Washington Wizards Guard Gilbert Arenas suffered a groin strain while practicing with the USA Men’s Basketball Team on Monday, forcing Arenas to withdraw from contention for a roster spot on the 2006 USA Basketball Men's World Championship Team, as was announced today by USA Basketball Senior National Team Managing Director Jerry Colangelo. Arenas will be reevaluated by Wizards team physicians.

“It is unfortunate that Gilbert sustained this injury,” said Wizards President of Basketball Operations Ernie Grunfeld. “He is so proud to be a member of Team USA and he was excited for this opportunity. When he returns to Washington, our doctors will reevaluate his condition. It is our understanding from Team USA officials that Gilbert’s injury is not serious.”

Arenas strained his groin Monday morning during Team USA’s training at Camp Yongson near Seoul, Korea. Arenas started once, and saw action in all four USA pre-World Championship exhibition games to date. He averaged 3.8 points and 2.3 rebounds in 11.0 minutes per game. Arenas remains as a part of the USA Men’s Basketball program and will continue to participate in training camps with Team USA over the next two years in advance of the 2008 Olympic Summer Games.

Arenas’ Wizards teammate Antawn Jamison remains as one of 13 finalists contending for the 12-man 2006 USA Basketball Men's World Championship Team. Other players include Carmelo Anthony (Denver Nuggets); Shane Battier (Houston Rockets); Chris Bosh (Toronto Raptors); Bruce Bowen (San Antonio Spurs); Elton Brand (Los Angeles Clippers); Kirk Hinrich (Chicago Bulls); Dwight Howard (Orlando Magic); LeBron James (Cleveland Cavaliers); Joe Johnson (Atlanta Hawks); Brad Miller (Sacramento Kings); Chris Paul (New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets); and Dwyane Wade (Miami Heat).