J.J. Barea Playing For Pitino

[shadow force]

Rick Pitino's first foray in international basketball competition starts next Tuesday at the Pan Am Games. On Wednesday, he announced the roster he'll take with him next week to Toronto.

Dallas Mavericks point guard J.J. Barea is the biggest name on the 12-man squad, which opens next week's Games with a 10:30 a.m. Tuesday game against Brazil.

The team also includes former Kansas forward Kevin Young, who now plays professional basketball in Puerto Rico, and former Wichita State forward Ramon Clemente, who now plays in Argentina.

Seven of the other players on the roster played college basketball in the U.S.: Larry Ayuso (USC); Alejandro "Bimbo" Carmona (Dayton); Javier Mojica (Central Connecticut State); Devon Collier (Oregon State); Gilberto Clavell (Sam Houston State); Paul Graham (FAU); and Paul Browne (West Virginia). Forward Luis Villafane and guard Jezreel de Jesus complete the roster.

The Puerto Rican Pan Am Games team will play its second exhibition game against the Dominican Republic on Wednesday as it tunes up for Toronto.

At the Games, after opening against Brazil, Puerto Rico plays Team USA on Wednesday and Venezuela on Thursday

 

[Ipartiedwithhopgood]

Rick's just having a blast as he rides off in the sunset.

Don't be surprised if he comes away from this experience with a new wrinkle or two for our team.