The Brooklyn Nets' Mason Plumlee is fast becoming a rising star and one of the more important big men of the NBA. He doesn't have an imposing frame and his game is very 'blue collar,' but he is very effective. He might even beat out the talented DeMarcus Cousins for a World Cup slot!

He had a challenging season with the Brooklyn Nets when starting center Brook Lopez got injured. He also had that infamous block on LeBron James possible game-winning dunk. This put him on the radar, all the way to his college coach who is also the taking the reins of Team USA.

But Plumlee is quick to clarify that Coach Mike Krzyzewski would not pick him just because he's from Duke.

Speaking to the NY Post:

"If anybody knows Coach K, he didn't get to where he is by doing favors for people. He'd be the first person to get me out of there if I wasn't cutting it. He's all about winning, and by playing for him for four years, I know that. Now, I have an advantage in knowing what he's looking for from me, but he didn't win gold medals, he didn't win world championships by doing favors for people. It's just that simple."

That's a very good answer (typical of Duke players). He would have an advantage simply because of the familiarity with Coach K's style. But the selection process is objective. If he doesn't bring it, he will get cut.

ESPN analyzed Plumlee's numbers last year, and argues that it's time to give him some more burn even if Brook Lopez is expected to return:

"Plumlee's 19.0 PER was a revelation for the Nets a season ago, as he played 1,275 minutes and started 22 games to help Brooklyn survive the lost season of Brook Lopez. He faltered in the playoffs, but if the development of his brother Miles in Phoenix is any indication, Plumlee is going to be ready for a larger role in his second season. Free agent Andray Blatche is almost certainly not returning to Brooklyn, and Kevin Garnett will be entering his 20th NBA season, and can't be counted on for much more than 20 minutes per night. Lopez will be back, but ongoing concerns about his foot will result in his minutes being carefully regulated."

Plumlee's work ethic, not his university pedigree brought him to where he is now. It's also the same formula that will take him to the next level and beyond.