iv3rson
Sixth Man
Joined: Sep 19, 2002
Posts: 51
Location: dUhty SoUf
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 Posted: Wed Dec 18, 2002 12:31 am Post subject: Iverson expects to be left off U.S. team for 2004 Games |
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Allen Iverson doesn't expect to be awarded a berth on the U.S. basketball team for the 2004 Olympics, even though the squad will be coached by the 76ers' Larry Brown.
"I've heard a lot of names of people who should be picked for the team, and mine is never mentioned," Iverson told reporters last night after the Sixers' win over the Denver Nuggets. "Anyone in their right mind who has seen me play for seven years knows that wouldn't be fair."
Brown does not make the final selections. The players going to Athens, Greece, will be chosen by a USA Basketball selection committee that includes Sixers general manager Billy King.
Iverson said that if he is not selected, his relationship with Brown will not be affected.
"If Coach Brown had his way, I'd be on the team," Iverson, the league's MVP in 2000-01, said. "That's not even an issue. I know if I'm not on the team, he wouldn't have anything to do with that."
"I would be hurt [if not selected], but I don't think it would set me back," he said.
Iverson was wearing a Boston Celtics jersey, a replica of the No. 6 worn by Bill Russell.
"Everyone was getting on me, saying Wilt [Chamberlain] would be turning over in his grave right now," Iverson said, referring to the former Sixer who is also a Hall of Famer. "I just respect the player."
Iverson added that he has already said it would be an honor to play but "I'm not going to beg them to put me on the team." |
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