3 former Kentucky Wildcats named finalists for U.S. Olympic Team

Three former Kentucky Wildcats made the list of 30 finalists named for the 2016 U.S. Olympic Men’s Basketball Team by USA Basketball.

Washington Wizards point guard John Wall, New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis and Sacramento Kings forward DeMarcus Cousins. Cousins and Davis were part of team that won the gold medal at the 2014 FIBA World Cup. Davis was also part of the gold-medal winning 2012 U.S. Olympic team.

"It seems like I say this each time we have to narrow down a roster, but I am struck by the remarkable commitment the players in the USA Basketball National Team program continue to display and the enthusiasm they have for representing their country who has served as the managing director of the USA Men’s National Team since 2005.

"The depth of talent that exists in the national team program is extraordinary," said USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo. "Repeating as gold medalists at the 2016 Olympics will not be easy, but we feel confident that we have 30 finalists who offer amazing basketball abilities and special versatility."

The official 12-member 2016 U.S. Olympic Men’s Basketball Team roster will be announced later this year.

"Obviously selecting the official roster of 12 players for the Olympics in 2016 will be a very, very difficult process," said Colangelo." As has been the case with past USA Basketball teams, the goal once again is to select the very best team possible to represent the United States."

This is also a good reminder to vote for Wall, Cousins and Davis into the 2016 NBA All-Star Game as voting ends today.