Greg Oden had been away from the USA Basketball program for so long, he was worried the national team had forgotten about him.
Oden missed the last three summers with injuries, denying him the opportunity to participate. But the Portland Trail Blazers' 7-foot center reminded everyone Saturday in the USA Basketball Showcase that he can still play.
Oden was a force on the boards, grabbing 10 rebounds and scoring seven points in 24 minutes for the White squad, but the Blue team posted a 100-81 win in front of 6,427 at the Thomas & Mack Center.
For Oden, it was a small yet significant first step in what he hopes will ultimately culminate with a spot on the 2012 Olympic roster.
"It was all right," he said. "I played decent. I tried to hold down the paint and concentrate on defense.
"It was good to be out there, getting some up and down and playing against this kind of good competition."
Oden said the three-day Las Vegas minicamp was a good experience, especially given the fact it was the first one he could participate in...........................
