The 2012 adidas Nation campaign has kicked off in Chicago, IL. Team USA 2014 tryouts began Saturday morning at Attack Athletics, the cutting edge 65,000 sq. ft. facility boasts 4 NBA sized basketball courts. Twenty-two players from fifteen states came to measure their game against an outstanding crop of freshman and sophomores. With Individual player development as the primary focus of the three training sessions this weekend most of the day was spent doing station work with the adidas Nations’ NBA experienced coaching staff. A staff that included LaSalle Thompson, Don McClean, Josh Oppenheimer, and Walter McCarty.
Throughout the day, players competed and there were great battles and spirited competition at each position. Jahlil Okafor, Tommy Hamilton and Craig Victor battled in the post, while Emmanuel Mudiay and Malik Newman competed at the point guard position. And on the wing Mustapha Heron and Josh Langford showed their great mix of skill and athleticism. This weekend’s workout is the first of three training camps with the next event being held May 19-220 in Las Vegas and June 9-10 back in Chicago.
Formed in 2007, the Nations program continues to grow and raise the standard for player development for elite college prospects. “adidas is committed to providing opportunities for athletes to be exposed to the best in basketball instruction, nutrition, footwear, and apparel” says Executive Director Jeff Robbins. As a brand we are committed towards building events and products that help athletes perform better.
adidas Nations alumni include: Kevin Love (Minnesota Timberwolves), Tyreke Evans (Sacramento Kings, Derrick Rose (Chicago Bulls). Robin Lopez (Phoenix Suns) and Brook Lopez (New Jersey Nets).
