COLORADO SPRINGS (Rio 2016 Olympic Games) - There are two certainties when it comes to the USA's bid to capture a third consecutive Olympic gold medal this summer.

DeMarcus Cousins and Kyrie Irving, who already have a FIBA Basketball World Cup in the bag, are going to have leading roles.

Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Irving, just weeks removed from winning his first NBA title, was the World Cup MVP two years ago.

His scintillating, 26-point performance against Serbia in the Final when he buried all six of his attempts from 3-point range, was the stuff of legend.

"It would be amazing," Irving said of winning an Olympic gold. "But I understand the amount of work that it takes to win. Not just a championship, but the gold medal and playing with USA on your chest, it's bigger than all of us."

Irving had such an incredible performance in the Final that he overshadowed Cousins, who impressed with 13 points and 10 rebounds.

Serbia had started the game very well but the 2.10m Cousins came off the bench and helped the USA go on 15-0 run that put the Americans in command for good.

Cousins can't wait to put on the national team shirt again.

"Getting to wear USA across your chest, that's probably one of the biggest things ever," he said. "I get to represent my whole entire country. I'm grateful for that opportunity and I'll take advantage of it."

The only other players from the World Cup side in the USA Olympic squad are Klay Thompson and DeMar DeRozan.

Kevin Durant, the 2010 World Cup MVP, and Carmelo Anthony are the others to have featured for the USA senior team. With several new faces, coach Mike Krzyzewski knows that practice time is going to be vital to get everyone on the same page.

"We have six guys who have never played for our staff, so we need the help of the six guys who have and the leadership," Krzyzewski said. "We're a very versatile team. I'm anxious to see how we all mesh."

At the Olympics, the USA will take on Australia, China, France, Serbia and Venezuela in Group A.

FIBA