His experience, so far, has been perfect. Antawn Jamison hopes that perfection continues.
If it does, he and his U.S. teammates will return home with a gold medal from the World Championships.
“Now we have to get the job done,” Jamison said. “To go out there and be dominant is something I haven’t experienced for awhile.”
Jamison earned one of the final 12 roster spots, it was announced Wednesday. Wizards teammate Gilbert Arenas is out with a strained groin. San Antonio’s Bruce Bowen was the final cut. The tournament starts Saturday.
“This has been a great process,” U.S. coach Mike Krzyzewski said. “It’s difficult especially when you get down to the end because you get so attached to the last members of the team. Gilbert and Bruce are every bit a part of this team as the 12 others guys. It’s just we can only go forward with 12.”
Jamison has played well for Team USA, scoring 16 points in one exhibition win. His outside shooting is a plus, as is his ability to penetrate in the wide-open style of international basketball.
But his concern entering the championships isn’t about what he can, or can’t do. He’s taking a bigger picture.
“We can really make history as far as being the team that brought some respectability back to USA Basketball,” Jamison said, “and put us back on the map. It’s a great opportunity and I’m definitely excited to get started.”
