Three former Sun Devils heading to London Olympics
Jul 9, 2012, 11:19 PM | Updated: Jul 10, 2012, 12:28 am
London is calling for three former Arizona State Sun Devils.
James Harden (USA), Ike Diogu (Nigeria) and Eric Boateng (Great Britain) will be representing their respective countries in the battle for gold at the 2012 Summer Olympics.
Diogu was named MVP of the 2012 London Olympics qualifying tournament after netting 25 points and snatching 10 rebounds in Nigeria’s 88-73 win over the Dominican Republic Sunday. With the victory, Nigeria earned the final coveted men’s basketball spot in the Olympic Games.
With the addition of Diogu, the Devils have accomplished a truly remarkable feat. In ASU program history, they’ve only had three Olympians prior to this year, Joe Caldwell in 1964, Alton Lister in 1980 and Shawn Redhage for Australia in 2008.
Harden, who became the first ASU Men’s basketball player to be named to the U.S. roster since Lister in 1980, was chosen last weekend. Former Devils Center Eric Boateng, who plays overseas, was selected by Britain last week.
Harden and gold medal favorite Team USA will play Diogu and Nigeria on Aug. 2.
