Beale Street Bears
Fansided

Mike Conley Receives Invite to USA Basketball Training Camp

By Christian Dudley

facebooktwitterreddit

Jan 9, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11) against the New Orleans Pelicans during a game at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Grizzlies 106-95. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

The Memphis Grizzlies’ star point guard, Mike Conley, has received an invitation to join USA Basketball’s training camp.

Invitations to this summer’s USA Basketball training camp have been sent to the top American NBA players.

Marc Stein of ESPN informed his followers on Twitter of the proceedings for this summer’s USA Basketball training camp. It read as follows:

Stein also listed some of the current NBA players that have received invites for USA Basketball’s training camp.

Among these elite players is one point guard that Grizz Nation knows very well. He is none other than Mike Conley.

“Clutch Conley” has not yet made an Olympic roster. He also has never made the final cut to participate in FIBA play. This particular invite is not Mike’s first, though, as he received an invite in 2013, yet he did not make the final cut.

Beale Street Bears recently wrote about the tough competition at the point guard position in the association. It is perhaps the most competitive position in professional basketball nowadays with teams playing faster, the average age of players becoming younger, and with winning teams showcasing more “small ball” while eliminating the need for a traditional center.

Conley may be facing his best opportunity thus far–and perhaps the greatest chance he will ever receive throughout his career’s entirety–to earn a spot on USA Basketball’s roster.

Nov 15, 2014; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11) and Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) talk during the game against the Detroit Pistons at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

His advantages? Mike is a veteran that is entering his prime years of hooping while already experiencing many incredible playoff feats in his first eight seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies. He has nearly notched “elite status” in the NBA if he has not already done so. He can shoot the outside jumper, he can drive, find teammates, nail the midrange shot, play stellar defense, and shut down the most amazing scorers at his position. Conley has emerged as one of the best all-around point guards in the league and he is continuously developing his game. Literally, his best is yet to come.

This would not only be a tremendous achievement for Mike, but for the Memphis Grizzlies, too.

Marc Gasol is a global icon, not only for his dominance in the NBA today, but for his astounding performances with his brother, Pau Gasol, over the years with Spain’s national team. The Gasol brothers have made the Grizzlies known across the world because of being superb basketball players and this may be a step in the same direction for Mike Conley, even though he was born on American soil. USA Basketball is prominent worldwide and an appearance by Mike Conley–a Memphis Grizzly–would surely catch great attention from overseas basketball fans.

Perhaps some global recognition is what Mac-11 needs most of all in order to notch his first ever NBA All-Star Game selection?

Best of luck to “Clutch Conley” from all of us at Beale Street Bears! We already know he will make Grizz Nation proud.

Continue to check Beale Street Bears for the latest news, rumors, and other info of the offseason regarding your Memphis Grizzlies!

Go Grizz!

Next: Should the Grizzlies look to add Phil Pressey?

More from Beale Street Bears

Home/Grizzlies News