DeMarcus Cousins was often portrayed as a head case despite being one of the most talented centers in the NBA. There were many doubts on whether he can handle himself on the international stage. But Team USA head coach Mike Krzyzewski was not one of the doubters.

Cousins was considered by the media as one of the last calls in the Team USA roster but as a new report reveals he was already a lock even before the series of exhibition games. Marc Stein of ESPN says:

"Insisting he had zero worries about making the 12-man squad, Cousins brushed off the doubters last Friday night in the bowels of Madison Square Garden, telling assembled reporters: 'Y'all will see.'

Turns out Cousins had plenty of justification to be so self-assured: Team USA coach Mike Krzyzewski told ESPN.com this week that Cousins has cemented himself as the backup to starting center Anthony Davis....

For all the skepticism about his ability to win over Team USA staffers who haven't forgotten his poor first impression in 2012 - as well as the questions that linger about how he'll get along with FIBA referees - Cousins is clearly ahead of fellow bigs Mason Plumlee and Andre Drummond. (Ditto for 10th man DeMar DeRozan.)"

This is a breakthrough for DeMarcus Cousins, but SI NBA cautions that he must deliver. A slight reality check was in order:

"As always, there is the potential for disaster, too. Should he lose his cool with FIBA's officials, attempt to do too much, regularly find himself in foul trouble, or lose his composure during tense moments, Cousins risks benching and a steady wave of criticism from those who question his reliability, maturity and mental stability. Laying an egg against Spain, particularly if the Gasols play to form, would stand as a high-profile blow to Cousins' case as one of the best young bigs in the NBA. The guiding principle for Cousins should be that the World Cup is an excellent opportunity to control his own fate, as he's surrounded by talented teammates and being coached by a legend. There are no major distractions and no reason for excuses. The stage is his to begin rewriting his reputation."

Cousins is ready to take the next step and being on the international stage will work for him, especially since his team (Sacramento Kings) doesn't really have the national spotlight. This is his chance-now it's all on his shoulders.