http://www.twincities.com/mld/twincities/sports/basketball/13470276.htm Wolves' Szczerbiak says he would love to represent his country in 2008 in Beijing BY RICK ALONZO Pioneer Press Timberwolves forward Wally Szczerbiak said he would love to play in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Jerry Colangelo, managing director of the USA Basketball senior men's national team, is in charge of putting the pool of players together that will make up the team. At this point, he has been contacting players and gauging their interest. Szczerbiak said he has not heard from Colangelo yet but that he hopes to be considered. "I'd love to do it," Szczerbiak said Thursday. "It's up to the committee. They have their team they want to choose, but I'd love to be a part of it." There's reason to believe Szczerbiak will have a chance. Colangelo has said the team will not be short on shooters, and Szczerbiak is a career 50 percent shooter. His long-range touch could be even more effective with the shorter international three-point line. Szczerbiak has ties to USA Basketball. He won gold medals with the United States in the Goodwill Games in 1998 and 2001. He also played for the gold-medal team at the Tournament of the Americas in 1999. Colangelo is seeking a three-year commitment from players, with the 2006 FIBA World Championship as the first major event. But the commitment might not be as demanding as it sounds. Players aren't necessarily required to participate in the World Championship and the Olympics, depending on their individual arrangements with Colangelo, the Phoenix Suns' chairman and CEO. Wolves coach Dwane Casey said he would support his players if any of them wanted to play. Kevin Garnett played on the U.S. team that won gold in the 2000 Sydney Olympics, which decreases the likelihood that he would participate in 2008. "I would encourage them, yes, because it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," Casey said. "Kevin has already done it. I think they're looking for a youth movement more than anything else. But I think you have guys like Wally Szczerbiak who should get consideration as a shooter. I do think shooting is one thing that's very important in international play. You see a lot of zone (defenses)." Trip to the dentist: Szczerbiak said he planned to visit a dentist Thursday after practice to have his loose left front tooth examined. The forward took an elbow from Jackson Vroman of the New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets Wednesday night during the Wolves' 88-69 victory. Szczerbiak said he thought he would need a root canal but would wait for the dentist's assessment. Szczerbiak said a root canal was necessary after he had his right front tooth knocked loose by former Wolf Stephon Marbury in a game three years ago. The tooth also needed whitening because it had discolored. Briefly: Trenton Hassell's back tightness — not back spasms — has been treated with heat pads during games when he's on the bench. He also needs to keep his back limber to help the issue. "It ain't nothing," Hassell said Wednesday night. "Just a little extra stretching, that's it." ‧ Richie Frahm (sprained left ankle) practiced Thursday and remains day to day. --

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