It's been rumored/expected for a while. Here is the press release:
LAMARCUS ALDRIDGE NAMED TO USA MEN'S NATIONAL TEAM PROGRAM
PORTLAND, Ore. - Portland Trail Blazers forward/center LaMarcus Aldridge was named to the 2010-2012 USA Men's National Team program, it was announced today by USA Basketball Chairman Jerry Colangelo.
Aldridge, 24, was previously selected to the USA Men's National Team Select Teams in 2007 and 2008 before being named to the Team USA Mini-Camp in 2009.
"It's a great honor to be selected to participate in the National Team Program," said Aldridge. "I'm really looking forward to competing at the highest level and representing my country this summer."
A 2007 T-Mobile NBA All-Rookie First Team member and University of Texas product, Aldridge is posting career averages of 15.7 points (48.8% FG) and 7.1 rebounds in 271 games (230 starts) through four NBA seasons.
"I'm really happy that LaMarcus has been rewarded for all the hard work he's put in," said Trail Blazers General Manager Kevin Pritchard. "This is testament to how highly regarded he is among NBA elite big men."
A smaller group of U.S. National Team members is expected to be selected to participate in the 2010 USA National Team's opening training camp in July. Exact training dates and locations for the USA National Team training in 2010 will be announced at a later date.
Returning in 2010-2012 for a second run with the USA Basketball Men's National Team is the entire USA Basketball Men's National Team coaching staff from 2006-08. Led by head coach Mike Krzyzewski (Duke University), and assistants Jim Boeheim (Syracuse University), Mike D'Antoni (New York Knicks) and Nate McMillan (Portland Trail Blazers), the American men won gold at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and compiled a three-year record of 36-1.
Completing the list of 28 National Team players are Carmelo Anthony (Denver Nuggets); Chauncey Billups (Denver Nuggets); Carlos Boozer (Utah Jazz); Chris Bosh (Toronto Raptors); Kobe Bryant (Los Angeles Lakers); Kevin Durant (Oklahoma City Thunder); Rudy Gay (Memphis Grizzlies); Eric Gordon (Los Angeles Clippers); Danny Granger (Indiana Pacers); Dwight Howard (Orlando Magic); Andre Iguodala (Philadelphia 76ers); LeBron James (Cleveland Cavaliers); Al Jefferson (Minnesota Timberwolves); David Lee (New York Knicks); Rashard Lewis (Orlando Magic); Brook Lopez (New Jersey Nets); Kevin Love (Minnesota Timberwolves); O.J. Mayo (Memphis Grizzlies); Lamar Odom (Los Angeles Lakers); Chris Paul (New Orleans Hornets); Kendrick Perkins (Boston Celtics); Derrick Rose (Chicago Bulls); Amar'e Stoudemire (Phoenix Suns); Dwyane Wade (Miami Heat); Gerald Wallace (Charlotte Bobcats); Russell Westbrook (Oklahoma City Thunder) and Deron Williams (Utah Jazz).
I'd be surprised if LMA can beat out enough of those other guys to make waves, but you never know. He's a guy who could fit in with others and international play might accentuate his quicker perimeter style.
--Dave (blazersub@yahoo.com)