Team USA head coach Mike Krzyzewski gave a strong endorsement of Sacramento Kings big man DeMarcus Cousins on Saturday, and added that Cousins was never in danger of missing the cut. It was reported in training camp that Mason Plumlee could take his spot, but Krzyzewski denied that this was ever the case.
"We have believed in DeMarcus right from training camp," Krzyzewski said, via USA Today's Sam Amick. "All the reports about him not making the team and all that were all not right. We felt that he would be the perfect guy with or in place of Anthony (Davis) at times, but more in the place of Anthony."
On paper, it seemed from the start that Cousins should be a lock. The questions were whether USA Basketball fully trusted him and how he'd fit on the team with a bunch of scoring threats on the perimeter. He's since emerged as Team USA's primary backup center, with Plumlee and Andre Drummond only really seeing the floor in garbage time.
Cousins had 11 points and seven rebounds in Saturday's win over Mexico, shooting 5-for-5 from the field. He also battled defensively against Gustavo Ayon. Krzyzewski told reporters Cousins would "get an A-plus from me."
It's notable that Krzyzewski singled Cousins out, and that he wants to show that he has confidence in him. Team USA is going to need the big man to remain productive going forward, especially if they face Spain as expected in the final game.
