PHILADELPHIA – Two Sixers are keeping exclusive company this week. Monday at the University of Nevada – Las Vegas, Jerami Grant and Jahlil Okafor went through their first day of training with the United States Olympic Men’s Basketball National Team. In June, they were named to the 15-man USA Basketball Select team, which this week is helping its countrymen prepare for the Olympics. LIVE on #Periscope: LIVE: It’s 5on5 time at the #USAB Men’s Select Team practice! https://t.co/yotScxydVg— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) July 18, 2016 “I think it was good,” said Grant of Monday’s practice session, which was highlighted by the Select team scrimmaging against the national team. “Just being out here, getting to see what the older players are doing, I think it’ll definitely help me in the future, and help everybody here in the future.”Grant, who averaged 9.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, and ranked 11th in the NBA with 127 blocked shots last season, is one of nine rising third-year players on the 2016 edition of the Select Team. He previously contributed to the United States’ national hoops program in 2012, when he suited up for the Under-18 National Team. Now, he’s working alongside decorated pro peers. “I think this is definitely more of a learning experience for me,” Grant said. “Just being around some of the best basketball players in the world, I think you can learn from that.”Okafor, despite having made a full recovery from a minor arthroscopic right knee procedure this past March, is limited this week to non-contact on-court activities. Still, after just one day of camp, the big man was finding the trip valuable.”Being around a bunch of high-level guys every day, seeing their preparation, how hard they work, being around some great coaches,” said Okafor, a 2016 NBA All-Rookie First-Team selection. A season ago, he became the only first-year player in Sixers history to produce at least 17.0 points and 7.0 rebounds per game. There’s no question that this year’s Olympic squad boasts plenty of talent. With the exception of the Warriors’ Harrison Barnes and the Los Angeles Clippers’ DeAndre Jordan, each of the 10 remaining Americans on the team have earned at least one All-Star bid. In terms of Olympic success, however, only New York’s Carmelo Anthony and Golden State’s Kevin Durant have previously medaled.Grant said, “If you pay attention and you’re watching, along with the coaches, they’re some of the greatest coaches in the world, as well, I think you can learn a lot.”Two of the coaches involved with USA Basketball have strong connections to both Grant and Okafor. Jim Boeheim, in the midst of his second stint as an assistant on Mike Krzyzewski’s bench, is set for his 41st season at Syracuse, where Grant played from 2012 through 2014. Krzyzewski, meanwhile, is aiming to deliver a third gold medal in as many trips to the Olympics with the United States. He led Okafor and Duke to an NCAA national championship in 2015.”Just taking it all in,” said Okafor of the advice that Krzyzewski gave him about how to approach the week ahead. “We’re on the Select team. We get to see the official Olympic team, and seeing the top guys in our league, so being able to watch them and learn from them.”Okafor plans to pay particularly close attention to big men Jordan, and Sacramento’s DeMarcus Cousins. “DeAndre’s obviously amazing defensively,” Okafor said. “He’s done a great job with his body. And Boogie [Cousins], he’s just an all around great player, so I’ll be watching those two guys a lot.”As much short-term value as practicing with the American Olympians will have for Grant and Okafor, the Sixers’ duo believes the assignment will create long-term pay-offs as well.”Just a bunch of guys that I can learn some more from, so I’m excited about these next few days,” said Okafor.”Experience is the best teacher,” Grant said. “Being around these guys, knowing how they play, just trying to take bits and pieces off of everybody’s game, or everybody that you think your game resembles, it will definitely be a plus.”The USA Basketball four-day mini-camp continues through Thursday, a day before the Olympic team hosts its counterparts from Argentina in an exhibition at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
LIVE on #Periscope: LIVE: It’s 5on5 time at the #USAB Men’s Select Team practice! https://t.co/yotScxydVg
