DENVER (FIBA Basketball World Cup/Olympics) - A new star was born in international basketball this summer when Kenneth Faried not only made the United States squad for the FIBA Basketball World Cup but also played an instrumental role for the team in its title defense.

The 2.03m Denver Nuggets star brought his explosive leaping and unrivaled determination to the national squad and helped it march through the tournament unbeaten.

Faried was named to the All-Star Five, along with fellow American and tournament Most Valuable Player, Kyrie Irving.

Now less than two weeks from the start of another NBA season with the Nuggets, Faried wants everyone to know what his time with the American squad has meant to him and his career.

It was the greatest experience of my life. - Faried

"I learned so much about basketball. Playing and practicing against superstars and being coached by Coach K (Mike Krzyzewski), I came out of Spain a much better all-around player," Faried told the Las Vegas Review Journal.

"My confidence is at an all-time high. I'm confident in my abilities. I'm confident in my teammates. I'm confident, period."

Faried enjoyed it so much that he can't wait to put on the USA shirt again.

By capturing the world title, the Americans qualified for the Rio de Janeiro Olympics.

"It would be huge," Faried said.

"In this country, people think the Olympics are the most important, but the rest of the world thinks the World Cup is the most important. But it's been a dream of mine to go to the Olympics, and I hope I get the opportunity."

Following his eye-popping performance at the Basketball World Cup, where Faried averaged 12.2 points and 7.7 rebounds per game, Denver locked up their new superstar with a new five-year contract extension.

The 2014-15 campaign will be his fourth year in the NBA.

The native of Newark, New Jersey, turns 25 on 19 November.

FIBA