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Curry passed over for Olympic tryouts

Stephen Curry averaged 4.6 points and 1.7 assists in the 2010 world championships

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry said he was surprised to be left off the 20-player group selected to compete for the 12 roster spots on the upcoming U.S. Olympic team.

Ten members of USA Basketball’s gold-medal team from the 2010 world championships were among the 20 finalists announced Monday. Curry and Indiana Pacers forward Danny Granger were the only two players from that team who didn't make the cut. Eight players from the 2008 Olympic gold-medal team were chosen, in addition to Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin and Portland Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge.

Curry learned he wasn't selected in a letter from USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo he received at the Warriors’ training facility.

“It was a little disappointing knowing I was a part of that team two years ago and now I have to sit and watch,” Curry told Yahoo! Sports. “I got a letter from USA Basketball, a personal letter from Colangelo, just saying they went through the selection process and they would have some of the Redeem Team [2008 Olympics] guys back on there.

“But up until last week I had an expectation of being a part of that finalist squad trying out for the last five spots. I got to make some more summer plans.”

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Curry averaged 4.6 points and 1.7 assists in eight games for the U.S. during the 2010 world championships. Granger averaged 4.1 points and 0.9 rebounds. Colangelo said during a conference call that he selected Aldridge because of his size, skill and athleticism. Griffin, Colangelo said, also will have “a significant impact on USA Basketball, if not now, but in the future.” Los Angeles Lakers center Andrew Bynum was not selected.

Team USA will have a deep pool of guards in its tryout camp, including Derrick Rose, Chauncey Billups, Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade, Russell Westbrook, Eric Gordon, Chris Paul and Deron Williams.

“It’s difficult to come up with a list, whatever the list might be, be it 15, 20 or 30,” Colangelo said. “Players are left off that might say they should have been considered.”

The 2016 Olympics will be in Brazil. Curry, who will be 28 then, hopes to get his Olympic opportunity then.

“I’m a little disappointed after being a part of the world championships squad that won the gold gearing up for the Olympics,” said Curry, who has missed seven of the Warriors' 12 games this season because of recurring ankle sprains. “I just wanted to be at least a part of the squad that was trying out for the final roster. I’m still young so hopefully I’ll be able to crack that later.”

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