Evan’s Olympic Fate

It seems like it.

Rumor has it that opposite hitter and American eye candy Evan Patak will not be on Team USA’s roster for the upcoming London Olympics. We’ve received an info from a reliable source that the back up opposite hitter could either be 2008 olympic gold medalist Gabe Gardner or David Mckienzie. Out of the 2, we are betting on Mckienzie to make it to London since he’s been traveling with the team during the Intercontinental Round of the World League. He’s currently with Team USA for the Final Round in Sofia, Bulgaria which kicks off tomorrow. David definitely has the game to back up 2008 Olympic Champion & MVP Clay Stanley.

David has an interesting story. He played for Team USA from 2005 – 2007. Played in 2 editions of the World League, 2006 World Championship and 2007 World Cup. But then in 2008, he failed to make it to the Olympic Team coached by Hugh McCutcheon. His spot was given to Gabe Gardner instead who was picked over 2004 Olympian Brook Billings.

We’re not sure why he got cut from the Olympic squad but last May 2012 David talked to Presstelegram.com.

“Before, I would be interested in social things and wasn’t giving everything I had to the game. I’m more mature now. I’m not shooting myself in the foot any more. I kind of hold things to a higher standard and I kind of think this is the perfect time for me to be on the National Team. I try and put all of my energy into the sport, which means giving 100 percent for all three hours of practice and whatever role I’m asked to fill.” according to the former star of Long Beach University who turns 33 on July 5th.

Glad to hear he’s more mature now and the “social things” days are over.

Patak has been on the team since 2009 yet Coach Knipe never really gave him the chance to start and play in important matches. Evan has a lot of potentials but in our opinion Knipe failed to develop Evan to become a confident player. Maybe we get to see Evan as an Olympian in 2016? We hope so!

Take note, USA Volleyball has NOT released the official roster. As far we know deadline to submit it to USOC is July 7th. Anyways, we have a feeling the Olympic roster will be like this:

Setter: Donald Suxho, Brian Thornton
Middle Blockers: David Lee, Russell Holmes, Ryan Millar
Outside Hitters: Reid Priddy, Sean Rooney, Matt Anderson, Paul Lotman
Opposite Hitters: Clay Stanley, David Mckienzie
Libero: Rich Lambourne

Regardless of who will represent Team USA to defend their Olympic crown, for sure they will play their best against top ranked teams like Brazil, Russia, Serbia, Germany and Tunisia in Pool B aka Pool of Death.

Go USA!
Go USA!
Go USA!

Side Dish: Click HERE for the complete Olympic Pool Assignments and Match Schedule.

(images: FIVb/ S. Houseworth)