CHARLOTTESVILLE – We knew Sylven Landesberg was serious about his famously intense offseason training regimen.  Further proof came today in the form of an e-mail I received from USA Basketball.

Landesberg’s name was not in the release, which meant the rising sophomore from Queens, N.Y., had turned down an invitation to try out for the under-19 national team that will compete in the world championships in New Zealand this summer.

Virginia’s new coach, Tony Bennett, confirmed as much in an e-mail today.  Bennett told me U.Va.‘s coaching staff had tried to persuade Landesberg “to pursue this opportunity, but he thought he could benefit more if he were at home.”

Landesberg, a 6-6 guard, is the reigning ACC rookie of the year.  When I interviewed him late month, he mentioned the invitation he’d received from USA Basketball.  He also spoke, however, with unfettered enthusiasm about his offseason workouts under the direction of his father, Steve, in New York City.

“We start early, like 5:30 in the morning, and usually end up finishing around 6 or 7 [p.m.],” Landesberg said.  “So by the time I get home I’m just dead.”

Even then, it was clear that Landesberg was torn about the possibility of playing for USA Basketball, a commitment that would have taken up much of his summer.  He was honored to have been invited and knew it would be a great experience, but Landesberg stressed that “the workouts I get at home, I would say they’re unmatched.”

Landesberg won’t be in Queens all summer.  He’s due back in Charlottesville for summer school in July, from what I understand.

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