Young Kings big man Marvin Bagley is proving himself against some of the NBA's best talent. The 20-year-old is a member of the Select Team training alongside FIBA World Cup hopefuls, but he could be receiving a promotion.
The New York Time's Marc Stein reported Thursday that Bagley is a strong contender to be included in a contingent of roughly 15 players expected to proceed to Los Angeles next week.
As @USABasketball prepares for its fourth day of practice in Las Vegas, I'm told Sacramento's Marvin Bagley and San Antonio's Derrick White have emerged as the strongest of contenders to be included in the roughly 15-man contingent expected to proceed to Los Angeles next week— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) August 8, 2019
Bagley could help himself with a solid showing in Team USA's intrasquad game Friday night. Coaches Gregg Popovich, Steve Kerr and Co. then will shorten the roster and continue training before an exhibition against Spain on Aug. 16 in Anaheim.
Throughout training camp, Bagley has held his own against some of the best players in basketball.
Sports
20 year old Marvin Bagley III poised for a breakout sophomore season! @usabasketball @SacramentoKings pic.twitter.com/vygCdXUgDH— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) August 8, 2019
"I have confidence in my game and my ability," Bagley said Wednesday. "I just go out and play as hard as I can every possession, and one day it (playing for Team USA) will happen. I believe in it and I think it will happen."
The former Duke star is joined by Kings teammates De'Aaron Fox, who has opened plenty of eyes in camp, and Harrison Barnes vying for spots on Team USA.
[RELATED: Bagley gets taste of Team USA experience, hungry for more]
Bagley, the No. 2 pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, averaged 14.9 points and 7.6 rebounds per game last season for the Kings. In the final three months of the season, he saw increased playing time and his numbers jumped to 17.8 points and 9.1 rebounds per game.
Bagley was voted All-Rookie first team and will look to use that as a stepping stone in his sophomore season.
