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“The Summer We’ve Been Preparing For”
At a press conference yesterday in Chicago, Coach K and USA Basketball Managing Director Jerry Colangelo announced the 12-man squad that will represent America at this summer’s Olympics in China. Coach K will lead a talented and balanced squad that has combined for 38 NBA All-Star selections. Said Coach K, “I’m one of a bunch of guys so excited to be coming together. The players want to represent the United States. They want to play together and do a good job. This is the summer we’ve been preparing for, now it’s here.”
Restoring the Glory
After winning the bronze medal in the 2004 Olympics with a 5-3 record, USA Basketball decided it was time for a change. With a goal of not only winning Gold but establishing a culture that represents the nation at the highest level, USA Basketball turned to Jerry Colangelo and Coach K. For the first time ever, a true U.S. National Head Coach was established, with Coach K taking the reigns for a three-year period (2006-2008) culminating with the Olympics in China. Stated Coach K, “It’s really the world’s game. We feel we are the best at playing that game. But until we show the respect to the rest of the world that it is the world’s game, I don’t think we’ll ever reach the point that we need to, to do this right. We feel like we are going to be ready to go.” He added, “I’m as excited as I’ve ever been as a coach. We have a program right now worthy of winning. In order to win, you need to be worthy of winning, have the respect for the game, know it, know how to respect each other.”
The Olympic Team
2008 Olympic Roster by the #s
38: Combined NBA All-Star selections by 2008 U.S. Olympians
32: Combined All-NBA honors earned by 2008 U.S. Olympians
50-0: Jason Kidd’s all-time record with USA Basketball teams
5: 2008 Olympians among NBA’s top 10 in scoring in 2007-08
4: 2008 Olympians who also played in 2004 (including Carlos Boozer)
9: 2008 Olympians selected to the 2008 NBA All-Star Game
7: 2008 NBA All-Star Game starters on the 2008 Olympic roster
58.3: Combined 2007-08 NBA scoring by Carmelo/LeBron (top 2 in NBA)
9: NBA lottery picks among the 12-man Olympic Team roster
14.2: Dwight Howard’s 2007-08 rebounding average (best in NBA)
11.6: Chris Paul’s 2007-08 assists average (best in NBA)
Carlos Boozer Named to Olympic Team
2002 Duke All-American and two-time NBA All-Star Carlos Boozer will make his second straight Olympics appearance. After winning the bronze in 2004 in Greece, Carlos will be reunited with Coach K this summer in Beijing. Said Boozer, “This chance for athletes doesn’t come along very often. We don’t take this lightly. We relish the opportunity and it may not come around again. I’m going to try to take in as much as I can, and at the same time be focused on winning the gold medal. This is the time when we get a chance to prove it. There’s going to be some phenomenal teams out there and I guarantee we’ll be up for the challenge. And, playing for Coach K again, that’s something I want.”
In the News
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