After receiving the tremendous honor of being one of 19 players invited by legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski to participate in Team USA’s five-day training camp in Las Vegas, Gordon made the most of the opportunity, and impressed during Team USA’s early stages of preparation for the upcoming FIBA World Cup.

2014 USA Basketball Showcase

During the week-long training camp, G-Time battled up against some of the NBA’s best all week long, hoping to earn a spot on the 12-man roster that will compete later this summer in Spain.

Gordon is no stranger to USA Basketball. In fact, he was a member of the U19 squad that won a FIBA World Championship in 2009. In addition, he was a member of the Select Team that helped prepare Team USA for the London Olympics in 2012 and participated in the team mini-camp in 2013.

“It has been valuable,” GH said of his prior experience. “Not only did I get to know about the coaches and what they want, but they know me and what I can do.”

2014 USA Basketball Practice

G-Time also acknowledged how being a part of Team USA activities has helped build his confidence.

“Every year you come back, you gain confidence in yourself because they select you to be here,” Gordon said. “They respect your game enough to invite you, so you gain some confidence, and to be able to compete and play with the best players in the world is going to help you — that’s how you get better.”

Because of the differences between the NBA and international style of play, Krzyzewski commented on what exactly he would be looking for at the small forward position. With the slightly different style of play seen in the international game—as well as the small 12-man roster size—versatility is priority No. 1.

“International ball is a little different,” Coach K said. “They’ve gone more to the four is not a big guy, but he’s a versatile basketball player.”

2014 USA Basketball Practice

With that in mind, Gordon spent much of camp trying to showcase his ability to fill multiple roles on the floor.

“One of the key things that I bring is being able to play multiple positions, being able to spread the floor, make plays off the dribble and knock down some shots,” Hayward said. “Versatility is definitely something I can provide.”

Gordon is not the only Jazz player in Vegas, as second-year point guard Trey Burke was tapped as a member of the Select Team. With two of his key players competing, new head coach Quin Snyder took the trip to see the two in action.

“Obviously the two guys here were excited about having the chance to challenge themselves,” Snyder said. “And for me, it’s just a great opportunity, especially with a young team.”

In Friday’s intra-squad scrimmage, Gordon again stood out among his peers, scoring seven key points for his Blue Team.

“It’s different when you play for Team USA because you’re not the guy. Everybody can score, and that’s what’s fun. You never have to take a bad shot. You can swing the ball and somebody will make something happen,” Gordon said of his role within the team. “I think it takes a little bit of time but for me, it’s no big deal because that’s how I like to play anyway. I like being able to share the ball and cut and move and make sure you’re always getting a good shot because we’re capable [of that].”

USAB

Unfortunately, the lively USA Showcase took a scary turn in the fourth quarter when forward Paul George suffered a gruesome leg injury that halted the game and sidelined the Pacers start for the foreseeable future. Before his injury, George noted Gordon as one of the players at the camp he clicked with the most.

“I enjoy playing with Gordon,” the Indiana forward said. “It’s my first time being alongside KD (Kevin Durant). It’s gaining a little chemistry with all those guys.”

Many players on the USA team and around the league sent well-wishes to George following his unfortunate injury. Gordon was among those who took to Twitter to wish Paul well.

Prior to the Showcase, Coach K said he hoped to release an updated roster after the scrimmage, but the George situation has understandably pushed things back as Team USA rallies behind him.

Krzyzewski and his staff will likely announce roster cuts some time before the team’s next exhibition game against Brazil on August 16th in Chicago. For now, Gordon hopes that his strong play over the past week will speak for itself as he hopes to be an important asset for Team USA going forward.

“From day one, they tell you to be the player you are and do the things that got you invited here,” Hayward said. “That’s all I’ve been trying to do each day — play as well as I can.”