Malcolm On A Mission

'So far, trials are going really well,' Lee said. 'There is a lot of great talent here, and we've got tons of good coaches from different colleges. At every position, there are really good players. The intensity level is really high. The coaches are running tough practices, and there is no taking plays off.'

Despite the tough competition, Lee has experience on his side. No stranger to FIBA rules, Lee first competed for the red, white and blue in the 2007 USA Basketball Men's Youth Development Festival in Colorado Springs, Colo., where he averaged 16.5 ppg., 4.8 rpg. and 3.2 apg. to help USA Blue to a silver medal. He returned in 2008 as a member of the USA Junior National Select Team, which competed in the 2008 Nike Hoop Summit in Portland, Ore. Having also played with Team Reebok in Italy, Lee says he's comfortable with the international game.

'I know the style of international basketball, and I think that should help me during trials,' Lee said. 'I played in the Festival and the Hoop Summit, and I also went to Italy to play with Team Reebok.. I know what to expect from foreign teams.'

Though he finished with just two points in the 2008 Nike Hoop Summit, which the USA won 98-78, USA head coach Doug Mitchell said Lee's defensive effort earned him the team's MVP honor. After all, it was his perimeter pressure that ignited the USA's third-quarter run that sealed the win for the Americans. Surrounded by several wings and just two other true point guards at this year's trials, Lee said he expects a similar role.

'If I want to make this team, I need to set the pace as far as running the court and being a vocal point guard and leader. There are lot of highly, highly ranked two guards here, so basically the point guard doesn't need to score much. My focus is to get everybody involved, get my assists and run the team from the point.

'In travel ball, I was a shoot first, pass second player. Here I have to remind myself to pass first and shoot second, and I'm comfortable with that. Whatever it takes to make this team and then, hopefully, win a gold medal.'

Described by many as quick and lanky, defense wasn't a priority for Lee until recently. His change in attitude can be attributed to his future coach at UCLA, Ben Howland.

'When coach Howland was recruiting me, he recognized that defense was one of my weaknesses, and he pointed that out. After he told me that, I started to play really aggressive on defense to get stops and control the pace of the other point guards. I just really concentrated on my defense because UCLA is a defense first University.

'Mostly it was a change in my mindset. Defense is about intensity and aggressiveness, but you have to play disciplined. If you are too aggressive, you'll get burned or in foul trouble. Defense comes with lower body strength, so I started to work out harder off the court. I did squats and worked on my quickness, so that I can be quicker than my opponent.'

With UCLA looming in his future, Lee said his focus is on the present.

'It would mean a lot to me to represent our country and wear USA across my chest. To go to Argentina and play against teams from other countries would be a real honor, and I know it would make me a better basketball player for the future.'