Marquette University Athletics
Dwyane Wade named to 2004 USA Senior National Team
7/8/2004 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
USA Basketball also officially 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Nets), Karl Malone (Los Angeles Lakers), Tracy McGrady (Houston Rockets), and Jermaine O'Neal (Indiana Pacers), have withdrawn from the ?04 team because of injuries or personal reasons.
"It is a tremendous honor to be a part of representing your country, you are representing the red, white and blue. 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," said Wade. "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 third of the USA's three standout NBA rookies, Wade in 2003-04 started 56 of the 61 games he played in, and averaged 16.2 ppg., 4.0 rpg., 4.5 apg., 1.41 spg., while shooting 46.5 percent from the field and 74.7 percent from the free throw line.
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. Assisting Miami to the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the Playoffs, Wade's numbers bettered to 18.0 ppg., 4.0 rpg., 5.6 apg., 1.31 spg., all while shooting 45.5 percent from the field and 78.7 percent from the charity stripe.
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. He ranked in the top five among rookies in five major statistical categories including scoring (third), assists (fourth), field goal percentage (second), steals (second) and minutes (fourth). In the 2004 Rookie Challenge held during All-Star Weekend, he finished with 22 points on 11-16 shooting from the floor, four assists, three rebounds in 26 minutes for the Rookies.
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 University (Wis.). Starting all 65 games in his college career in which he played, he finished with solid averages of 19.7 ppg., 6.5 rpg., 3.9 apg., 2.3 steals, while shooting 49.4 percent from the floor, 33.3 from 3-point and 74.5 percent from the foul line.
Compiling 1,281 points in his two seasons, he ranks 20th all-time on Marquette's scoring ledger, and finished ranked ninth for steals (150) and blocked shots (79). He was tabbed by the A.P. All-American First Team, and was also named Conference USA Player of the Year and All-Conference USA First Team.
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 2004 USA Basketball Men's Senior National Team will open their pre-Olympic training on July 26 at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, Florida, 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.
For more information on USA Basketball go to www.usabasketball.com.
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