Aug. 3, 2005
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Iowa senior forward Greg Brunner has been selected as one of 12 players who will compete for the United States men’s basketball team at the 2005 World University Games. The USA squad will depart August 5 for Izmir, Turkey, site of the World University Games. The competition will take place August 11-22.
“We’re very happy that Greg will represent the state of Iowa and our basketball program at the World University Games,” said Hawkeye Coach Steve Alford. “Greg performed at a high level during the trials in a continuation of his solid play this summer.
“At the same time, it’s unfortunate that Jeff Horner wasn’t able to join Greg on the USA squad,” added Alford. “He worked extremely hard in his preparation this summer and gave a great effort during the trials. Unfortunately, he didn’t shoot the ball as well as he is capable and there are some terrific guards on the USA team. It was a tribute for Greg and Jeff to both be selected for the trials and it will help them both in preparation for their senior season as our captains.”
Brunner (6-7, 245) is a native of Charles City who led the Hawkeyes in both scoring (14.7) and rebounding (8.3) in 2005, while shooting 51.2% from the field. His career totals include 1,035 points and 676 rebounds. He also is tied for ninth with 84 career blocked shots.
Brunner earned second team all-Big Ten recognition after ranking second in the league in rebounding for the second straight season. He scored in double figures in 28 games and had eight or more rebounds in 21 games while recording 11 double-doubles.
Brunner previously was a member of the 2001 United States gold medal winning Olympic Festival team. He is the first Iowa player to represent the USA since Reggie Evans was a member of the USA team that earned the gold medal at the 2001 World Championship for Young Men.
Brunner is the fourth Hawkeye player to represent the USA at the World University Games. Kevin Boyle earned a gold medal in 1981, B.J. Armstrong earned a silver medal in 1987 and Matt Bullard earned a gold medal in 1989.
The United States is one of 32 nations expected to compete in the World University Games. The teams have been divided into eight, four-team groups. The USA squad will play Iran on August 12, Slovakia August 13 and Germany August 14 in Preliminary Group play. Second round games are Aug. 16-17, the quarter-final round is Aug. 18 and the semi-finals and finals are scheduled for Aug. 19 and 21, respectively.
Villanova Coach Jay Wright is the head coach of the USA team and he is being assisted by Jeff Capel of Virginia Commonwealth and Bobby Gonzalez of Manhattan College.