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Utah Jazz: 5 Reasons International Basketball Is A Good Thing

By DJoumbarey A. Moreau

Aug 1, 2014; Las Vegas, NV, USA; USA Team Blue forward Gordon Hayward (24) dribbles the ball during the USA Basketball Showcase at Thomas & Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 1, 2014; Las Vegas, NV, USA; USA Team Blue forward Gordon Hayward (24) dribbles the ball during the USA Basketball Showcase at Thomas & Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 19, 2014; Orlando, FL, USA; Utah Jazz guard Dante Exum (11) drives to the basket against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Amway Center. Utah Jazz defeated the Orlando Magic 101-94. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 19, 2014; Orlando, FL, USA; Utah Jazz guard Dante Exum (11) drives to the basket against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Amway Center. Utah Jazz defeated the Orlando Magic 101-94. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

More Confidence

One of the reasons why a lot of people were expecting Dante Exum to take a big leap forward in his game is because they saw the way that he started to play during games with the Australian national team. People started to notice that Exum got significantly bigger than he was from his rookie season. Because of his newfound strength, Exum started getting to the rim a lot more.

Exum looked more confident and much more aggressive than he did in his tepid rookie season.

The confidence factor playing international basketball is something that can’t be overlooked. Being labeled as one of the best players in a country and having to play against other great competition across the world is a feeling only certain people have.

Even the most elite athletes in the NBA don’t get to make the Olympic roster. In Exum’s case, he made the Australian national team and his confidence would only continue to grow.

Next: Become Better Players