Wall makes case for USA selection with solid numbers

WASHINGTON DC (2016 Rio Olympics) - The perfect tonic for the disappointment that John Wall has right now because of his Washington Wizards' failure to reach the 2016 NBA play-offs? It would be, of course, to make the USA team for the Rio de Janeiro Olympics.

Among the finalists for a spot in the 12-man squad, Wall will show up at training camp this summer looking to impress. He appreciates that he'll have to beat out very good competition for a place in the backcourt, yet he is fully committed to doing so.

If he doesn't make the squad? So be it.

It's always an honor to represent your country, even if you don't make the team. Just going there and showing what you can do is great. You get a chance to do so and have your name on your national team jersey. I will be happy to go to the training camp, play my best and try to make it to the final team. - Wall

Wall knows that many of the best players in the sport's history have played for the USA at Olympic Games. He wants to be a part of that illustrious company.

"Yes, definitely," he said to FIBA.com, "it's a dream, a goal for every player. Having a gold medal on your résumé is incredible. I definitely would like this to happen."

Wall does have equity with USA Basketball. He played in the 2009 Nike Hoop Summit, was a member of the 2012 USA Select Team that trained against the USA Olympic side before the London Games and he has taken part in the 2014 and 2015 USA Basketball men's national team training camps.

Right now, Wall is focused on the NBA and what went wrong this year for Washington. He says there is plenty of frustration at missing out on the post-season, one year after the Wizards did make it to the play-offs. He and his teammates will use this to fuel their hunger to have a better performance next year. 

"It doesn't stop our progression," he said. "That motivates us to do better. I hate losing."

The 25-year-old from Raleigh, North Carolina, will also be sure to take the positives from the season. There have been plenty of times when he's gotten the fans on their feet.

Something that will have raised eyebrows at USA headquarters is Wall's statistical output in 2015-16. He has averaged almost 20 points and more than 10 assists per game. There are other areas, too, that make Wall an attractive possibility for the USA team.

I think I learned how to be more of a leader. But I am also more solid on the defensive end, on rebounding the ball, my shooting got better from the three point line – 35% this year. I work hard and the team respects that a lot. I still have to improve on my shot; I did a better job on posting up too. I am also a better defensive player overall. - Wall

Wall has also been recognized for something else that is very important. He is extremely active in the Washington community.

Washington do have cause to be optimistic about the future. They have some very good players. One of them, Bradley Beal, is Wall's backcourt mate. The two thrive when they are on the hardwood together.

"We both like work and are determined," Wall said. "It's a gift for us as we both want the ball because we believe in our talents and abilities and also in each other. We like to take and make the big shots. If he is hot, I am going to try to find him as much as possible. If I am hot, he will do the same."

Beal is also aiming to make the USA team. Wall says he has a lot of qualities that would be good for any side.

"He is a heck of a player and he knows how to make plays. His dribble has improved and now, he can play inside the paint and pass the ball to me as I am better at knocking down shots. He is a great player for us."

FIBA