Oden, Durant added to U.S. team; LeBron's status not set
Updated: 2007-06-28 14:25
Greg Oden and Kevin Durant are headed to USA Basketball camp. LeBron James' summer plans still seem up in the air.
The United States added eight players to its roster Wednesday, highlighted by the college stars who figure to be the top two picks in the NBA draft.
"To show that they already have this commitment to playing for the United States at this age is terrific," U.S. coach Mike Krzyzewski said during a conference call. "Hopefully they'll play many, many years for the United States."
Jason Kidd, Carlos Boozer, Deron Williams, Mike Miller, Tayshaun Prince and Tyson Chandler also were invited to Las Vegas for training camp in July, a month before the Americans will try to qualify for the 2008 Olympics.
James, one of the team's captains, has called himself only "50-50" to join his teammates in the tournament because his girlfriend is expecting a baby next month and he wants to rest.
"I've been pretty clear on the fact that the commitments have worked both ways. These three-year commitments, we expect people to honor those," USA Basketball managing director Jerry Colangelo said. "But we have things that come up in life, let's be realistic about that. Injuries, family situations, and so I want to take each case individually."
Colangelo also said Phoenix star Amare Stoudemire called Krzyzewski on Tuesday to confirm his participation. Stoudemire, who had two knee surgeries last year, seemed hesitant to play after the Suns' season ended.
The Americans will gather for training camp from July 20-22, with a blue-white game on the last day. The roster will be trimmed before the team returns to camp in August.
Besides the players added Wednesday, the Americans are also getting back Kobe Bryant, Chauncey Billups and Michael Redd, who couldn't play last summer. The final 12-man roster for the FIBA Americas tournament must be submitted the day before the August 22 start.
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