LOS ANGELES (AP) — The first hurdle facing the U.S. men’s basketball team in defense of its gold medal could be the schedule.
USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo says the earlier start date for the 2012 Olympics could require the Americans to submit a 12-man roster before the NBA season is over.
The rosters will be due on June 18, 2012. Colangelo says that will force the team to pick its squad without the benefit of having the players together for a training camp.
With the NBA finals going the full seven games last year, the season didn’t end until the early morning of June 18.
The London games open July 27, 2012. Teams would still be able to make changes to the 12-man rosters after the deadline if there is an injury.
