Last summer Andre Iguodala spent the off-season working as an intern for Merrill Lynch to learn about Wall Street and financial planning. This year his summer job will be a little more high-profile.
Iguodala was named to the 12-man roster that will represent the United States at the Olympics in London later this month.
"It's very well deserved," Sixers president Rod Thorn said. "It's nice
that USA Basketball understands how good he really is. He does things
that help you win."
Instead, Collins was just a major player in the most infamous basketball game ever played when the Soviets were allowed to have three chances to score the winning basket.
"Congrats to 'Dre," said Collins, whose son Chris is an assistant on Mike Krzyzewski's staff. "Nobody could be more pleased than I am that he's starting to get the recognition for being a great player. Being an Olympian in 1972, I know what this means for him and I'm very proud."
Iguodala earned the berth to be the team’s defensive stopper on the perimeter. For over 10 years Iguodala has played for several national teams, including the 2010 national team that won the gold at the World Championships in Turkey in 2010.
Iguodala, the Sixers’ All-Star small forward and defensive ace, was a starter and led the tournament in steals during the World Championship. Playing for the national coach, Krzyzewski, in 2010 likely helped Iguodala secure a spot on the U.S. Olympic roster.
With 10 players already assured a roster spot, Iguodala competed with Anthony Davis, Rudy Gay, Eric Gordon and James Harden for the final two spots. With Iguodala and Harden taking those last two spots, Davis, Gay and Gordon are the team alternates and could be added to the 12-man roster for injury up to 48 hours before the Olympic tournament begins.
Iguodala and Harden join a U.S. roster comprised of LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul and Deron Williams, returnees from the 2008 gold medal team as well as Kevin Durant and Oklahoma City teammate Russell Westbrook, centers Tyson Chandler and Kevin Love and power forward Blake Griffin.
Injuries to Derrick Rose, Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade and Dwight Howard will hurt the Americans and leave them a little short in the frontcourt, but the U.S. team will be the prohibitive favorite to win gold again in London.
The U.S. team is currently holding its training camp in Las Vegas until July 12 when it moves to Washington, D.C. for a few days before an exhibition game against Brazil on July 16.
After the game the U.S. team sets up camp in Barcelona before moving to Great Britain in time for its opening game against France on July 29.
E-mail Jonh R. Finger at jfinger@comcastsportsnet.com
