Team USA has made the official announcement of their Men's basketball roster that will compete in the FIBA World Cup. The most noticeable distinction of this team from recent rosters is the emphasis on size.

The official announcement from the USA Basketball website:

"Named as members of the official 2014 USA Basketball World Cup Team were: DeMarcus Cousins (Sacramento Kings); Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors); Anthony Davis (New Orleans Pelicans); DeMar DeRozan (Toronto Raptors); Andre Drummond (Detroit Pistons); Kenneth Faried (Denver Nuggets); Rudy Gay (Sacramento Kings); James Harden (Houston Rockets); Kyrie Irving (Cleveland Cavaliers); Mason Plumlee (Brooklyn Nets); Derrick Rose (Chicago Bulls); and Klay Thompson (Golden State Warriors)."

Probably the most heartbreaking cut would be Damian Lillard of the Portland Trailblazers. He was outstanding throughout the training camps and even in the pre-season tune up. However, the logjam at the point guard spot caused his ouster.

Also, most of the players who were invited primarily for their three point shooting skills were also cut. Kyle Korver and Gordon Hayward did not have much else to offer but their threes, and they were left behind.

Team USA has no less than three centers. In 2012, Team USA struggled against Spain even with LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and Kevin Durant leading the team. Pau Gasol asserted his dominance in that game.

Now, with the absence of the big names, Team USA had no choice but to match inch for inch. Anthony Davis is the probable starter in a 'small ball' set up but they have taller combos with DeMarcus Cousins, Mason Plumlee and Andre Drummond on the bench.

Drummond was a player predicted by many to be cut from the team. However, he had a good game against the Dominican Republic. That may have sold his case to Coach K.

DeMar Derozan was also quite a surprise especially since they chose him over Chandler Parsons. Perhaps the team has enough shooters, so they decided to emphasize athleticism and defense.

Late invitee Rudy Gay also made it. The team lacked experience and Rudy Gay has that. They might need him to fill the scoring void left by Kevin Durant.

Portland Trailblazers fans lament how their team has no representatives to Team USA while a non-playoff team like the Sacramento Kings has two players in. It should be noted that LaMarcus Aldridge was invited, but he begged off.