Alex Caruso on getting included in Team USA's player pool

"Hopefully, I'm lucky enough to get selected and go."

© Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Chicago Bulls guard Alex Caruso has had a heck of a career, going from being an undrafted player out of Texas A&M to an NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers to becoming one of the best defenders in the league. Now, Caruso can add another accomplishment to his resume — being a member of Team USA.

Caruso is part of Team USA’s player pool for the squad competing in the 2024 Tokyo Olympics. Although the chances of the 6-foot-5 guard making the 12-member squad are slim due to the presence of the NBA’s biggest stars, Caruso shared his excitement and hopefulness for the opportunity.

Cool opportunity

In an interview with reporters after the Bulls’ practice on Wednesday, Caruso expressed his gratitude for even being considered for Team USA’s player pool.

“I knew about it probably a week or so ago. They talked to me about it. I talked to Grant Hill, who works for USA Basketball, before the Toronto game. It’s really cool, just another kind of tier in the career path of what I’ve been able to accomplish,” Caruso shared.

The 29-year-old is having another solid season for the Bulls, averaging 9.9 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. He’s also become a more reliable three-point shooter, making 42 percent of his shots from long distance.

Alex Caruso on being named to the initial Team USA player pool for the Paris Olympics: “Hopefully I’m lucky enough to get selected and go. That would be an even bigger accomplishment and exciting adventure.” pic.twitter.com/wu2W64ycZk

— Julia Poe (@byjuliapoe) January 24, 2024

Exciting adventure

With 40 other equally motivated NBA stars vying for slots on Team USA, competition will be extremely tough. But for Caruso, representing his country on the world stage is a dream come true.

“Hopefully, I’m lucky enough to get selected and actually go. That would be a bigger accomplishment and exciting adventure,” Caruso added.

AC named to Team USA’s player pool 🇺🇸

@ACFresh21 x #USABMNT pic.twitter.com/COcFewocLg

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) January 23, 2024