Redd and Team USA

Redd and Co. took apart the US Virgin Islands on Thursday

Michael Redd scored 22 for the USA in their 123-59 dismantling of the Virgin Islands. As in their opening game against Venezuela, Redd tied Carmelo Anthony for the team scoring lead--not bad for a bench player who wasn't even a lock to make the team. Redd shot 7/12 fg, 4/9 3fg, and 3/3 ft while also adding three assists and a rebound in just 19 minutes (box score). While Redd's gunslinger act is just what Team USA needs, let's hope he doesn't bring *quite* the same attitude to the Bucks. That being said, it's hard to be negative about Redd getting this sort of recognition:

"He's one of the few guys that I've seen in coaching in over 30 years where guys are just so happy that he is shooting the ball," U.S. coach Mike Krzyzewski said. "Everybody on our team, we have great scorers on our team, they're all happy when he shoots the ball."

Redd replaced Bryant early in the first quarter and hit a flurry of 3-pointers to turn the game into a rout, and the United States beat the U.S. Virgin Islands 123-59 on Thursday night.

"He's ready to come in at any time," Krzyzewski said of Redd, who couldn't play in the worlds because he was getting married. "Most shooters need time to find their rhythm. He's ready right away and he knows he's subbing for Kobe. Obviously he's a key guy for us and that's something we did not have last year."

Team USA next plays Canada tomorrow but Chris Mannix writes their first real test should be Sunday against a Brazil team featuring Leandro Barbosa, Nene and Anderson Varejao. Truman Reed at Bucks.com has more on Redd's selection to Team USA. So was Redd worried about making the team? Apparently not.

He never looked over his shoulder nor anyone else's, and he felt no tension.

"No, not at all," Redd said. "I didn't even know it was a cut-type situation. I basically just came here and played basketball, man. That's it.

"And I didn't hear any of the other guys talking about it."