Thompson seeks more glory for USA

RIO DE JANEIRO (Rio 2016 Olympic Games) - Klay Thompson needed just one tournament with the USA senior team to make himself indispensable to the program.

At the FIBA Basketball World Cup two years ago in Spain, the Golden State Warriors guard buried 22 of his 53 attempts (41.5 percent) from the arc. He was lethal. Thompson averaged 12.7 points per contest, second on the USA team to James Harden's 14.2ppg.

The USA stormed to the title and Thompson, who had reached the top of the podium at the 2009 FIBA U19 World Championship in New Zealand where he made 51.6 percent (16 of 31) from long range, had a second major honor in the American jersey.

Now he's a member of the USA Olympic team, just two days away from the start of the tournament. He spoke to FIBA.com on Thursday.

FIBA.com: Two years on from the FIBA Basketball World Cup, can this team can be as good as the one in Spain?
Thompson: We have to wait and see.

Klay Thompson (USA) reached the top of the podium in 2014

FIBA.com: Do you have different emotions right now before the start of this tournament since it's an Olympics?
Thompson: No, very similar. Whenever you have USA across your chest, it's a real honor. It's special and it's easy to get up for.

FIBA.com: There are eight different players in this team from the World Cup-winning side. Are you going to have a similar role?
Thompson: I think so. I don't think my role is going to change much on any team I'm on. Just defend, try to score and have fun.

FIBA.com: How good was it to get back on the court so quickly after the NBA Finals? (Cleveland beat Golden State, 4-3)
Thompson: It's great. It was a long season but it's great to come out here and compete when it's USA across your chest.

What do you particularly like about this team?
It's probably versatility, everyone's hunger to win. No one really cares about stats and stuff like that.

FIBA