COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- Kobe Bryant was added to the U.S. basketball team Tuesday, along with Allen Iverson and Jermaine O'Neal.

They completed what USA Basketball called a "core group'' of nine players for the Olympic qualifying tournament to be played in August in Puerto Rico.

The players also are expected to be members of the 2004 Olympic team.

The Associated Press reported earlier this month that the USA Basketball selection committee had chosen the three players; the formal announcement came Tuesday.

In addition to Bryant, O'Neal and Iverson, the team includes Ray Allen, Mike Bibby, Jason Kidd, Karl Malone, Tim Duncan and Tracy McGrady. The team is expected to add three other players from college or overseas.

"They have paid their dues in our league,'' said Philadelphia 76ers coach Larry Brown, who will coach the U.S. team. "It is a great honor for them, and I am happy for all three of them.''

Brown has had his differences with Iverson on the 76ers, but the coach said: "From a personal standpoint, I am thrilled to death. It just shows the respect that everyone in the league has for Allen and what he has done.''