Ernie Grunfeld presented Arenas and Jamison with their USA Basketball Jerseys. Photo courtesy of John DeFrities

USA Basketball revealed that Wizards players Gilbert Arenas and Antawn Jamison are among the 23 players, including 18 who have played previously for USA Basketball teams, who have been named to the historic 2006-2008 USA Men's Senior National Team program. The selections were announced by USA Basketball Men's Senior National Team program Managing Director Jerry Colangelo.

"It's an honor to be considered for the team," said Arenas. "I think we all want to get [USA basketball] back to where it was before, with the Dream Team and those guys."

"I am thrilled about having the opportunity to represent my country," added Jamison. "This is a tremendous honor and I am excited to have this chance to be a part of something very special."

The 23 selectees are expect to report when the USA opens training in mid-July. The exact training dates and sites will be announced at a later date.

The USA Basketball Men's Senior National Team will compete in the 2006 FIBA World Championship (Aug. 19-Sept. 3 in Saitama, Japan); if necessary the 2007 FIBA Americas Olympic Qualifying Tournament (dates and site TBD); and if the USA qualifies, the 2008 Summer Olympic Games (Aug. 8-24 in Beijing, China).

"This is the first standing USA Men's Senior National Team and the 23 players selected will give us everything we need to form a great USA team," said Colangelo, who was appointed Managing Director of the USA Basketball Men's Senior National Team program on April 27, 2005. "We feel we have versatility, shooters, size, quickness, role players, and defensive stoppers. In making the player selections we took into consideration the style of play anticipated to be used by the coaching staff.

For more information about the Men's Senior National Team, click here.