FIBA World Cup: What We Learned About Each Player On Team USA’s Roster

DeMarcus Cousins

If not for Klay Thompson, DeMarcus Cousins would have been the unsung hero off the bench for Team USA. In the rare instances when Davis and/or Faried got into early foul trouble, Boogie was ready to answer the call off the bench and averaged an efficient 9.6 points and 5.6 rebounds in just 14 minutes per game. Cousins’ temper flared up a few times, like when he nearly slugged Jonas Valanciunas for an elbow to the neck, but he never let it get the best of him and he was focused on both ends of the floor.

For the gold medal game in particular, Cousins was ready to step up in a big way. With both Davis and Faried in early foul trouble, Coach K had to turn to Boogie off the bench and the decision to bring him to Spain proved to be a good one. Cousins finished with 11 points, nine boards and two blocks in 17 minutes of action.

For the Sacramento Kings, this can only mean good things for the future. I don’t think one summer under Coach K is going to completely change Boogie’s attitude, but sometimes playing on a complete team, being in a winning environment and competing for your country will do wonders for your leadership qualities heading into a new season.