Future Kentucky big man Karl Towns Jr. will have another go in international play, and he seems to be excited to play for Coach Orlando Antigua and the Dominican national team. Antigua is taking over for John Calipari from last season.
“I just wanted to train so hard to really make my mark on the Dominican team this summer … Make sure I’m fully prepared for the job they have me do. Especially with a new coach in Coach Orlando.”
Towns will focus solely on the national team this summer, and training is expected to get started by the end of July.
Last year as a 16 year-old he played with the team, spending most of his time sitting on the bench. The team finished fourth in the FIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament, falling one position shy of making the Olympics.
Since his high school season has ended, Towns has been in the weight room, his father says he is up to 250 pounds now; adding 15 pounds since Christmas.
The 7-footer will need the muscle going against NBA player Al Horford in practice.
His father said to expect Towns to play legit minutes this summer.
“He’s going to elevate up to get minutes. He’s bigger, stronger, experienced. He went through it. They feel that he can really make a contribution this year. They’re planning on him being out there.”
Big Blue Nation, we need to keep an eye on him. He’s going to get a lot of experience playing against some big boys.
[Source: Ben Roberts]
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