COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - N.C. State forward Julius Hodge was selected as one of 17 finalists for the U.S. team that will compete in the Pan American Games. The 17 finalists will be whittled to 12 after training camp July 15-29 in Orlando, Fla. The games are Aug. 2-6 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. The U.S. has not won the gold medal at the Pan Am Games since 1983. The team will be coached by Tom Izzo of Michigan State.
Other finalists: Emeka Okafor, C, Connecticut; Ben Gordon, F, Connecticut; Gerald Fitch, G, Kentucky, Chuck Hayes, F, Kentucky; Ricky Paulding, G, Missouri; Arthur Johnson, F, Missouri; Hakim Warrick, F, Syracuse; Josh Childress, F, Stanford; Ike Diogu, F, Arizona State; Andre Barrett, G, Seton Hall; Chris Hill, G, Michigan State; Luke Jackson, G, Oregon; Brandon Mouton, G, Texas; Steve Novak, F, Marquette; Lawrence Roberts, F, Baylor; and Blake Stepp, G, Gonzaga.