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Duncan won't play for US team in 2008 Olympics
(AP)
Updated: 2006-01-08 13:31
PHOENIX - Tim Duncan has officially notified USA Basketball that he will not
be a part of the U.S. team that will compete at this year's world championships
and the 2008 Olympics.
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San Antonio Spurs forward Tim Duncan (21) is
defended by Minnesota Timberwolves center Michael Olowokandi (34) during
the fourth quarter of their NBA basketball game in San Antonio, Friday,
Jan. 6, 2006. [AP] | Jerry Colangelo, managing
director of USA Basketball, said Saturday that Duncan's agent, Lon Babby, had
called with the news earlier this week. Because of the call, Colangelo did not
meet with Duncan when the San Antonio Spurs came to town this weekend.
After the Spurs' 91-86 loss to the Suns on Saturday night, Duncan confirmed
his feelings on playing for the U.S. team.
"I have no interest in that," he said.
Colangelo, chosen to form a team to bring the U.S. back to world prominence
in the sport, is requiring players to make a three-year commitment. The
commitment includes a training camp in July, probably to be held in Las Vegas,
as well as exhibition games in China and South Korea leading up to the worlds in
Japan in August.
There will be another training camp next year, followed by another and more
exhibition games prior to the 2008 Games in Beijing.
Colangelo said has met with 15 to 18 players, and Duncan was the first to say
he would not take part. Some, including Shaquille O'Neal, have said they were
still considering it, while others, including Allen Iverson, have said they were
willing to make the commitment.
Duncan was part of the U.S. team that won the bronze medal at the 2004
Olympics. He was selected for the U.S. team at the 2000 Olympics but had to
withdraw with a knee injury.
Duncan played for the U.S. teams at the FIBA Americas qualifying tournaments
in 1999 and 2003.
Colangelo, who has said the team will include role players and not be simply
a collection of superstars, plans to announce the first batch of camp invitees
by the NBA All-Star break in mid-February.
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