Kings PF DeMarcus Cousins Says He Wants To Play For U.S. Olympic Team

During a postgame interview with reporters after the Kings' season finale against the Lakers, Sacramento Kings power forward DeMarcus Cousins said he hoped to be invited to Las Vegas, and if so, expected to make the final roster for the 2012 U.S. Olympic roster, according to the Sacramento Bee.

"I mean, who wouldn't want to play for Team USA?" Cousins said to reporters. "Go over there and represent your country. I would love to do it."  Asked if he thought he'd make the team, Cousins said, "I probably would get a spot (on the Olympic team). Honestly ... but we'll see."

On Tuesday from Las Vegas, USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo politely declined of the possibility for Cousins to be selected to play on the team this year saying, " We've been told he is very interested... and that will get him in the cycle for (future) teams."

Despite his off and on-court issues during his rookie year last season, Cousins  lifted every facet of his game this season for the Kings, averaging of 18.1 points and 11 rebounds, including a league-leading 4.1 on the offensive end.