Experience is perhaps the most valuable asset any young athlete can garner in the sport in which he or she participates.

For Anthony Davis, experiencing a significant period of time with some of the world's best basketball players as a member of the gold medal United States Olympic Team certainly enhanced his status and stature heading into his first NBA season.

Davis spoke with the media Thursday ahead of Hornets training camp opening next week.

"I think my game developed more than what I expected it just by playing in the Olympics and being around those guys," said Davis.

The 19-year old will carry the hopes of a new-look franchise on his broad and growing shoulders as the New Orleans Hornets embark on their 2012-2013 season.

Davis is already a bit stronger than when he was at Kentucky and he knows he must get bigger and stronger to handle the size and grind of the 82-game NBA season.

The Hornets open training camp on Tuesday with the first preseason game set for October 7 against the Orlando Magic at Mexico City. The regular season opens October 31 at New Orleans Arena against the Spurs.

Davis and the Hornets got to work out with members of the Spurs and other NBA teams in San Antonio recently. Again, the experience was beneficial for Davis.

Though Davis played sparingly for the U.S. Olympic team, he got the opportunity to work against the likes of LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and Kevin Durant daily.

Davis is very young. He is a bit reserved, not a young man of many words. That works just fine for Monty Williams, who is looking for Davis to his talking on the hardwood.

With New Orleans, Davis will have front line help with recently acquired Robin Lopez and Ryan Anderson, along with returning swingman Jason Smith. He will not be required to carry the load early, a welcome relief.

The development of Eric Gordon and Austin Rivers will be a key for the Hornets becoming more competitive in the Western Conference. New Orleans finished last in the conference at 21-45 a year ago, including just 11-22 at home. The Hornets struggled mightily to score, averaging just under 90 points per game, the second-worst scoring average in the league, ahead of dreadful Charlotte.

While Davis has nice touch, he will not be counted on to be a prolific scorer initially. His defense, rebounding and passing will be more important aspects of his game. As he grows, he has the ability to improve his scoring ability. It is important for Davis to understand that the weight of the world will not be on him to transform a bottom-feeder into a top-flight team in one year.

"I think Coach Williams does a great job of taking that pressure off me and putting it on the team and the organization," Davis said.

With patience and the right approach, Davis should blossom and Williams and New Orleans fans will reap the benefits. The ride begins next week. It may have bumps at times but it should be fun.