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Happy Thursday Nova Nation! Two summers ago we all got to cheer on Kyle Lowry as he and Team USA won Gold at the Olympics in Brazil. At the 2020 Olympics in Japan, Jay Wright is going to get his chance to do the same.
Gregg Popovich has named Wright as an assistant coach on Team USA, along with Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr and Indiana Pacers head coach Nate McMillan. Wright has been associated with USA Basketball for a while now, assisting with some of the teams at both the professional and collegiate level. However, this will be his first appearance on the “main stage” of International Basketball.
This is a huge deal for Jay Wright, especially as the only college coach asked to be a part of the staff. USA basketball had previously been coached by Mike Krzyzewski of Duke, who often had Jim Boeheim by his side as an assistant. Now as the hottest coach at the collegiate level, Wright will carry the torch (maybe literally?) for the college game on the world stage. That includes a likely trip to the World Cup in 2019, as well as the Olympics in 2020.
But beyond the international competition, this is HUGE for Wright’s recruiting cred as he creates more ties to the NBA. Not only will he have sent players to the next level, but now he’ll be coaching and working closely with the best players in the world. It’s not going to create the same uptick that two National Championships will get you, but it’s still great.
Congratulations to Head Coach Jay Wright! Now not just the coach of Nova Nation, but coach of THE Nation!
In other “news”, updates on commits and recruits, we have a Scottie Reynolds sighting, and all of college basketball is going to miss Jalen Brunson this season. Enjoy!
U.S.A. Basketball Adds Some Star Power to its Coaching Staff | The New York Times
Steve Kerr, Nate McMillan and Jay Wright will join the staff of Gregg Popovich as the team moves on from a hugely successful run with Duke’s Mike Krzyzewski.
Kentucky is No. 1 in Andy Katz's preseason Power 36 college basketball rankings | NCAA.com
Here are Andy Katz' preseason college basketball rankings for 2018 and a prediction of how the AP preseason basketball poll might look. Villanova comes in at lucky #13.
Bossi's Best: Senior values | Rivals.com
Phil Booth's value to Villanova may be immeasurable.
NJ basketball: Ranney duo Antoine, Lewis thriving since college commitments | App.com
Both were uncommitted when cut from the Under-18 National Team; since then Bryan Antoine committed to Villanova and Scottie Lewis committed to Florida.
Calipari targets Roach as his top PG in ‘20 class | Ledger Independent
One consistent part of John Calipari’s recruiting since he arrived at Kentucky is that he always like to target a point guard early to solidify that…
Best Players from each Big East/AAC team of the 21st Century (2000-2018) | Busting Brackets
The new-look Big East and AAC have provided some impressive talents in the game of basketball. This piece provides the best lineups each team can offer.
Scottie Reynolds, Petrol Olimpija sign a one-year deal | Eurohoops
Thanks to mander22 for finding this one!
Phoenix Suns have chance at multiple All-Rookie team selections | Arizona Sports
No team in the current millennium has had more than two players selected to an All-Rookie team in a single season and the Phoenix Suns have four rookies lined up to play significant minutes this year.
Duke, Kansas lead 64 reasons we're excited for college basketball | SI.com
College basketball season is almost here, and we can't wait for these players, teams and storylines to steal the show.
Where Have College Basketball’s Star Point Guards Gone? | The Ringer
The 2017-18 NCAA point guard class was one for the ages, from Trae Young and Jevon Carter to Jalen Brunson and Joel Berry II. This season’s point guard class looks … well, not exactly as promising.