s advice and alter their method of assembling the team?
That might not happen but they will definitely contemplate some big changes before the 2024 Olympics next summer.
The post Rudy Gay Offers A Solution To Team USA’s Struggles appeared first on The Cold Wire.