If USA Basketball truly wants to put together a team of the best American players, Philadelphia 76ers guard Allen Iverson should be a lock for a roster spot.

	Allen Iverson is as tough as they come on the basketball court.

When talking about the NBA's best American players, you can't mention Shaquille O'Neal, Tracy McGrady, Kobe Bryant, Jason Kidd, Tim Duncan, Gary Payton and Kevin Garnett without dropping Iverson's name. Only after he complained publicly this week was Iverson mentioned as a strong prospect for the 2003 USA Basketball men's senior national team.

"I've heard a lot of names of people who should be picked for the team, and mine is never mentioned," Iverson told reporters after the Sixers' win over the Denver Nuggets last Monday night. "Anyone in their right mind who has seen me play for seven years knows that wouldn't be fair."

So why wasn't Iverson being talked about? One reason is his valid reputation as a shoot-first, pass-second player. And with USA Basketball wanting no drama, Iverson causes concern with his off-the-court problems and his disrespect for practice. Also, A.I.'s hip-hop persona just might be too intimidating.

If such is the case, USA Basketball better get over it. Especially considering its current downtrodden state after going from being King Kong of international hoops to embarrassingly falling flat last August on the Conseco Fieldhouse floor during the World Championships.

No doubt, Iverson has never seen a shot he didn't like. But let's go back 10 years ago to the inaugural Dream Team. Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Clyde Drexler, Karl Malone, Chris Mullin, Patrick Ewing and David Robinson all joined USA as their respective NBA team's No. 1 scoring option. But once the games began in Barcelona, each superstar gave up his own personal agenda for the gold. The Dream Teamers knew that the only stat that mattered was how many points they whipped Angola and Yugoslavia by.

On this new Dream Team, Iverson wouldn't be the only player used to shouldering the scoring load. Add Shaq, T-Mac, K.G., T.D., G.P. and Kobe to that list, too. And like their Dream Team forefathers (and not like the 2002 World Championship squad), these stars will play as a team since they have nothing individually to prove. Expect Iverson to be more giving, especially since he will be alongside players that are his equal or better for the first time in his career. Plus, his perimeter jumper is a big weapon in international basketball, and his lightning quick speed will aid the fast break and get his teammates easy looks.

	Add toughness and heart as other reasons why USA needs A.I. When playing Yugoslavia and Argentina, he'll expect to get knocked down and beat up. While many players would cry and whine about the physical play, Iverson will get back up with a bruise and a thirst for more contact.

Add toughness and heart as other reasons why USA needs A.I. When playing Yugoslavia and Argentina, he'll expect to get knocked down and beat up. While many players would cry and whine about the physical play, Iverson will get back up with a bruise and a thirst for more contact. That kind of mentality is a must for Team USA since the rest of the world still wants to make a name for itself against our dominant country.

One major component missing from the World Championships squad was Americans with big-game experience. Iverson led the Sixers to the 2001 NBA Finals and has 45 playoff games under his belt. Remember how A.I. led the undermanned and battered Sixers to a surprising triumph in Game 1 of the Finals in Los Angeles? The 2001 NBA MVP's playoff scoring average of 30.3 points per game is only second to Jordan (33.4), and when the Sixers needed a key Game 7 win against Toronto in the 2001 Eastern Conference finals, Iverson adapted and dished out 16 assists.

Entourage? It's doubtful that A.I.'s so-called crew would stay at the Olympic Village in Greece. As loud and rowdy as international fans can be, mama Iverson won't even be noticed in the stands. Corn rows? In international competition, no one cares about hair, as evidence to Turkey's players (including Sacramento's Hedo Turkoglu) dying their hair blond during the World Championships. Ego? With this group of all-stars, all egos are worthless and left on American soil. It's all about the gold, baby.

There is one major factor to be considered when pondering whether Iverson will play for Team USA. Sixers coach Larry Brown is the coach, and he can give recommendations on who should be on the team. Better still, Sixers general manager Billy King is a member of USA Basketball's national team selection committee. With those connections -- combined with Iverson's talent -- what message would that send to the Sixers' franchise player if he was passed over?

In the end, expect Iverson to be donning red, white and blue and standing next to Shaq and T-Mac with a gold medal dangling from his neck in Greece.

Marc J. Spears, who covers the Denver Nuggets for the Denver Post, is a regular contributor to ESPN.com.