Kyle Kuzma has quickly found his role with Team USA, only less than two weeks since training camp started. The Los Angeles Lakers forward claims he's figured out what will be his contribution to this team moving forward.
“Defensive rebounding, that’s going to be my calling card with this team,” said Kuzma, according to USA Basketball. “I think I’ve been showing that pretty well. I think [the coaches] have been pleased so far.”
The young player going into his third year has also been able to adapt to the change in coaching, going from two years of Luke Walton at the pro level to an established mind like Gregg Popovich's. The adjustment has been effortless for him, as he's managed to quickly pick up the change in terminology.
“Pretty easily. I pick up on it pretty quickly,” said Kuzma. “I’m a fast learner, I think. In high school I used to go to multiple schools and had different coaches, so I’m used to that. So, I’ve had a lot of coaches. But when you’re focused you can pick up on things quickly.”
Popovich and assistant Steve Kerr have similar, but contrasting styles — a formula that helps keep this team fresh and well-rounded with different opinions and targets for each individual.
“I mean, they are both great basketball minds,” Kuzma said of Popovich and Kerr. “Coach Pop is obviously one of the best to ever do it and Steve is too. He’s got the rings to show it. They both do. They’re both championship level competitors and I’ve learned a lot since being with these guys.”
Kuzma will have to show some potential with his calling card, considering that Team USA is short on the rebounding side after Andre Drummond dropped out of consideration. The Americans will have to rebound by committee or risk this young team getting muscled out of the glass, by bigger, stronger, and more experienced teams.
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