Atlanta Hawks guard Joe Johnson was honored Sunday as one of 23 players who were named to the historic 2006-2008 USA Men?s Senior National Team program, which was announced by USA Basketball Men?s Senior National Team program Managing Director Jerry Colangelo.

?This is the first standing USA Men?s Senior National Team and the 23 players selected will give us everything we need to form a great USA team,? said Colangelo.  ?We feel we have versatility, shooters, size, quickness, role players, and defensive stoppers.  In making the players selections we took into consideration the style of play anticipated to be used by the coaching staff.

?The first major competition we are selecting a team for is the 2006 FIBA World Championship.  This is an important competition and we are taking this competition as seriously as we take the Olympics.?

Johnson, whose team-high 19.8 scoring average ranks 24th among the league?s best in that category, also tops his team in assists (6.5 apg) and steals (1.29 spg), while shooting 45.8 percent from the field, 35.3 from three-point range and 78.9 from the foul line.  He ranks 14th in assists, 24th in steals and 11th in minutes played at 39.6 mpg.  In 2004-05, Johnson (then with Phoenix) was one of only 11 NBA players to average more than 16 points, four rebounds and four assists per game.

?I am truly appreciative of the opportunity to test my skills as a member of the USA National Team,? said Johnson, whose previous prior USA Basketball experience includes 2000 U21 World Championship Qualifier (injured and did not play in any games), and the 1998 Nike Hoop Summit (four games), ?and I look to represent my team and family to the best of my abilities.  To have the chance to compete on an international stage is something I?m looking forward to, and I thank Jerry Colangelo and the USA Basketball committee for giving me an opportunity to help our country compete towards the ultimate goal ? and that?s a gold medal winning performance in 2008.?

Joining Johnson on the 2006-2008 Senior National Team are ? Carmelo Anthony (Denver Nuggets); Gilbert Arenas (Washington Wizards); Shane Battier (Memphis Grizzlies); Chauncey Billups (Detroit Pistons); Chris Bosh (Toronto Raptors); Bruce Bowen (San Antonio Spurs); Elton Brand (Los Angeles Clippers); Kobe Bryant (Los Angeles Lakers); Dwight Howard (Orlando Magic); LeBron James (Cleveland Cavaliers); Antawn Jamison (Washington Wizards); Shawn Marion (Phoenix Suns); Brad Miller (Sacramento Kings); Adam Morrison (Gonzaga University); Lamar Odom (Los Angeles Lakers); Chris Paul (New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets); Paul Pierce (Boston Celtics); J.J. Redick (Duke University); Michael Redd (Milwaukee Bucks); Luke Ridnour (Seattle SuperSonics); Amare Stoudamire (Phoenix Suns); and Dwayne Wade (Miami Heat).

?I was very pleased with the entire selection process,? said USA and Duke University head coach Mike Krzyzewski.  ?The manner in which it was conducted included all parts of United States? basketball, from the professional level to the colleges and high schools.  Everyone was considered.  It is obvious that we?re not trying to put a collection of all-stars together.  The goal is to put together as good of a basketball team as we possibly can.  I believe we?ve done that with this group of players.?

?On behalf of our organization, we are very happy for Joe and what this opportunity presents for him on a national stage,? said Hawks Executive Vice President and General Manager Billy Knight.  ?When we acquired him this summer, we knew he had the ability to be recognized amongst the best players in our game, and this honor certainly validates that.  Joe has certainly exceeded our expectations, and I truly believe this experience will elevate his growth as a player and a leader.?

The 23 selectees are expected to report when the USA opens training in mid-July.  The exact training dates and sites will be announced at a later date.

The USA Basketball Men?s Senior National Team will compete in the 2006 FIBA World Championship (Aug. 19-Sept. 3 in Saitama, Japan); if necessary, the 2007 FIBA Americas Olympic Qualifying Tournament (dates and site TBD); and if the USA qualifies, the 2008 Summer Olympic Games (Aug. 8-24 in Beijing, China).