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News Nuggets, 07.11.04
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Compiled from staff reports and electronic dispatches

Former Marquette star Wade named to U.S. Olympic team

Adding five of the country's top young talents, USA Basketball announced this week the addition of NBA standouts Carmelo Anthony (Denver Nuggets), Carlos Boozer (Cleveland Cavaliers), Lamar Odom (Miami Heat), Emeka Okafor (Charlotte Bobcats / University of Connecticut) and Dwyane Wade (Miami Heat) to the 2004 USA Senior National Team roster.

Wade led Marquette to the NCAA's Final Four two years ago. One of the Golden Eagles' rare failures during that spectacularly successful season was a stunning 73-70 loss at Conference USA foe East Carolina.

USA Basketball also confirmed that five previously named USA Team members — Mike Bibby (Sacramento Kings), Jason Kidd (New Jersey Nets), Karl Malone (Los Angeles Lakers), Tracy McGrady (Houston Rockets), and Jermaine O'Neal (Indiana Pacers) — have withdrawn from the ‘04 team because of injuries or personal reasons.

In a quote on C-USA's official website, Wade indicated his sense of patriotism, his efforts to set a wholesome personal example, and an admiration for those who preceded him on previous U.S. Olympic teams gave him a great appreciation for being selected.

"It is a tremendous honor to be a part of representing your country, you are representing the red, white and blue," said Wade. "But it is an honor for me and my family for one just to be recognized not only for what I do on the court but off the court. I think that you have to be a special person off the court also.

"When I was younger I grew up watching the best team, The Dream Team quote-un-quote Michael Jordan, Magic (Johnson) and all of them and just to see them win a gold medal and the smiles on their faces I think I will always remember that. And for me to now be a part of that team I hope I can have the same smile at the end."

The 6-2 guard helped lead Miami to a surprising runner-up finish in the Atlantic Division with a 42-40 regular season record, a considerable improvement from the Heat's 25-57 showing in 2002-03.

Wade joined USA teammates Anthony and James as an unanimous selection to the NBA All-Rookie First Team and finished third in Rookie of the Year voting.

Drafted in the first round as the No. 5 overall pick of the 2003 NBA Draft by Miami, Wade played two collegiate seasons at Marquette.

Compiling 1,281 points in his two seasons, he was named to the AP All-American First Team and was voted C-USA Player of the Year in his final season.

The naming of the five players raises the USA player roster to the official 12-man limit. The talented USA squad is scheduled to represent the United States at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece, Aug. 13-29. The player selections were made by the USA Basketball Senior National Team Committee.

The U.S. team will open its pre-Olympic training on July 26 at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, and will spend the 18 days leading up to the 2004 Athens Olympics training in Jacksonville (July 26-31); Cologne, Germany (Aug. 1-4); Belgrade, Serbia & Montenegro (Aug. 5-6); Istanbul, Turkey (Aug. 7-12), and will play a total of six exhibition games.

Houston, Charlotte cop NCAA Regionals in 2008

The NCAA's emerging affinity for Houston as a host of postseason basketball events was reinforced this week with word that a Regional will be played in the city in the not-too-distant future.

The University of Houston, Reliant Park and the Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau announced that the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Committee has selected Houston and Reliant Stadium as the site to host an NCAA Division I Regional in 2008.

Reliant Stadium will also host a NCAA Division I Regional Tournament in 2010.

Earlier this year, the 2011 Division I Men's Basketball Final Four, to be played April 2-4, was awarded to this Houston group.

"The University of Houston has a rich tradition in men's basketball, so we are very excited with the Committee's decision and we look forward to working with the NCAA on preparing for the Men's Regionals in 2008 and 2010 and the Final Four in 2011," said Director of Athletics for University of Houston Dave Maggard.

GHCVB President and CEO Jordy Tollett called the decision another significant milestone for the city of Houston.

"In addition to the Super Bowl, the upcoming MLB All Star Game, Tennis Masters Cup, the return of the Big XII Conference Football Championship, the Men's Regionals in 2008 and 2010 and the Final Four in 2011, Houston is definitely on the map as one of the premier destinations in the country for hosting major sporting events," Tollett said. In addition, I would like to compliment SMG-Reliant Park for their aggressive efforts to keep the city of Houston in the limelight as it relates to attracting these major sporting events. These events have substantial economic impact and benefit all areas of the city."

Other men's Regionals Sites for 2008 are as follows:

Charlotte, Charlotte Arena, University of North Carolina-Charlotte, host; Thursday and Saturday, March 27 and 29.

Detroit, Ford Field, University of Detroit-Mercy, host; Friday and Sunday, March 28 and 30.

Phoenix, America West Arena, Arizona State University, host; March 27 and 29.

News Nuggets are compiled periodically from staff, ECU, Conference USA and its member schools, and from Associated Press and other reports. Copyright 2004 Bonesville.net and other publishers. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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