USA - Gay fortifies American squad

CHICAGO (FIBA Basketball World Cup) - Rudy Gay helped the United States capture the world title four years ago and now he has the opportunity to help them defend it.

The star forward, not expected to represent his country this summer, has accepted an invitation to join the preliminary squad that will play at the FIBA Basketball World Cup in Spain in just a few weeks.

Gay will take the number of players currently training for the competition back to 16, and it comes almost immediately after Kevin Durant's decision to pull out of the team due to exhaustion.

Over the coming days, USA coach Mike Krzyzewski and national team managing director Jerry Colangelo will consider if Gay is a player they want in their final squad.

"I received a call last night indicating that Rudy was available to join the national team if Coach K and I felt he could help," said Colangelo.

"We both felt he would be a valuable addition because of his outstanding skills and the fact that he is so familiar with USA Basketball and our national team program.

"Rudy has been an integral member of USA Basketball since 2005 and was a tremendous contributor to our 2010 World Championship team.

"He has a lot of equity in the USA Basketball national team."

Gay is thrilled to be linking up with the players in Chicago, which is where the second stage of the World Cup preparation is to take place.

"I am extremely excited to once again be part of Team USA and its rich tradition," he said.

"I can't wait to join my teammates in Chicago and work hard to make certain the USA takes home the gold in Spain."

Gay averaged 7.0 points and 2.9 rebounds for the USA in Turkey four years ago.

He played and started in 73 games in the 2013-14 campaign (18 with the Toronto Raptors and 55 with the Sacramento Kings) and averaged 20.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.3 steals while shooting 45.5 percent from the field. 

FIBA