Rudy Gay ’04 Helps USA beat Turkey 81-64 to win the 2010 FIBA World Championship Crown

Rudy Gay’s journey began after successfully completing the USA men’s National Team training camp in Las Vegas in July. The Spalding Alum and Memphis Grizzlies swingman realized he was one step closer to achieving a goal he set out for himself long ago; the opportunity to represent the United States at the 2010 World Championships. Gay made it through three rounds of cuts to land a spot on the 12 man roster.

“I feel like one part of the war is over but the next one is beginning,” Gay said when he made the team. The 6-8 forward who has re-signed with Memphis, commented that he learned a lot from the training camp in Las Vegas. “You always learn new things no matter how old you are and I feel like every time I go compete with different players I learn more stuff.”

The former UCONN star, who also participated in the training camp last summer, mentioned that this summer’s version of the camp was far more competitive since every player was out to earn a spot on the final roster to compete in the World Championships. He also stated that because of his experience participating last summer, this time around he didn’t have any nerves rushing through him.

“Last year, I didn’t really know what to expect,” Gay remarked. “But this year, I was just trying to be comfortable and see how I fit in with the USA team. Defensively, we picked up and not just with me. I think we all picked up our intensity knowing that this time we were going to defend our country.”

Over the past two summers while participating in the training camp, it has also given Gay the opportunity to partake in the annual Blue-White USA Basketball Showcase Game. In both the 2009 game and one in 2010 (which just took place last month) Gay has displayed why he is considered one of the rising stars in the NBA. In that 2009 game he led all scorers with a game-high 27 points while shooting an almost perfect 11-12 from the floor. This year in the scrimmage Gay proved that last year’s performance wasn’t a fluke as he posted 25 points and shot 7-11 from the field.

Gay also commented that it’s been a joy throughout the entire USA experience being able to practice and compete against his longtime friend and fellow Maryland native, Oklahoma City Thunder star Kevin Durant. “I think, we both make each other better,” Gay said of the 2009-10 NBA scoring champion. “We played against each other a lot growing up. He knows my game and I know his. He’s a great player and when I go out there I just have to let him know that I’m a great player too.”

Rudy Gay described winning the World Championships as an unforgettable honor. “Representing the USA in the World Championships was definitely one of the things I’ve always wanted to accomplish; now I want to represent the USA in the 2012 Olympics.”