Tomasson: Blazers F LaMarcus Aldridge "Definitely Interested" In Playing For Team USA In 2014

Chris Tomasson of Fox Sports Florida reports that Portland Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge is once again interested in playing for USA Basketball, possibly at the 2014 World Cup in Spain (previously called the World Championships).

Portland big man LaMarcus Aldridge said he wants to play for Team USA in the World Cup in Spain in 2014.
"Yeah, if they call me, I'm definitely interested in doing it,'' Aldridge told FOX Sports Florida.

Aldridge had been a strong candidate for the 2010 team but dropped out just before the trials for what he called "personal'' reasons. But he was back in USA Basketball's good graces for the Olympics last year before he got hurt and had to bow out.

"You know, things just happen,'' Aldridge said of dropping out in 2010. "I had some very personal things to my heart. So I had to do it. And last time (2012) I got hurt.''

Aldridge backed out of the process after being added to the USA Basketball program in advance of the 2010 World Championships team for personal reasons. He was named as a finalist for the 2012 London Olympics team in January 2012 but couldn't proceed through the process because he underwent hip surgery.

USA won gold in both 2010 and 2012.

-- Ben Golliver | benjamin.golliver@gmail.com | Twitter