DeMarcus Cousins was "visibly shaken" by news Mason Plumlee could beat him out of Team USA

Ailene Voisin of the Sacramento Bee was interviewing DeMarcus Cousins the other day when a friend of his stepped in to show him tweets that suggested he could lose out on a Team USA berth, that Mason Plumlee was "likely" to make the team.

She describes what happened...

At this point, Cousins’ friend Andrew Rogers joins us and displays tweets from ESPN and other news outlets indicating that Colangelo and Krzyzewski favored Plumlee over Cousins. My sources suggested that the competition among Cousins, Drummond and Plumlee remained wide open and that Friday’s scrimmage and ensuing exhibitions would be crucial. Yet when he saw the tweets, Cousins appeared visibly shaken

The Kings big man has committed to Team USA for the past three summers, as both a member of the Select Team and now in Team USA tryouts. He expects to make the squad. And if he isn't, Voisin asks after he sees the tweets?.

"I would be crushed. Everyone knows how much I want to do this. This is my third year here (two with Select Team), and I don’t run from any challenge. I would be crushed, but I’m not a quitter. I would come back and try again."

Cousins admits his defense needs work. In fact, that's how Plumlee has moved into contention for a spot. As for him looking fatigued both at practice and during Friday night's scrimmage, Cousins says he's been hurt.

"My leg was killing me, was really sore Tuesday. But I practiced because I really want to make this team."

• A Q&A with Kings center DeMarcus Cousins - Ailene Voisin - Sacramento Bee
• DeMarcus Cousins ‘visibly shaken’ by news Mason Plumlee may beat him out of spot on USA Basketball roster - Brett Pollakoff - NBC Sports