Associated Press Allen Iverson and Jermaine O'Neal will be asked to join the 2004 U.S. Olympic men's basketball team, a source told The Associated Press on Thursday. The decision was made in a conference call among members of the USA Basketball selection committee, a basketball source with knowledge of the selections said on condition of anonymity. The choices of Iverson and O'Neal bring to nine the number of players who have been either selected or officially named to the team. Asked about the Olympics on Thursday, Iverson said he hasn't received official word. "It's something I'll cherish for the rest of my life,'' Iverson said after scoring 25 points in Philadelphia's 99-78 win over Boston. "It has a lot to do with respect. Only the elite players represent their country.'' USAB only has said publicly that Ray Allen, Tim Duncan, Jason Kidd and Tracy McGrady are on the team. Further announcements will be made to include the additions of Iverson, O'Neal, Mike Bibby, Karl Malone and Kobe Bryant. Iverson's selection fulfills one of his wishes and sets him up to play for his Philadelphia 76ers coach, Larry Brown, on the national team. "It just shows I came a long way and overcame a lot of obstacles in my life,'' Iverson said. "If I'm surrounded by great players, it's going to definitely bring out the greatness in my game.'' O'Neal, who plays for the Indiana Pacers, will become the first member of the U.S. team that finished sixth last summer at the World Championships to be invited back to play for Team USA. The U.S. team now has plenty of backcourt scorers and three power forwards, but still no center. If the selection committee does not select a true center when it fills out the final three roster spots, O'Neal and Duncan would presumably play out of position and fill that role. Previously, USA Basketball said the final two or three spots on the roster would go to collegians or people playing overseas. The team will play in a qualifying tournament in Puerto Rico in August, attempting to gain one of three Olympic berths available to the FIBA-Americas region for the 2004 Olympics in Athens. Iverson said that the team has stars with big egos but that he could fit in. "It's going to be a team thing,'' he said. "I won't have a problem playing the role I have to play.'' http://espn.go.com/oly/news/2003/0410/1537311.html
O'Neal sucks, BOOO!!!! Allright, maybe not. There's still....."hope".....for...STEVE?!?!?!?!?! Dude, Jermaine O'Neal is really Ken Griffey, Jr. THAT'S why Junior is always "injured".
The odds are more likely that Francis becomes a soccer player (from his kicking the ball in Utah). Doing jackass things like that will prevent Francis from ever being on the Dream Team. No one likes him, except blind Rockets fans who are so enthralled by his dunks.
Good fo A.I, nice job by Shaq to try to get him in. Steve has no chance. You cant be on the dream team and never been in the playoffs. Maybe in 08 he can make it. 04 he dosent deserve it and it hurts to say it
You know, if you change "blind Rocket fans" to "blind pessimists" and "dunk to "rocket bashing" kidrock just described himself.
I just have one question kidrock, why are you still posting here? Its pretty obviouse you hate the rockets, but love the Lakers. Dont they have a bbs you could hang out at? seriously I want to know.
This team is going to be fun to watch. I believe they will be worthy of the "Dream Team" label. Jermaine O'Neal??? After watching him play in the world championships, I don't like him at all. I was hoping the "O'Neal" in the title line was that other O'Neal guy.
I bet the Daddy does play, he's just waiting till the last minute to jump on board. I would love to see TJ on that team, he would be able to keep everybody involved.
Of course they don't. No other team has as good a site as us here. kidrock is considered one of the classier guy over at the Lakers' board.
No other U.S. Men's national team will ever be worthy of the "dream team" title...Never, ever ever...That is simply the greatest basketball team that has ever or will ever be assembled period finito hasta la vista baby Trader Jorge, I believe you have something to add??
Oh, riiiight...I'm sure that's why I've seen kids all over the street in Washington DC sporting his replica duds. And I guess that's why he's been voted on the All-Star starting lineup for two consecutive years.
If I hated the Rockets, do you think I would be on here? No. I dont' really care to appease the masses by blowing sunshine up anyone's asses. If you truly think Francis has a shot at the Olympics, then I don't know what to say. Also, I don't see what the Lakers or Kobe has to do with this thread.
Do you think I care if people like me? Unlike you, I don't utilize an anonymous BBS to scour for friends.
Doubt Francis will be on the Olympic team. They have their three guys that an play PG in Kidd, Bibby, and now AI. They'll fill in some of the othr positions with the remaining selections. I hope KG goes too but I thought he said he had some reervations about the extra wear and tear. Maybe when Minny is knocked out in the 1st round he won't worry so much about the wear and tear.
