Team USA ignores outside noise amid doubters

Atlanta Hawk forward John Collins slams home a two-hand dunk during Team USA 's inter-squad scrimmage at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Collins was the lone player from the Hawks team as point guard Trae Young missed the game due to an eye infection. Photo: Terrel EmersonWhether or not the United States sends their current superstars or young players on-the-rise to international play, the confidence meter never wavers.

This year’s Team USA is no different despite the outstanding number of players dropping out for various reasons.

“I don’t even worry about that, I only care about who is here,” USA head coach Gregg Popovich said. “I’ve got a fine group of guys and we are going to try and get…