Team USA Pushing Davis’ Growth, Leadership

Anthony Davis is eager, not to mention proud, to accept the physical risks that go with playing without pay for Team USA.

For (Pelicans’ coach Monty) Williams, the environment created by USA basketball has only accelerated Davis’ growth.

“He’s understanding that he is a lead dog among a number of alpha dogs,” Williams said of his 21-year-old power forward. “Mentally I think he’s taken that up a few notches and I think coach K has been a big part of that, pushing him to be a leader, pushing him to be the guy on the team.

“When you think about the names on this team and you look at the impact on the game that he has, you seldom say there’s a better player on the floor than Anthony, so that’s got to help him from a confidence standpoint,” Williams added.