Unlike others, Iverson has right spirit to play for U.S. TeamLAST WEEK, USA Basketball general manager Jerry Colangelo told the Daily News that 76ers guard Allen Iverson was on a preliminary list of players being considered to try out for the National Team that will compete in the 2006 FIBA World Championships in Japan.
Colangelo said he wanted to meet with the star guard when the 76ers play in Phoenix on Jan. 4.
It's not because Iverson leads the NBA in scoring and is having the best all-around season of his career. It's not because he is still one of the world's most po****r basketball players but over the past 3 years, no player has displayed more commitment and loyalty to USA Basketball than Allen Iverson.
Unlike 2004 Olympic coach Larry Brown, Iverson didn't whine when players such as Jermaine O'Neal, Jason Kidd, and Ray Allen bailed out on their commitments to Athens.
Iverson simply accepted his teammates who were thrown together at the last minute and said the USA could still win gold.
During the Olympics, when guys such as Carmelo Anthony, LeBron James and Amare Stoudamire griped about Brown's odd game plans and
bizarre substitution patterns, Iverson preached faith in the coach and the program.
After the USA suffered that devastating semifinal loss to Argentina, Iverson didn't hide in the locker room like some others.
He faced the media, congratulated the Argentines, then said he would give his all against Lithuania for the bronze.
"LeBron can stay home, as can Duncan, Anthony, Allen, O'Neal and any other USA star needing any assurance other than the honor of representing our country.I want guys on Team USA who think like Iverson",USA Basketball general manager Jerry Colangelo said .