milky_way
01-03-2003, 04:16 PM
ESPN.com news services
Kobe Bryant will play ball for the United States at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens.
The Lakers superstar has notified USA Basketball of his intention to accept their invitation to play in the Olympics, as well as next year's qualifying tournament in Puerto Rico.
"I just want to play, just made up my mind," Bryant told the Los Angeles Times after practice on Thursday. "It hit me one morning. I wanted to compete... and bring home what's rightfully ours."
Without many of the top NBA players competing, the United States struggled mightily in the World Championships last year, absorbing several stunning and embarrassing upsets. The U.S. finished sixth, losing to Argentina, Yugoslavia and Spain.
Bryant said he recently told selection committee chairman Stu Jackson of his decision, and that he had spoken to 76ers coach Larry Brown, who will coach the national team.
Initially, Bryant had been reluctant to commit to both tourneys, in part, because his wife was expecting the couple's first child in February.
Asked about that on Thursday, Bryant told the Times, "You're asking personal questions. What's wrong with you?"
Among those already committed to play in the Olympic qualifying tournament and the Olympics are Tracy McGrady, Tim Duncan, Jason Kidd and Ray Allen. USA Basketball's wish list reportly includes Allen Iverson, Kevin Garnett and Shaquille O'Neal.
O'Neal, Bryant, Duncan, Kidd and McGrady were among the stars who did not play in the World Championships.
Kobe Bryant will play ball for the United States at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens.
The Lakers superstar has notified USA Basketball of his intention to accept their invitation to play in the Olympics, as well as next year's qualifying tournament in Puerto Rico.
"I just want to play, just made up my mind," Bryant told the Los Angeles Times after practice on Thursday. "It hit me one morning. I wanted to compete... and bring home what's rightfully ours."
Without many of the top NBA players competing, the United States struggled mightily in the World Championships last year, absorbing several stunning and embarrassing upsets. The U.S. finished sixth, losing to Argentina, Yugoslavia and Spain.
Bryant said he recently told selection committee chairman Stu Jackson of his decision, and that he had spoken to 76ers coach Larry Brown, who will coach the national team.
Initially, Bryant had been reluctant to commit to both tourneys, in part, because his wife was expecting the couple's first child in February.
Asked about that on Thursday, Bryant told the Times, "You're asking personal questions. What's wrong with you?"
Among those already committed to play in the Olympic qualifying tournament and the Olympics are Tracy McGrady, Tim Duncan, Jason Kidd and Ray Allen. USA Basketball's wish list reportly includes Allen Iverson, Kevin Garnett and Shaquille O'Neal.
O'Neal, Bryant, Duncan, Kidd and McGrady were among the stars who did not play in the World Championships.