Former Sun Devil Harden added to Team USA roster

James Harden is taking the basketball world by storm.

The former Arizona State Star, current member of the
Oklahoma City Thunder and future NBA Sixth Man of the Year
award winner is already in the midst of his best season as
a pro, and now may get his first crack at basketball on an
international stage.

USA Basketball announced Thursday that Harden, as well as
Kentucky center Anthony Davis, have been added to the list
of finalists for the 2012 USA Basketball National Team.

“After a lot of deliberations, after reviewing our roster,
we think these two additions strengthen our National Team
program immeasurably,” chairman Jerry Colangelo said.
“James Harden probably is the sixth man of the year in the
NBA, and Anthony Davis brings a dimension to our pool we
don’t have.”

Harden has per-game averages of 16.8 points, 4.1 rebounds,
3.7 assists and one epic beard for the Thunder this
season, showing the well-rounded game that helped him lead
Arizona State to the NCAA Tournament in 2009 before being
selected by Oklahoma City with the third pick in the NBA
Draft.

“Being named as a finalist for the USA Basketball National
Team is an unbelievable feeling and an opportunity that is
truly humbling,” Harden said in a press release. “It is an
honor to be included with such talented players and I look
forward to the chance to represent my country this
summer.”

The official U.S. Olympic team roster, which will compete
in the summer games in London, will be announced later
this year.

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