Featuring nine members of the gold medalist 2008 U.S. Olympic Team and a total of 11 Olympians who have captured a combined 15 Olympic medals (nine gold medals and six bronze medals), USA Basketball revealed 27 players who have been named to the 2010-2012 USA Men’s National Team program.
Among the invitees is Indiana Pacers’ forward Danny Granger.
“This is a great honor, not only to be selected with this group of players, but to have the opportunity to represent the United States,” said Granger. “I think any athlete in any sport relishes the chance to wear that uniform.”
“This is another important step in the reassembling of the USA National Team for the next three years of competitions that will include the FIBA World Championship in 2010, and if we qualify, the 2012 Olympics in London. This time we have the benefit of including players who were members of the last national team, while also incorporating players who were involved in our pipeline the last couple of summers,” said Jerry Colangelo, managing director of USA Basketball. Colangelo also served as managing director of the 2006-08 USA National Team.
Returning to the USA National Team for 2010-12 are 2008 Olympic gold medalists Carmelo Anthony (Denver Nuggets); Carlos Boozer (Utah Jazz); Chris Bosh (Toronto Raptors); Kobe Bryant (Los Angeles Lakers); Dwight Howard (Orlando Magic); LeBron James (Cleveland Cavaliers); Chris Paul (New Orleans Hornets); Dwyane Wade (Miami Heat); and Deron Williams (Utah Jazz). Rounding out the list of Olympians on the national squad roster are 2004 Olympic bronze medalists Lamar Odom (Los Angeles Lakers) and Amar’e Stoudemire (Phoenix Suns).
Completing the list of National Team players are LaMarcus Aldridge (Portland Trail Blazers); Chauncey Billups (Denver Nuggets); Kevin Durant (Oklahoma City Thunder); Rudy Gay (Memphis Grizzlies); Eric Gordon (Los Angeles Clippers); Danny Granger (Indiana Pacers); Andre Iguodala (Philadelphia 76ers); Al Jefferson (Minnesota Timberwolves); David Lee (New York Knicks); Brook Lopez (New Jersey Nets); Kevin Love (Minnesota Timberwolves); O.J. Mayo (Memphis Grizzlies); Kendrick Perkins (Boston Celtics); Derrick Rose (Chicago Bulls); Gerald Wallace (Charlotte Bobcats) and Russell Westbrook (Oklahoma City Thunder).
“I’m really excited about the players who were selected and who committed to be part of the 2010-12 USA National Team. I’m especially pleased that so many members of the 2006-08 team wanted and were able to return,” said USA and Duke University Hall of Fame head coach Mike Krzyzewski. “We know from our prior experiences that continuity, team work, and player versatility are critical parts to assembling a team that will be successful.
“With these 27 players we’ve got a great mix of players who are now experienced in the international game and some of the most promising and exciting players coming up though the USA Basketball program. I know I speak for the entire coaching staff when I say we’re excited about this group of players and we’re eager to begin our preparations for the 2010 World Championship.”
A smaller group of U.S. National Team members are expected to be selected to participate in the 2010 USA National Team’s opening training camp in July. Exact training dates and locations for the USA National Team training in 2010 will be announced at a later date.
