Iverson not invited to Team USA

[stuart]

Iverson not invited to Team USA

stuart
02-28-2006, 11:34 AM

Pretty surprising stuff. I thought Iverson showed a lot last Olympics, he put forth a lot of effort and showed interest in the team, some of the attributes not shared by some of the others that have been invited.

Stuart

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/11608047/

Iverson reportedly snubbed by Team USA
76ers guard not invited to compete for spot, won't get 2nd shot at gold

PHILADELPHIA - Allen Iverson apparently will not have a second shot to win Olympic gold.

According to a report in Tuesday’s Philadelphia Inquirer, Iverson’s agent was informed by USA Basketball that he would not be among 25 players named to compete for spots on the team that will be participating in this year’s World Championships and the 2008 Olympics.

Iverson told the newspaper Monday night that his agent, Leon Rose, had heard from USA Basketball that the Philadelphia 76ers’ star guard would not be receiving a contract that would commit him to the squad for the next three years.

“I think Leon told Mo (76ers coach Maurice Cheeks) that they weren’t inviting me,” Iverson told the paper before Monday night’s 104-92 loss to the Dallas Mavericks.

Iverson was a member of the U.S. team that settled for the bronze medal at the 2004 Olympics in Athens.

The 25-man squad will be announced on Sunday by coach Mike Krzyzewski and managing director Jerry Colangelo.

After a training camp this summer, the roster will be whittled to 15 players, then trimmed to 12 for the World Championships, which begin August 19 in Japan.

B-Ball Fan 1
02-28-2006, 02:08 PM

I don't know if I like this move or not. He was one of the few scoring threats on the 2004 team with Duncan and he plays defense. Isn't he known for one of the NBA's best steal guys??? What does everyone else think????

L8DBACK
02-28-2006, 04:30 PM

I don't know if I like this move or not. He was one of the few scoring threats on the 2004 team with Duncan and he plays defense. Isn't he known for one of the NBA's best steal guys??? What does everyone else think????

I guess they wanted new blood in the team. But who else can play as good as Iverson? Gilbert Arenas? Hamilton?

jramoyo
02-28-2006, 08:15 PM

He's one of those few players who can bring maturity and experience to the team; I think this is a bad choice, after losing Duncan, Iverson would be the best bet for a team leader.

Then again with Kobe, LeBron, and Dwayne possibly on the team, how can there be a leader?

mvblair
03-01-2006, 02:38 AM

Iverson was our most professional player. I'm really disappointed that he's not going to Japan. If anybody represented our country well, it was Iverson. I keep thinking about one of the USA's losses when Carmelo Anthony and Dwayne Wade were walking off the court, and Iverson went out and pulled them back to shake hands with the Puerto Ricans. It was a mature thing to do. It had nothing to do with pride and everything to do with showing respect. I sincerely doubt we'll see that next year.

Matt

lithonbashooters
03-05-2006, 04:19 PM

Yeah I agree Iverson should be there as he is still a great player and the US I think will miss him.

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