July 18, 2007

Orlando Magic players Dwight Howard and J.J. Redick will be among the NBA stars participating in this week's USA Basketball minicamp in Las Vegas.

Howard and Redick are included in a pool of 32 players seeking an invitation to compete for Team USA in next month's FIBA Americas tournament, a qualifying event for the 2008 Olympic Games.

With a number of players injured or unavailable, only 17 players will participate this weekend. Players scheduled to be there include Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh, Shane Battier, Chauncey Billups, Amare Stoudamire, Kirk Hinrich, Michael Redd, Kevin Durant, Jason Kidd, Mike Miller, Tayshaun Prince, Deron Williams and Tyson Chandler.

Several players, including Dwyane Wade, Greg Oden, Elton Brand and Shawn Marion are unable to compete due to injury.

The team will train for two games before taking part in a blue-white scrimmage game on Sunday on the campus of UNLV. The final Team USA roster must be trimmed to 12 players before the FIBA tournament gets underway on Aug. 22.

Howard was a member of last summer's Team USA squad that played in the FIBA World Championships in Japan. Redick was invited to take part in a training camp last July for USA Basketball, but was unable to play while resting a sore back.