The United States Basketball Team, which includes former Morehead State star and current Denver Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried, captured a gold medal in the 2014 FIBA (International Basketball Federation) World Cup by winning all nine of its contests.
After beginning pool play with five straight victories, the United States defeated Mexico in the Round of 16, Slovenia in the quarterfinals, Lithuania in the semifinals and Serbia in the championship. The U.S.A. has now secured an automatic bid to the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
Faried, who earned a spot on the FIBA World Cup All-Tournament Team, averaged 12.4 points and 7.8 rebounds while shooting 64 percent from the field. The United States has won back-to-back World Cup titles and four consecutive gold medals in senior international competition.
Faried, who stands 6-foot-8 and weighs 228 pounds, has recorded 2,490 points and 1,770 rebounds in 206 National Basketball Association games over the past three seasons. He averaged 13.7 points and 8.6 boards while shooting 55 percent from the field in 2013-14.
Faried was taken 22nd overall in the 2011 NBA Draft. He earned a spot on the NBA's All-Rookie First Team in 2012. The Newark, N.J., native was tabbed to the NBA's Rising Stars Challenge in 2013 when he also picked up the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award.
Faried helped MSU to a pair of NCAA Tournament appearances (2009, 2011) and was named the Ohio Valley Conference's Male Athlete of the Year as a senior. He was a two-time OVC Basketball Player of the Year (2010-11) and three-time Defensive Player of the Year (2009-11).
Chosen the 2011 Kentucky Sportsman of the Year, Faried was selected to multiple All-America lists following his final campaign. He was also tabbed by the National Association of Basketball Coaches as the National Defensive Player of the Year after his final season.
Faried finished his college career with 1,673 rebounds. The total set the NCAA's modern-era record, which was previously held by 14-time NBA All-Star Tim Duncan.