Cousins was by no means a guarantee to make the cut, as while he's played with Team USA the last couple of summers, he hasn't exactly gotten glowing reviews.  There was also the much publicized incident with Jerry Colangelo.

UPDATE: Jonathan Abrams of Grantland wrote an amazing piece on DeMarcus Cousins and how he's trying to become a leader.  It features interviews with his mother, Keith Smart and Mike Malone.  I highly recommend it.