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Seattle SuperSonics guard Luke Ridnour is hoping to join the list of the elite players who have represented the U.S. in international competition in the decade and a half since FIBA allowed eligibility for professional players. On Sunday, Ridnour was one of 21 NBA players (along with college stars Adam Morrison and J.J. Redick) selected for the U.S. Senior Men's National Team Program.

In July, Ridnour will join the 22 other players in Las Vegas for a week-long training camp where Head Coach Mike Krzyzewski, his coaching staff and Managing Director Jerry Colangelo will select 12 players and three alternates who will play for the U.S. in this summer's World Championship in Japan. Even if not selected for the World Championship team, Ridnour would remain in the picture for the 2008 Summer Olymics.

"It's going to be fun to play with guys like that and get a chance to scrimmage with them for that week." Jeff Reinking/NBAE/Getty

"It's going to be fun to play with guys like that and get a chance to scrimmage with them for that week," says Ridnour. "Hopefully, it can build for a couple of years. It's a chance to get better in the summertime."

When the Sonics were in Phoenix, where Colangelo also serves as chairman of the Suns, in January, he spoke to reporters about the possibility of Sonics guard Ray Allen and forward Rashard Lewis playing for the U.S. (both subsequently declined invitations), making no mention of Ridnour. It was a surprise to even Ridnour, then, when he was first contacted about a possible invitation.

"It was probably about two, three weeks ago," says Ridnour. "That's just when I heard that I was going to probably get asked to do it. They wanted to know if I was interested, and I said I would be if I was picked.

"I was a little shocked, because I didn't know what they were trying to do. I was definitely excited about the opportunity to try to play in the future, just be a part of it for a few years."

Later, Ridnour spoke by phone to Colangelo and reiterated his interest in participating with USA Basketball.

"He called me and talked to me about it," Ridnour says. "He said they're trying to bring in some younger guys too for the future. I was definitely excited about that. They're not just looking for scorers, but guys who can play and get people involved and things like that. It's definitely a good opportunity."

Ridnour is one of seven players on the current U.S. roster in their first three seasons in the NBA, and joins four other players - Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh, LeBron James and Dwyane Wade - from the loaded 2003 Draft class. Ridnour's combination of youth and willingness and ability to distribute the basketball was enticing for Colangelo. Only one other player 25 or younger is averaging more than Ridnour's 6.9 assists per game, and that player, New Orleans/Oklahoma City's Chris Paul, is also on the roster.

USA Basketball also likes Ridnour because of his similarity to one elite NBA point guard that won't be on the roster because he is Canadian.

"Ridnour is in the Steve Nash type of point guard role, if you will," Colangelo said Sunday during a teleconference to discuss the roster.

Suns Coach Mike D'Antoni, who will serve as Krzyzewski's lead assistant on the U.S. team, made the same glowing comparison to the NBA's reigning MVP last year.

"We loved the guy, just loved him in the draft. He has a chance of doing what Steve is doing," D'Antoni told the Seattle Times. "Normally few point guards can be dangerous offensively and run the team.

"You have the types that are dangerous with their shot but can't get everybody else involved. The special ones can do both. Steve is one of those special ones, and it looks like Luke is getting to that point."

Ridnour's development over the last two months under Coach Bob Hill has been obvious. During that span, Ridnour is averaging 14.0 points and 7.6 assists per game while shooting 46.0% from the field. His improvement should only accelerate now that the Sonics have added Earl Watson as a backup to Ridnour, giving him an opportunity to get more rest after showing signs of fatigue in the last month.

Hill also believes that playing with USA Basketball will boost Ridnour's development.

"I think it's wonderful," says Hill. "The international game is so difficult, much more physical. He's going to really grow from this by leaps and bounds."