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The anticipation for the Paris 2024 Olympics is heating up as Trey Murphy III of the New Orleans Pelicans has been named to the USA Basketball Men’s Select Team. This elite group of fifteen athletes will play a pivotal role in preparing the USA Men’s National Team for their Olympic journey.

The Star-Studded Select Team

The USA Select Team is a blend of talent, featuring twelve current NBA or NBA G League players, two seasoned athletes with international and USA Basketball experience, and one incoming college freshman. Names like Jalen Duren from the Detroit Pistons and Cooper Flagg from Duke University highlight the roster, showcasing the depth and versatility of this squad.

Training in Vegas: A Crucial Phase

From July 6-8, the Select Team will train daily with the USA Men’s National Team in Las Vegas. This intensive training camp is a critical phase in the preparation for the Olympics, allowing the National Team to sharpen their skills against top-tier competition. Grant Hill, USA Basketball Men’s National Team managing director, emphasized the significance of this opportunity, stating:

"There is a tremendous amount of talent on this Select squad with the significant job of helping the 2024 USA Men’s National Team as they begin their journey to the Olympics."

A Rich History of Excellence

The Select Team's lineup includes Payton Pritchard, a 2024 NBA champion, and Jalen Suggs, who earned a spot on the 2024 NBA All-Defensive Team. Ten members have previous USA Basketball experience, with five returners from the 2023 USA Select Team. This continuity and experience are invaluable as they support the National Team's quest for Olympic gold.

Coaching Leadership

Orlando Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley will lead the Select Team for the second consecutive year, with assistance from Jim Boylen of the Indiana Pacers and Matt Painter of Purdue University. Mosley expressed his enthusiasm for the role:

"I’m looking forward to returning to Las Vegas and working with the USA Select Team once again."

Building the Future

The USA Basketball Men’s National Team program has a history of utilizing Select Teams since 2006, with many members eventually joining the National Team for major international competitions. The 2024 Select Team continues this tradition, ensuring a strong pipeline of talent for the future.

With the Paris 2024 Olympics on the horizon, Trey Murphy III and his fellow Select Team members are set to play a crucial role in shaping the success of Team USA. Their journey in Las Vegas marks the beginning of an exciting chapter in USA Basketball history.

Editor: Yana Davydiuk