Taj Gibson injury: Sprained ankle to keep Bulls PF out of Team USA minicamp

Chicago Bulls forward Taj Gibson sprained his ankle during a workout last week and will miss the Team USA minicamp starting Sunday, K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Gibson was one of 27 invitees for the Team USA minicamp, which runs from July 21-25 in Las Vegas. Johnson reports that USA Basketball president Jerry Colangelo doesn't think the injury will affect Gibson's candidacy for the 2014 FIBA World Championships roster. Gibson is clearly disappointed after participating in the 2012 minicamp:

"That was such a great experience. My ankle isn't too bad but I don't want to make it worse because I want to be fresh for training camp and the season. I'm just real bummed because I felt ready and had had a great few weeks of workouts."

Gibson continues to receive attention from Team USA, which makes him something of a rarity. The 28-year-old power forward comes off the bench for Chicago, but he's been considered good enough to earn invites to a minicamp typically reserved for only the best American-born players.

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