VIDEO: Knicks' Josh Hart's Team USA 'Dream' Fulfillment
New York Knicks forward/guard Josh Hart has had quite the summer.
In addition to earning his first invite to the United States' men's basketball team's FIBA World Cup title trek, the 28-year-old also signed a four-year, $81 million contract extension, one that's poised to keep him in New York through 2028.
Hart has come off the bench for Team USA and recently starred in "The Twelve," a group of short stories told by each member of the senior unit about their FIBA upbringing.
Like most of his teammates, Hart said that playing for Team USA has been a lifelong goal and his answer was easy when he got the call.
"It was (an obvious) yes to play and represent the U.S.," Hart said. "As a kid, dreaming of putting that USA Jersey and having 'Hart' on the back, I never knew it was going to be possible."
Team chemistry is arguably the most important factor in a franchise's, or in this case, a national team's, success. Hart explained that he and his teammates, which includes fellow Knick Jalen Brunson, have really bonded over the past few weeks, which saw Team USA go undefeated in five exhibitions.
"The energy and the vibe around the team is really amazing," Hart said. "You have pre-existing friendships, great high-character guys and I think that's the biggest thing about this team that really stands out. We all like each other and, obviously, it's just the beginning of it."
Hart has stood out on the Knicks for his hustle, competitiveness, and passion on the court, crediting his parents for gaining those traits
"My tenacity comes from my parents, I think that's the biggest thing," Hart said. "Just two hard-working people, my mom was a waitress and my dad was a chef. Growing up and seeing their sacrifice, so my siblings and myself can have a better childhood than they did and we can follow our dream, just seeing that gives me a 'no excuses mentality.'"
That mindset is set to continue on Saturday morning against New Zealand, as Team USA opens play in Group C (8:40 a.m. ET, ESPN2).
You can follow Hunter De Siver on Twitter @HunterDeSiver.
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