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Oden An Olympic 'Factor' In 2008?
Lawrence North star invited to be part of select team, has shot at making trip to Beijing

By Jeff Rabjohns

jeff.rabjohns@indystar.com

USA Basketball managing director Jerry Colangelo wants Greg Oden -- possibly for the 2008 U.S. Olympic team.

Colangelo said Oden, a 7-foot senior from Lawrence North High School , will be part of a "select team" invited to play against the team the U.S. will send to the 2006 World Championship in Japan and to the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.

The select team, Colangelo said, would comprise 10-12 young players, mainly college stars and young NBA players, who are in the pipeline to play for the United States in future Olympics. Depending on how Oden progresses, Colangelo said, the center "might be a factor in 2008."

Oden was the only high school player Colangelo mentioned in an interview Sunday with The Star. Other players mentioned previously by Colangelo include Duke senior J.J. Redick and New Orleans Hornets rookie Chris Paul.

Oden couldn't be reached Sunday, but he said during the summer he would be interested in the Olympic movement.

Colangelo said invitations for the Olympic team likely will go out by the NBA All-Star Game (Feb. 19) and invitations for the select team by June. The select team would scrimmage against the U.S. team this summer prior to the World Championship on Aug. 19-Sept. 3.

Call Star reporter Jeff Rabjohns at (317) 444-6183.

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