Swoopes added to 2004 USA Senior National Team

Swoopes, a 1996 and 2000 Olympic gold medal winner, was selected by the USA Basketball Women’s Senior National Team Committee. She will join a roster that includes former Olympians Lisa Leslie and Dawn Staley.

Tamika Catchings, Shannon Johnson, DeLisha Milton-Jones, Katie Smith and Tina Thompson are also on the team. There are still four spots remaining on the roster.

"Anytime you add a player like Sheryl Swoopes, you’re adding someone who is tremendously talented," said USA and Comets head coach Van Chancellor. "At the same time, she has that international experience which is so important in Olympic competition."

Also on Monday, international basketball and Olympic officials held the draw for the August 14-22 preliminary round.

The defending champion United States was placed in Group B along with China (Asia No. 1), Czech Republic (Europe No. 2), New Zealand (Oceania No. 2), South Korea (Asia No. 3) and Spain (Europe No. 3).

The Americans will open Olympic competition against New Zealand on August 14. The United States owns a 34-3 overall record in Olympic competition and has won a record four golds, one silver and one bronze medal in the six previous Olympic tournaments in which it has competed.

Group A consists of Australia (Oceania No. 1), Brazil (Americas No. 1), Greece (host country), Japan (Asia No. 2), Nigeria (Africa No. 1) and Russia (Europe No. 1).

The top four teams from each preliminary group will advance to the quarterfinals.