KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – Former Kansas center Joel Embiid will be a part of a star-studded cast of stars expected to represent the United States at the 2024 Paris Olympics this summer.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported Monday that Embiid, last year’s NBA MVP, is one of the 11 players expected to make the Olympic roster for the United States.
Embiid, a native of Cameroon, gained American citizenship in September 2022. In October 2023, he announced his plans to suit up for the Stars and Stripes if possible.
“I’m really proud and excited about this decision,” Embiid wrote on X. “It was not easy. I am blessed to call Cameroon, France, and the USA home. After talking to my family, I knew it had to be Team USA. I want to play with my brothers in the league.
READ MORE: KU guard Johnny Furphy named to initial Australian Olympic basketball team
“I want to play for my fans because they’ve been incredible since the day I came here,” Embiid continued. “But most of all, I want to honor my son who was born in the US.
“I want my boy to know I played my first Olympics for him.”
Wojnarowski reported that Embiid will join a team that will include LeBron James, Steph Curry, Kevin Durant and other stars. It will be Embiid’s first appearance in the Olympics after nearly a decade in the NBA following a one-year stint in Lawrence.
The 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris will be held from July 26 until Aug. 11, 2024. USA Basketball will be coached by Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr.
It’s possible Embiid could match up in the Olympics with his former Kansas teammate Andrew Wiggins, who could suit up for the Canadian National Team.
KU freshman Johnny Furphy will be a participant in Australia’s Olympic training camp after being named to the Boomers’ 24-man training camp roster.
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