From Deseret News archives:

Boozer skipping USA minicamp

Published: Wednesday, July 18, 2007 12:11 a.m. MDT
 |  E-MAIL | PRINT | FONT + - 
Deron Williams is going. Carlos Boozer is not.

When USA Basketball released its list of participants for this weekend's minicamp in Las Vegas, Boozer — a member of the United States' 2004 Olympic Team — was among those deemed to be a no-go.

"Because my wife is in the final stages of her pregnancy, I've decided to be here for her and our family," Boozer, Utah's leading scorer last season, said in a statement released by the team. "I'm excited for the team, and especially for Deron, but I have to take care of home."

Boozer, who lives in Miami during the offseason, and his wife, CeCe, are expecting twins.

Jazz basketball operations senior vice president Kevin O'Connor confirmed that Boozer's decision is purely personal and not at all injury-related.

"I think it's just a timing issue," O'Connor said.

That leaves Williams, the Jazz's starting point guard, as Utah's lone representative at the minicamp and only player vying for one of 12 spots in next month's FIBA America's Championship tournament in Las Vegas.

The FIBA tourney is a qualifier for the 2008 Summer Games in China.

Story continues below
Both Boozer and Williams hope to be members of USA's team at the 2008 Olympics, but neither is guaranteed a spot on the roster.


E-mail: tbuckley@desnews.com

Comments

You can be the first to comment on this story.

previousnext

Latest comments

Does anyone remember the ute fans jumping on Derek Stevenson dad at an game?...

For what it's worth, I think Corroon would make an outstanding governor of...

Dear Cherie and Leon and Family, We love you and appreciate your strength...

Cougars beat Utes in overtime

What ever happened to the love of the game? This is one of the best rivalries...

Cougars beat Utes in overtime

Thanks big brother???? ha ha ha. You weren't even competitive for 30 years.

Well said, Amy, and spot on. Hall has shown his true colors. It's what a...

I find it interesting that many of the same people who say that we can't...

Cougs begin bowl preparations

None of these teams is going to be easy. They all have fine football...

Max Hall issues apology

Max, no apology was necessary, but the apology was polically correct. If...

Very good piece of writing, Amy. You summarized what many of us have been...

Advertisements