Orlando Magic News for February 10th: Dwight Howard Named to the USA National Team; Vince Carter Speaks

USA Basketball announced it has named 27 players to the 2010-2012 USA Men's National Team Program. Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic, who won a gold medal at the 2008 Olympics, is part of the team.

Jerry Colangelo says Howard’s rebounding and defensive skills will be important for Team USA
USA Basketball Chairman Jerry Colangelo provides his thoughts on Dwight Howard and the impact he can make for the men's national team.

"And I think he still has a lot of upside in front of him, but there are very few people playing basketball in the world today with that size and strength and dominance, especially rebounding and in blocked shots. I think that is really the thing we look to in Dwight, because he can dominate a game in that sense: defensively and in getting rebounds.

"I think he continues to improve on his offense and that’s something that will kind of set him apart as he goes forward as he continues to get better offensively."

Vinsanity Is At It Again!
Sports Radio Interviews provides a transcript of Vince Carter's chat with Colin Cowherd of ESPN Radio, where he talks about a variety of topics, including whether he prefers to be the number one scoring option on the team:

"I will say this; for eleven years I have been in my role and I accepted it then and I don’t mind where I am now. I think I bring another aspect to our team. A guy who can be the number two, number three guy but when called upon can put up the numbers like a number one guy."

Denton: Recollecting Vince's Big Night
John Denton of OrlandoMagic.com looks back at Carter's 48-point night.

Ed Hardy(R) Announces Dwight Howard Endorsement Campaign for 2010
UPDATE: Ed Hardy, a fashion brand, forms a partnership with Howard.

Dwight spent a day at the corporate offices in January shooting the first of his ad campaigns, and got a chance to see the newest additions to the line. "I'm a fan of the designs, and I feel blessed to be provided this opportunity," says Dwight.

The outdoor ad campaign featuring Howard will launch during NBA All Star Weekend in Dallas and will rollout across the county in the spring.

Richard Jefferson, Mike Bibby among John Hollinger's biggest disappointments
UPDATE 3: John Hollinger of ESPN Insider lists his biggest disappointments of the season and unfortunately for Brandon Bass, he makes an appearance. Here's why: 

I don't think it's a big secret why -- his defense hasn't been nearly up to snuff on a Magic squad that prides itself on stopping opponents. Every time he gets an opportunity to prove himself he blows a defensive assignment and winds up in Stan Van Gundy's doghouse. Monday night provided a typical show: Bass played a prominent role in the Hornets' 70-point first-half dissection of Orlando and didn't play after the break. For the season, Orlando surrenders 6.7 points more per 100 possessions with him on the court. Orlando might want to throw this Bass back in the water. He seems to fare better as an undersized 5 than as a backup 4.