http://0rz.tw/bGa5L

There is an excitement and buzz around the Sacramento Kings right now
following the recent announcement of DeMarcus Cousins making Team USA’s
Select Team.  While he wasn’t named a finalist for the National Team,
Cousins hasn’t given up hope on London yet and seems determined to earn a
chance to represent his country.

“I’m very excited,” Cousins said.  “I feel like I have a legitimate
chance to go in and actually earn a spot for the team.  So I’m going to go
in, try to earn a spot.”


Cousins isn’t alone in his hunt to become the first King to compete in the
Olympics since Mitch Richmond back in 1996.  It appears that the owners have
been lobbying for him behind closed doors as well.

“I spoke to (director of USA Basketball) Jerry Colangelo and pushed for
DeMarcus to be on the Select Team,” Gavin Maloof said following Wednesday
night’s NBA Draft Lottery festivities.  “I think that’s invaluable for
him.  The experience is incredible because he’s playing with the best talent
in the world.  To know what it means to be a pro, (and to work with) the best
coaching staff…it’s invaluable for him.”

Cousins’ chances of making the final roster aren’t great.  But with veteran
big men like Dwight Howard, LaMarcus Aldridge and Andrew Bynum skipping the
summer games, Team USA is left a little weak on its frontline.  Cousins is
hoping his play on the practice squad turns heads.

For some of those around Cousins, seeing him play in London would be
exciting, but secondary.  For Kings head coach Keith Smart, it is about
Cousins taking the next step as a player and person.

“I just want him to be involved in the experience,” Smart said.  “Being
around those players will show him that, you may think you’re working hard
or may think you’re 100-percent committed, (but) until you get around some
guys who are already proven pros in the NBA, you don’t really understand
that.”

The  idea isn’t lost on Cousins.  He too has an agenda for his summer’s
activities. Cousins returned to Sacramento last week and began an early
offseason training program with Kings strength and conditioning coach Daniel
Shapiro.  Thursday was a lifting day and when we caught up with Cousins on
Friday, he was sore from the previous day’s workout.

Cousins seems to understand that he is entering a new phase in his career.  A
phase where potential must translate to wins and he appears ready to take on
the challenge.

“(I just want to) go in and learn from some of the elite guys in this league,
” Cousins said. “How to work, how to be a leader, how to make your
teammates better and how to be a better teammate – all of that.  I’m
definitely going to try to go in there and learn something.”

It is promising to hear these words come from Cousins.  For the Kings to
reach the next level, he does need to work on skills like leadership and
making his teammates better.  There is a hunger behinds Cousins’ words and
to see him mapping out his goals is very encouraging.

So, is Smart proud of his young center?

“I’m happy for him,” Smart said Friday afternoon.  “I’m happy that he
was really consistent in his play this year and got the attention to get a
chance to be selected.  But also, it’s important that he continues to grow
as a pro and I think having a chance to go to the Select Team, to be around
some of the other Olympians, guys who are at the top of our league – to be
out there, sitting with these guys, talking about playing, will benefit him
in the long run.”

The Maloof family already has plans to attend the Olympic games this summer.
 While they aren’t sure if one of their own will be in attendance, they are
pulling hard for Cousins.

“I hope to see DeMarcus there,” Gavin Maloof said.  “I hope he makes it.”

Kings fans probably feel the same way.  The Select Team is a big step for
Cousins.  The Olympic team would be even bigger.  This offseason might just
be what the doctor ordered for Cousins to make the leap and become an elite
NBA player.