NEU » ners against Sijsling, who double-faulted to gi

HOUSTON -- You saw it in small doses on Monday night for Team USA, but in the big picture of the life and times of DeMarcus Cousins, this sequence might demonstrate why hes such a talented player.In the middle of the second quarter of Team USAs easy 110-66 victory over Team Nigeria at the Toyota Center, there was a stretch where Cousins took over.He pulled down a rebound over Ekene Ibekwe, and the Nigerian got a little miffed at how physical Cousins was.If this were a regular-season NBA game in December, instead of the final exhibition game before Team USA heads to Rio, Cousins might have shoved Ibekwe and then jumped in his face. The reality of what this game is, an exhibition, gave Cousins pause and a certain calmness. He just smirked when Ibekwe shoved his arm down a little.No problem, because Cousins just kept playing, and on the next possession, he took the ball on the wing, drawing the defense toward him -- and then sent a pass to the corner, where DeMar DeRozan was waiting.DeRozan took the pass and stormed to the basket for a left-handed dunk from the baseline. This was Cousins showing his skills. When the night was over, Cousins had 10 points, five rebounds and a game-high plus-34 on the plus/minus column of the box score.Ive coached him before, and he knows international competition, Team USA coach Mike Krzyzewski said. I thought he played really well, and he has played well; he ran well and he really defended well on the perimeter. Its something unusual for those big guys to be on the perimeter like that; theyre adjusting. And he gives us a low-post threat, and hell pass out of it too -- very unselfish.During the NBA portions of his life, Cousins is seen as someone who has problems with coaches, teammates and referees.This past season, Cousins averaged a career-high 26.9 points per game and pulled down 11.5 rebounds while shooting 45.1 percent from the field. He was second among centers in real plus/minus at 4.83. However, he led the NBA in technical fouls for the third time in the last four seasons with 17. Cousins temperament can be the biggest distraction to the truth of how good of a player he can be.The next month might be beneficial for Cousins as an opportunity to show the international world just how good of a player and person he is.It goes with whatever storyline is going on at the time -- if its negative, then its negative, Cousins told ESPN. Then if the story is going to be positive and then Im a great guy, I can only control what I can control. I know who I am as a person and thats all that really matters.When several American players -- including Russell Westbrook, James Harden and LeBron James -- were backing out of the Olympic Games to rest their bodies, Cousins raised his hand. He also dealt with health issues this past season, but he wanted to play on the international stage again. In 2014, he was part of the U.S. national teams FIBA World Cup championship team.The only stir Cousins has caused this offseason was questioning the Sacramento Kings draft. Cousins told The Undefeateds Marc Spears he was in hot-sculpting class the night of the draft. Whatever you believe, maybe these Olympic Games will bring more positivity from Cousins.I love the game, he said. I think thats obvious, and Im very passionate in what I do. I love my job. If I have a chance to play against some of the top talent in the world or whether its against guys around the corner, Im going to play.Jamel Dean Jersey . "I was fortunate to play many years at this level with a great organization and unbelievable teammates," said Hejduk in a statement. Ronde Barber Jersey . "I dont know that were close," said general manager Alex Anthopoulos. "I just think, right now, the acquisition cost just doesnt work for us right now. I dont know if I can quantify how far off or things like that that they might be but I would say we continue to have dialogue. http://www.authenticbuccaneerspro.com/Matt-gay-buccaneers-jersey/ . The move comes after the Canadiens were approached by the Buffalo Sabres for permission to speak to Dudley - a former Sabres player and head coach. "The Sabres called for permission and I appreciate that, Im flattered, Dudley told TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun of ESPN. Mike Edwards Buccaneers Jersey . Despite dominating possession, Schalke needed an own goal from Nicolas Hoefler for the breakthrough a minute before the interval. The Freiburg midfielder misjudged Jefferson Farfans corner and bundled the ball into his own net. Anthony Nelson Buccaneers Jersey . The Croatian served 21 aces and hit 42 winners against Sijsling, who double-faulted to give Cilic a 4-3 lead in the deciding set. "All the players, they know me and they were really happy to see me and they were really happy that this is over for me," Cilic said.Brisbane Roar coach John Aloisi is expecting an emphatic return to form for his A-League side when they face the Central Coast Mariners in Gosford.The Roar were beaten 4-0 by Newcastle last week in one of the worst performances of Aloisis reign but says hes seen enough evidence at training this week to suggest that was just a one-off.New Spanissh signing Arana wont be used on Saturday as he continues to build match fitness while Dimi Petratos (ankle) also wont be risked against the Mariners, who were also smashed 4-0 last weekend by Sydney FC.dddddddddddd ' ' '