In an NIT semifinal three months ago, Memphis basketball players Darius Washington Jr. and Rodney Carney wanted nothing more than to help the Tigers beat coach Phil Martelli and his St. Joseph's Hawks.
But Martelli's Hawks prevailed 70-58 on their way to the NIT finals.
Now, Carney and Washington will do everything they can to impress the man who helped end their season.
The Tigers' duo represents two of the 21 players who hope to make Martelli's team at the USA Basketball Men's U21 National Team trials from July 21-23.
Cuts will be made following the trials in Colorado Springs, Colo. A USA basketball committee, headed by Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim, will make the first seven cuts. Martelli, who will be the head coach, will consult his staff and make the final two roster moves.
In all, 12 players will make the team for the 2005 FIBA U21 World Championships in Mar de Plata, Argentina, from Aug. 5-14.
In less than a month, the U.S. will have to put together a team to defend its world championship.
"(The lack of time) is the biggest challenge," Martelli said. "I think there is a lot of opportunity to do great things, but I think it's going to take a lot of work."
Count Washington as one player that is happy for the chance to play."I'm excited about it," Washington said. "Out of all the players in the country, they could have picked anybody from any school...and they chose me.
"It's not every day that you get chosen to represent the United States."
While Washington has no prior experience at this level of international basketball, Carney has been here before. Last July, he was cut from the U21 team that competed at the FIBA Americas World Championship qualifying tournament -- the team that qualified for this year's tournament in Argentina. He said that experience will be invaluable this time around.
"Last year, I just went in there and got a feel for everyone," Carney said. "Basically, I wasn't playing my best. This time, I know what I have to do."
That includes, by Carney's own admission, a better effort defensively and on the glass.
The team is loaded with guys that can shoot. Duke's J.J. Reddick, Connecticut's Marcus Williams and Gonzaga's Adam Morrison are just three that will be vying for perimeter positions.
"Both guys are perimeter players," Martelli said of the Memphis pair. "Of the 21 that are invited, by my count there are 14 perimeter guys and we're going to have to find out which of them can play a little bit bigger."
Martelli said both Washington and Carney will have a chance to play multiple positions at the trials.
At Memphis, Washington plays point guard exclusively, but he was a shooting guard in high school. Carney, a versatile 6-foot-7 senior, has played a number of positions for the Tigers in his three seasons.
Regardless, both players are ready to contribute in any way possible and get a chance to stand on the podium in August.
"This is for a world championship," Martelli said. "I hope that they're excited because I'm certainly looking forward to it."
