NEW YORK, NY – The USA Men’s Basketball Team might have a different look come the 2012 Olympics!
Jerry Colangelo has been the mastermind behind the re-establishment of USA Basketball as a global power. Ever since taking over, the program has re-emerged and he had a huge hand in getting the men’s team to a gold medal in the last Olympics. He’s never been afraid to push the envelope and he’s got a message for the team’s current players.
“There are no free passes to London,” Colangelo told Yahoo! Sports on Wednesday night. “There are no special rules for anyone. If someone decides to pass without a legit issue, they do it with an understanding of the risk.”
Colangelo is referring to word spreading that some of USA Basketball’s biggest stars might be skipping out on the 2010 World Championships in Turkey. Lebron James revealed on Wednesday that he’s “probably not playing” and sources close to Dwayne Wade say that he’s already decided against playing for Team USA this summer. Both of their reasoning don’t fall within the excused absences Colangelo has laid out.
Colangelo has said that he is “flexible” will accept contract status, injury and pressing family matters as reasons for an excused absence. He does, however, expect players to report to the July minicamp while free agency is underway, and for the rest to join once their issues are resolved. Chris Bosh, along with James and Wade are among a few of the stars that are set to hit free agency this summer.
