Brand Reportedly Is Assured a Spot

As expected, All-Star power forward Elton Brand was among 23 players selected Sunday to the U.S. men’s 2006-08 basketball team.

The list of players who will compete for spots in the 2006 world championships and 2008 Beijing Olympics was revealed by Jerry Colangelo, managing director of the USA men’s senior national team, but Brand in fact made a three-year commitment to the team Jan. 18 in a private meeting with Colangelo at Staples Center, a Clipper source said.

And although Brand, who was on the team that finished sixth at the 2002 world championships in Indianapolis, said he had not been assured a roster spot, sources said he is among the players, including Laker All-Star guard Kobe Bryant, expected to make the final cut.

Moreover, Mike Krzyzewski, who coached Brand at Duke, will guide the U.S. Olympic team.

“That should give me the inside track,” Brand joked. “He’s trying to get a unit, a team, role players and everybody. I was an All-Star this season, but if I need to be a rebounder or a defender, whatever it takes to win, I’ll do that.”

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Although Chris Kaman returned in Friday’s loss to the Utah Jazz, the center acknowledged Sunday he had not fully recovered from a sprained left ankle.

“It’s going to take some time,” said Kaman, who sat out two games because of the injury. “I’m still nervous about moving sideways. It’s always in the back of your mind.”

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Sam Cassell and Cuttino Mobley are scheduled to be hosts of a charity basketball game April 15 at L.A. Southwest College to benefit underprivileged children.

“Sam and Cuttino are both real happy to be here with the Clippers, and they want to give back to the community,” said Eric Smith, Cassell’s associate who is helping organize the event. “It’s real important for them to do something for the inner-city kids.”

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As part of the Clippers’ Read To Achieve Program, Brand is scheduled to read for 350 children today at Sierra Park Elementary School in Los Angeles.