<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">DALLAS - On Sunday, USA Basketball will announce the 25 members of its senior men's national team. Those players will vie for a spot on the squad that will compete in this summer's world championships and the 2008 Olympics. Don't expect 76ers guard Allen Iverson's name to be on the list. Iverson said last night he has been informed by his agent, Leon Rose, that he will not be receiving a contract from the national organization that would commit him to the team for the next three years. "I think Leon told Mo [coach Maurice Cheeks] that they weren't inviting me," Iverson said before last night's game against the Dallas Mavericks. Iverson, a member of the 2004 U.S. Olympic team that won the bronze medal in Athens, met Jan. 4 with Jerry Colangelo, the managing director for the senior men's national team, to discuss his interest. "I want to play," Iverson said then. "It would be an honor and I'll have a second shot at fulfilling one of my goals." Rose could not be reached for comment. Colangelo was unavailable. Colangelo and Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski, the head coach of the senior men's national team, will announce the names of the 25 selections Sunday on ABC television. It is expected that the group will include 22 NBA players and three younger players. The team will conduct a training camp this summer, at the end of which 15 players will move on. The team will then be cut down to 12 for the start of the world championships Aug. 19 in Japan.</div> Source
I'm not going to say this is a ANOTHER robbery but it's more of a slap in the face. The way he represented the team and he being one of the only superstars that was willing to play overseas to represent his country and they didn't make the team, or more like AT LEAST get an invite? That's crazy. The least they could have done is invite him and if they didn't wat him on the team so be it, but not even an invite, honestly I would have been insulted. I'm sure there is a part of AI that feels hurt that he didn't get picked but at the same time he is in his 30's and the punishment he takes he needs the rest so maybe this will only be better for his career.
A complete joke it just shows the lack of class the selection committee has. Last year when no one wanted anything to do with the Olympics AI and Duncan where probably the only ones on that team who where true professionals about the way they handled themselves. AI was the most passionate player on that team, and it showed, for them to leave him off the invite list, this is not even the game itself this is the invites, is just disrespectable. Although, AI will be 33 the next time the Olympics roll around Allen ha snot shown any signs of slowing down their is no way he should be left off this “dream team”. A complete and utter joke.
Seriously, how could you not want him on your team. He is a warrior that will represent the USA the way it should be by all the players. Like you said B-22, teams loss.
Honestly, I know that loyalty aspect is being played, but I don't think it should affect whether or not someone gets selected. It might be a different sport, but look at Team Canada in men's hockey at the Winter Olympics. They largely rewarded the gold-medal winning team in 2004 by bringing back most of those players, over younger players who might've fit better in the International rink. And what did it bring them? A quick exit. They could bring back players who have shown loyalty, but if they think the team will have a better chance of winning without him, then they shouldn't feel obligated to bring him. Now, whether or not you believe he belongs on the team is a completely different issue.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting B-22:</div><div class="quote_post">Team USA's loss.</div> yep <div class="quote_poster">Quoting Avery:</div><div class="quote_post">I'm not going to say this is a ANOTHER robbery but it's more of a slap in the face.</div> its more of a punch in the face for the fans, and especially AI <div class="quote_poster">Quoting Best Kept Secret:</div><div class="quote_post">A complete joke it just shows the lack of class the selection committee has. Last year when no one wanted anything to do with the Olympics AI and Duncan where probably the only ones on that team who where true professionals about the way they handled themselves. AI was the most passionate player on that team, and it showed, for them to leave him off the invite list, this is not even the game itself this is the invites, is just disrespectable. Although, AI will be 33 the next time the Olympics roll around Allen ha snot shown any signs of slowing down their is no way he should be left off this “dream team”. A complete and utter joke.</div> couldnt have said it better BKS. i know how old AI will be, but like you said, he has shown no signs of slowing down. and unless he gets into some freak injury, i would think he would still be a top player in three years what i really dont understand is why he didnt even get invited to the tryouts. i mean, if he doesnt make the team, thats something else, but for him to not even get invited to the tryouts? thats just BS especially considering he was the heart and the soul of the olympic team last year
You know, Iverson is a great guy, but I'm not going to lie, I wouldn't have selected him either. He's a streaky outside shooter, not a true PG, not anything amazing defensively, and needs the ball to score. What use would he really be for the team? <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">A complete joke it just shows the lack of class the selection committee has. Last year when no one wanted anything to do with the Olympics AI and Duncan where probably the only ones on that team who where true professionals about the way they handled themselves. AI was the most passionate player on that team, and it showed, for them to leave him off the invite list, this is not even the game itself this is the invites, is just disrespectable. Although, AI will be 33 the next time the Olympics roll around Allen ha snot shown any signs of slowing down their is no way he should be left off this “dream team”. A complete and utter joke.</div> I don't agree, picking the team is not about loyalty, it's about getting guys that will win games out there. It's nice that AI decided to go last year, but that shouldn't mean anything in picking the team. Would it be better for them to choose him, and then have him not make it, or to choose him, have him make it, but not get minutes? Exactly, picking him out of "loyalty", and not from thinking about what kind of team you want out there would be stupid.
I just read the list of players on ESPN. couldn't have picked em better myself. you got talent and most important you got guys with b-ball IQ's who can play off the ball, pass, defend, etc., --some explosive athletes (kobe, marion, dwade) and great shooters (redd, arenas), defensive specialists (bowen, battier), guys who can run a play (ridnour), big men who can pass (miller) what more can you want?
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting phunDamentalz:</div><div class="quote_post">I just read the list of players on ESPN. couldn't have picked em better myself. you got talent and most important you got guys with b-ball IQ's who can play off the ball, pass, defend, etc., --some explosive athletes (kobe, marion, dwade) and great shooters (redd, arenas), defensive specialists (bowen, battier), guys who can run a play (ridnour), big men who can pass (miller) what more can you want?</div>You're right, it seems they've really put some thought into it. Looks like the days of sending a Dream Team is over, replaced by building an actual <u>team</u> with players that complement each other
i dunno if they'd pick ridnour ova ai, specially after wot AI has done 4 da US and in the nba in general
Ridnour won't make the final team, not with Wade, Paul, Billups, Joe Johnson and Arenas to compete with, but his selection just shows the selection panel are looking at guys who will suit the international game and be able to play as a team effectively. And Kobe.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Sir Desmond:</div><div class="quote_post">Ridnour won't make the final team, not with Wade, Paul, Billups, Joe Johnson and Arenas to compete with, but his selection just shows the selection panel are looking at guys who will suit the international game and be able to play as a team effectively. And Kobe.</div> They need someone who can speak Italian.
