Kevin Durant, the Reluctant Face of Team USA

The player of the game cup on display above his head , pride and sweat dripped off Kevin Durant. After leading the USA white team over the blue team, (with 28 points), in their inter-squad match, the Oklahoma City Thunder star was named player of the game. In 2008, Durant was cut from the Olympic roster, but this time his place on the team seems secure, as he's emerged as the undisputed leader of this squad. Desperate to represent his country in the World Championship, and Olympic games, can this quiet young star lead team USA to gold?

After playing for the University of Texas, Durant was the second pick of the NBA draft, becoming a member of, the Oklahoma City Thunder. This off-season, Durant signed an extension to remain a member of the Thunder, anxious to help build a winning team in Oklahoma City. The announcement, like the man, was unassuming, and low key. Kevin Durant seems adverse to the spotlight. He's a rare, modern day, star athlete.

Recognized as the face of the World team, Durant takes nothing for granted, and has performed like someone fighting for a spot on the team. Unlike the 2008 team, this team will have a different look. The 2008 team known as, "The Redeem Team" featured a roster of superstars.

Carmelo Anthony
Carlos Boozer
Chris Bosh
Kobe Bryant
Dwight Howard
LeBron James
Jason Kidd
Chris Paul
Tayshaun Prince
Michael Redd
Dwayne Wade
Deron Williams

In comparison to this years team:

Chauncey Billups
Tyson Chandler
Stephen Curry
Kevin Durant
Rudy Gay
Eric Gordon
Danny Granger
Jeff Green
Andre Iguodala
Brook Lopez
Kevin Love
Lamar Odom
Rajon Rondo
Derrick Rose
Russell Westbrook

This year's group will once again feature talented NBA stars, but they won't be the most talented. What they will be, is proud, grateful, and determined. When the first dream team was assembled, there was an overwhelming since of pride to represent the USA in the Olympic games, and reclaim our international dominance in basketball. As the years, and Olympics have gone on, some players seemed to join the team out of a sense of obligation. Listening to Kevin Durant, you know how important this is, how much he wants this. Representing his country isn't an obligation for him, it's an honor.

The absence of former Olympic stars, has presented others with an opportunity, and Kevin Durant seems ready. For the 21 year old future Olympian, playing in the World games, and Olympics, is a dream he's had since he was a little boy. The USA team will be well served by players the caliber of Kevin Durant, players who've demonstrated a dedication to team basketball. This USA team will have a chance to show the world it doesn't take superstars, or catchy names, to bring home the gold.

Sources:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/columns/story?columnist=sheridan_chris&page=USA-Durant-100721
http://www.usabasketball.com/mens/national/roster.htm
lhttp://www.usabasketball.com/mens/national/2008MSNTRoster.html