ATHENS, Greece (August 24, 2010) – With one exhibition game remaining and just four days out from the tip of the FIBA World Championship for Men, USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo today announced the 12 players who will represent the United States at the 2010 FIBA World Championship.
Philadelphia 76ers forward Andre Iguodala was named to the 12-man 2010 USA World Championship Team, along with Chauncey Billups (Denver Nuggets); Tyson Chandler (Dallas Mavericks); Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors); Kevin Durant (Oklahoma City Thunder); Rudy Gay (Memphis Grizzlies); Eric Gordon (Los Angeles Clippers); Danny Granger (Indiana Pacers); Kevin Love (Minnesota Timberwolves); Lamar Odom (Los Angeles Lakers); Derrick Rose (Chicago Bulls); and Russell Westbrook (Oklahoma City Thunder).
“It is an honor to not only represent my country, but also the 76ers organization and the city of Philadelphia during the World Championships in Istanbul, Turkey,” Iguodala said. “I am truly looking forward to this experience as we continue our quest to bring home the gold medal for the United States.”
“The entire Philadelphia 76ers organization and our fans are incredibly proud of Andre on earning the opportunity to play for our country at the upcoming World Championships,” said Comcast-Spectacor Chairman Ed Snider. “We know Andre will proudly represent our nation, our city and our team with a great deal of pride and is yet another reason we are excited about the upcoming season.”
“Andre has committed his time and effort to helping USA Basketball in its quest for the gold medal,” said Sixers President Rod Thorn. “He will provide the team with a unique mix of talent, versatility and athleticism, and we are proud that he was selected to represent the United States and the 76ers.”
“This honor is not only much-deserved, but it is a testament to Andre’s commitment to the game and a result of his hard work and preparation,” Sixers Head Coach Doug Collins said. “I have been in constant contact with Andre throughout this process and I am very proud and excited that he has earned this opportunity to represent our country at the World Championships.”
“It is an honor to not only represent my country, but also the 76ers organization and the city of Philadelphia during the World Championships in Istanbul, Turkey,” Iguodala said. “I am truly looking forward to this experience as we continue our quest to bring home the gold medal for the United States.”
“The entire Philadelphia 76ers organization and our fans are incredibly proud of Andre on earning the opportunity to play for our country at the upcoming World Championships,” said Comcast-Spectacor Chairman Ed Snider. “We know Andre will proudly represent our nation, our city and our team with a great deal of pride and is yet another reason we are excited about the upcoming season.”
“Andre has committed his time and effort to helping USA Basketball in its quest for the gold medal,” said Sixers President Rod Thorn. “He will provide the team with a unique mix of talent, versatility and athleticism, and we are proud that he was selected to represent the United States and the 76ers.”
“This honor is not only much-deserved, but it is a testament to Andre’s commitment to the game and a result of his hard work and preparation,” Sixers Head Coach Doug Collins said. “I have been in constant contact with Andre throughout this process and I am very proud and excited that he has earned this opportunity to represent our country at the World Championships.”
The 2010-12 USA National Team coaching staff is led by Duke University’s Hall of Fame coach Mike Krzyzewski, and features as USA assistant coaches Syracuse University’s Hall of Fame coach Jim Boeheim, Portland Trail Blazers head coach Nate McMillan and Toronto Raptors head mentor Jay Triano.
Boston point guard Rajon Rondo, who likely was going to be the last cut, withdrew from the team.
“Rajon came to us and said he was going to withdraw from the team, that he had some family matters to attend to and some things to take care of before the NBA season. He did an outstanding job during our training, we appreciate the effort and commitment he made to our program and he completely has our support,” said Colangelo.
The USA World Championship Team will complete their exhibition tour facing Greece in Athens on Wednesday (12 noon EDT). The U.S. will then travel to Istanbul on Aug. 26 and train prior to starting the World Championship.
The 12 members of the USA World Championship Team, by the end of the FIBA World Championship (Sept. 12), average out to be 24.66 years old. The roster features six players 22 years old or younger - four players who are just 21 years old (Durant, Rose, Gordon, Westbrook) and two who are 22 years old (Curry, Love). The oldest player on the USA roster is Chauncey Billups, who is 33 years old.
By comparison, the 2006 team averaged 24.58 years of age; 26.16 in 2002; 27.83 (NBA lockout year) in 1998; 26.33 in 1994 and in 1990, the last team consisting of collegians, was 20.08 years old.
The 2010 USA World Championship squad averages 5.0 seasons of NBA experience, with one player having one season (Curry), four players (Gordon, Love, Rose, Westbrook) possessing two seasons, one with three (Durant), one (Gay) with four, one with five (Granger), one with six (Iguodala),one with nine (Chandler), one with 11 (Odom) and one with 13 seasons (Billups).
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