Fresno State Athletics
George to play on Team USA in 2016 Olympic Games
8/2/2016 6:39:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Former Fresno State men’s basketball standout Paul George is one of 12 NBA stars on Team USA’s men’s basketball roster.
RIO de JANEIRO – When Paul George arrived on campus at Fresno State in 2008, he began an important chapter in his quest to become one of the best players in the world.
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On Wednesday, George will arrive in Rio for the 2016 Summer Olympics as a member of the 12-man USA men's basketball team poised to compete for a gold medal.
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"I'm really excited to have this opportunity again to represent my country," George said "I think hearing the National Anthem before the first game is probably when it will sink in that this is the moment I've dreamed of and was looking forward to as a kid."
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George played two seasons at Fresno State from 2008-10 before declaring for the 2010 NBA Draft, where he was selected in the lottery by the Indiana Pacers as the 10th overall pick.
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In his second game as a Bulldog, George catapulted onto the national radar with a one-handed slam dunk on a pair of defenders, which was named the top play of the day on ESPN's Sportscenter. He ranked in the top 20 in his class in scoring as both a freshman and sophomore, while also being named the West's Most Entertaining Player by SI.com in Fall 2009.
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"Paul is a great ambassador for Fresno State Athletics and the Fresno State men's basketball program," Bulldogs' head coach Rodney Terry said. "Obviously, he's one of the best players in the world to be a part of a 12-man team. I can't speak for him but to be a part of that team and to be able to play for your country is about as big of a compliment as you can get."
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George and Team USA open play at the Games of the XXXI Olympiad versus China on Saturday at 3 p.m. PT.
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2016 United States Men's Basketball Olympic Roster
#4 – Jimmy Butler (Marquette)
#5 – Kevin Durant (Texas)
#6 – DeAndre Jordan (Texas A&M)
#7 – Kyle Lowry (Villanova)
#8 – Harrison Barnes (North Carolina)
#9 – DeMar DeRozan (USC)
#10 – Kyrie Irving (Duke)
#11 – Klay Thompson (Washington State)
#12 – DeMarcus Cousins (Kentucky)
#13 – Paul George (Fresno State)
#14 – Draymond Green (Michigan State)
#15 – Carmelo Anthony (Syracuse)
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"Just the Ticket to Build our Community" -- The Bulldog Scholarship Fund gives Bulldog alumni, fans and friends the opportunity to support Fresno State Athletics and the student-athletes who inspire them. For information about how you can support the Bulldog Scholarship Fund, please visit www.bulldogscholarshipfund.com or call 559-278-7160.
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On Wednesday, George will arrive in Rio for the 2016 Summer Olympics as a member of the 12-man USA men's basketball team poised to compete for a gold medal.
Â
"I'm really excited to have this opportunity again to represent my country," George said "I think hearing the National Anthem before the first game is probably when it will sink in that this is the moment I've dreamed of and was looking forward to as a kid."
Â
George played two seasons at Fresno State from 2008-10 before declaring for the 2010 NBA Draft, where he was selected in the lottery by the Indiana Pacers as the 10th overall pick.
Â
In his second game as a Bulldog, George catapulted onto the national radar with a one-handed slam dunk on a pair of defenders, which was named the top play of the day on ESPN's Sportscenter. He ranked in the top 20 in his class in scoring as both a freshman and sophomore, while also being named the West's Most Entertaining Player by SI.com in Fall 2009.
Â
"Paul is a great ambassador for Fresno State Athletics and the Fresno State men's basketball program," Bulldogs' head coach Rodney Terry said. "Obviously, he's one of the best players in the world to be a part of a 12-man team. I can't speak for him but to be a part of that team and to be able to play for your country is about as big of a compliment as you can get."
Â
George and Team USA open play at the Games of the XXXI Olympiad versus China on Saturday at 3 p.m. PT.
Â
2016 United States Men's Basketball Olympic Roster
#4 – Jimmy Butler (Marquette)
#5 – Kevin Durant (Texas)
#6 – DeAndre Jordan (Texas A&M)
#7 – Kyle Lowry (Villanova)
#8 – Harrison Barnes (North Carolina)
#9 – DeMar DeRozan (USC)
#10 – Kyrie Irving (Duke)
#11 – Klay Thompson (Washington State)
#12 – DeMarcus Cousins (Kentucky)
#13 – Paul George (Fresno State)
#14 – Draymond Green (Michigan State)
#15 – Carmelo Anthony (Syracuse)
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"Just the Ticket to Build our Community" -- The Bulldog Scholarship Fund gives Bulldog alumni, fans and friends the opportunity to support Fresno State Athletics and the student-athletes who inspire them. For information about how you can support the Bulldog Scholarship Fund, please visit www.bulldogscholarshipfund.com or call 559-278-7160.
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