The composition of Team USA is pretty much an invitation only, with NBA stars getting the all the love and opportunity to represent America in the world stage. This is the main motivation Los Angeles Lakers big man Jaxson Hayes is having over his pursuit of Slovenia national basketball team slot.
His teammates Luka Doncic made the revelation first last week and now Hayes, who was born in Oklahoma, is confirming the news. He said he is looking to become a naturalized player for the European basketball giants because there is almost no chance he will be able to play for the USA because they way the team is handled.
“USA doesn’t do open tryouts,” he said in an interview with Dave McMenamin of ESPN.
“And I feel like there are guys they invite to the USA [training camp] that shouldn’t be there. So, I wanted to just play on that stage. I’m going to do whatever it takes to play on that stage.
“Obviously, I would love to go represent my own country, but we don’t do open tryouts,” Hayes added. “It is what it is.”
This is the first time that Doncic teammate was rumored to be pursuing a Slovenian passport. Daniel Gafford, Luka’s ex teammate with the Mavericks, was reportedly a candidate for naturalization.
JJ Redick on Jaxson Hayes’ fit with international games
The 25-year-old center added that the process is already ongoing and he has been in contact with Luka for it.
“We have the same agent. My parents and his [Luka’s] parents are kind of all working on that right now. They came to me with the idea, and I think each national team gets one naturalized player.”
One notable difference between European and American style of play is the emphasis on team work. While American players put premium on individual skills, the former puts emphasis on cohesiveness. Can Hayes learn the basics of European basketball? His head coach JJ Redick thinks he might find a great starting point from the fact that he is already playing with Doncic.
“The international game is very different. And I think for him, if it ends up happening, getting that connection and chemistry with Luka would be awesome,” Redick said.
For the latest Basketball Content
Make sure you are always updated on your favorite basketball players and teams. Follow us @HardwoodHeroics for the latest and trending news about NBA, college basketball, and more. Stay updated by reading more of our NBA articles by clicking here and college basketball by clicking here!
