Team USA to train in Las Vegas for World Championships

Photo by Icon SMI / Retna Ltd.

Las Vegas is hosting the U.S. men’s national basketball team this month as it prepares for the International Basketball Federation World Championships in September, but don’t expect to see stars such as Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and Dwyane Wade taking the court.

While those players are expected to suit up for the U.S. in the 2012 Olympics, injuries and other priorities will keep them idle for Team USA’s training camp here July 19-24.

In fact, of the 12 players from the 2008 U.S. Olympic roster, only New Orleans guard Chris Paul and Utah guard Deron Williams might participate in the camp, but even their status is questionable.

One superstar who is expected to be among the 22 or so NBA players in camp is Oklahoma City forward Kevin Durant, who will likely be joined by Thunder teammates Russell Westbrook and Jeff Green. The U.S. team will train against a 20-player squad made up of the nation’s top collegiate players.

The practices are closed to the public, but the team will play an exhibition at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 24. Tickets range from $12 to $75 and are available at unlvtickets.com.


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