Team USA is officially ready to defend its Olympic gold medal in Men’s Basketball. The final roster for the United States was announced Saturday, and the country’s 2012 Olympic team is now set.
James Harden anxiously waited to find out if he was going to realize his dream of becoming an Olympian. When it was time for the final roster to be announced the Oklahoma City thunder guard was unsure if he was going to claim one of the final 3 remaining spots on the Olympic team that will compete in London. The suspense ended when he was called into a meeting by the national coaching staff.
James Harden, new U.S. Olympic team member, said, "It was me and Andre in the room at first then we were waiting on blake. The whole time we hands were sweating and thinking about what they were going to talk about. Chills, chills went down my spine. This is a dream come true. Definitely will take advantage of this."
Blake Griffin was selected for his raw talent despite his lack of past international experience due an injury he suffered in 2009 and 2010. Andre Iguodala is one of the 5 players on the roster who were on the team that won the 2010 world championship.
Andre Iguodala said, "How it is when you hear the word “Olympian” and you know that that’s attached with your name from now on? It’s a great feeling layed the path - it’s been great."
James Harden said, "Obviously blake is a big man athletic do what he does.for me it will be coming off the bench and playmaking shooting the ball and defending."
The other 9 players who make up the Olympic roster are Carmelo Anthony, Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, Tyson Chandler, Kevin Durant, Chris Paul, Kevin Love, Russell Westbrook, and Deron Williams..
Mike Krzyzewski, head coach of U.S. Olympic Team Men’s Basketball, said, "I’m excited about our opportunity to achieve success. The team has great versatility and athleticism but even more than that - they’re good guys who are proud to serve their country, play for their country and hopefully bring back the gold."
Now the players will begin to prepare for their short exhibition season on their way to London. They start their tune up here with an exhibition game against The Dominican Republic on July 12.