US banking on Barkley

The Olympic veteran Charles Barkley, of Phoenix , and the Sacramento guard Mitch Richmond have been added to the US Olympic basketball team as the "Dream Team's" final two members.

Barkley, who played in Barce-lona four years ago, changed his mind after declining an invitation to join the team six months ago.

"It's not that often you get to represent your country and it's a special event," Barkley said on Saturday on NBC's pre-game show NBA Showtime. "I'm very surprised actually. It's a great honour, and I think it's something that's still fun and exciting."

Those invited earlier to play include Anfernee Hardaway, Grant Hill, Karl Malone, Reggie Miller, Hakeem Olajuwon, Shaquille O'Neal, Scottie Pippen, David Robinson, Glenn Robinson and John Stockton.