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San Antonio Spurs: Derrick White promoted to Team USA

ByAndrew Ites|
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 19: Derrick White #4 of the San Antonio Spurs sets up the offense during the game against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center on December 19, 2018 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 19: Derrick White #4 of the San Antonio Spurs sets up the offense during the game against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center on December 19, 2018 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

Thanks the mass exodus from Team USA this season and a strong showing in camp, Derrick White will get a chance to compete with America’s top team this summer.

After a breakout season in year two for Derrick White, San Antonio Spurs and Team USA head coach Gregg Popovich decided to invite his young point guard to the Team USA Select Team.

The Select Team consists of younger players who practice against the main national team and get the Team USA experience without playing with the top squad in the major competitions.

Team USA has seen most of their top players opt out of competition this summer one year ahead of the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.

That has provided an opportunity for some of America’s younger talent to earn a spot on the team, and Derrick White is very close to realizing that dream of wearing the Red, White, and Blue in a major competition.

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Bleacher Report’s Ric Bucher reported that White stood out in practices against the national team during a recent camp in Las Vegas and received an invitation to Los Angeles as a member of Team USA’s World Cup roster.

White has not only impressed the coaches of Team USA, he’s also left an impression on the players he’s competing against.

“Derrick White and Trae Young have been impressive in leading the teams, being the floor generals at such a young age,” said Team USA center Brook Lopez.

Trae Young was forced to leave the team with an eye issue, which opened up a guard spot for White.

White will train with Team USA in Los Angeles from August 13-15 ahead of an exhibition game against Spain on August 16th in Anaheim.

After that, Gregg Popovich will be forced to cut the World Cup roster down to 12 players on August 17th to give the final roster two weeks to prepare for the tournament that begins on August 31st.

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This is an amazing opportunity for Derrick White to hone his skills against the best players in the world, and he’s capitalized on that opportunity thus far. If he keeps dominating in practice, Coach Pop will have no choice but to add him to the roster for this upcoming major international competition.

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