USA Basketball announced Tuesday that New Jersey Nets forward Kenyon Martin has been added to the 2003 USA Basketball Men's Senior National Team replacing two-time Olympian Karl Malone (Los Angeles Lakers). Malone left the USA team during its training in New York on Aug. 13 and returned to Arkansas after learning of the death of his mother, Shirley Jackson Malone.

"This is somewhat unexpected, but it is a great opportunity for Kenyon. He's certainly deserving of this kind of honor and we're looking forward to having him join the team," said USA and Detroit Pistons head mentor Larry Brown.

"We really wanted Karl to be here, but he suffered such an unbelievable loss. He is so close to his family that he just couldn't be here and it was more important for him to be with his family and we all understand that. He'll be remembered here and hopefully he'll be part of our team in 2004 if we're lucky enough to qualify," added Brown.

Martin, who is expected to join the team late Tuesday morning in San Juan, was just married Saturday in Las Vegas. Martin was selected for the 2003 Senior National Team only, while Malone will retain his roster spot on the 2004 USA Olympic squad if the USA qualifies.

"This is a great opportunity. I'm very pleased to be added to the team," said Martin. "I already have a couple of my teammates on the team so we should have a lot of fun. I'm happy to do my duty for my country."