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CHRIS PAUL NAMED TO 2008 MEN’S SENIOR NATIONAL TEAMPaul one of 12 players to represent USA at OlympicsJune 23, 2008 USA Basketball Men’s Senior National Team managing director Jerry Colangelo announced today that New Orleans Hornets point guard Chris Paul was selected to the 2008 Men’s Senior National Team to represent the United States in the Aug. 8-24 Olympic Summer Games in Beijing, China. Paul is one of 12 players who were approved by the USA Basketball Executive Committee, and will be nominated to the United States Olympic Committee to participate in the 2008 Olympic Games. "It is a true blessing to be selected to Team USA," Paul said. "I am humbled by the selection and am proud to be able to represent the Hornets, the city of New Orleans and the United States at the Olympics. It has always been a dream of mine to play in the Olympics and representing my country is the ultimate honor." Joining Paul on the team are Carmelo Anthony (Denver Nuggets), Carlos Boozer (Utah Jazz), Chris Bosh (Toronto Raptors), Kobe Bryant (Los Angeles Lakers), Dwight Howard (Orlando Magic), LeBron James (Cleveland Cavaliers), Jason Kidd (Dallas Mavericks), Tayshaun Prince (Detroit Pistons), Michael Redd (Milwaukee Bucks), Dwyane Wade (Miami Heat), and Deron Williams (Utah Jazz). “This has been, to say the least, an extremely difficult selection process. The 33 players who committed to be part of the USA Senior National Team program and have been involved in our various training camps and competitions the past two summers deserve recognition and acknowledgment for their contributions and for their commitment to their country,” said Colangelo. “The 12 players selected have incredible talent, and more importantly, we think this team has excellent leadership; great versatility and balance; and very good chemistry which are critical parts in building a great team. I believe this team is a team all Americans can and will be proud of.” Paul was a member of the 2006 team that captured the bronze medal and finished with an 8-1 overall record in the 2006 FIBA World Championship in Satiama, Japan. Paul averaged a team-high 4.9 assists to go along with 7.0 points and 3.4 rebounds in 23.7 minutes of play. “I am thrilled for Chris to be selected to the team,” Hornets owner George Shinn said. “I couldn’t think of anyone better to represent not only the Hornets, but the city of New Orleans, state of Louisiana and our great country.” Paul led the Hornets to their first Southwest Division title and the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference. Paul paced the league in assists (11.6 apg) and steals (2.7 spg), becoming the first player since John Stockton in 1992 to lead the NBA in both categories the same season. He also averaged a team-high 21.1 points per game. 2008 USA Men's Senior National Team Roster
Managing Director: Jerry Colangelo Head Coach: Mike Krzyzewski, Duke University Assistant Coach: Jim Boeheim, Syracuse University Assistant Coach: Mike D'Antoni, New York Knicks Assistant Coach: Nate McMillan, Portland Trail Blazers Team Physician: Sheldon Burns, Minnesota Timberwolves Athletic Trainer: Keith Jones, Houston Rockets Athletic Trainer: Casey Smith, Dallas Mavericks 2008 USA Basketball Men's Senior National Team Schedule
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