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College players looking to make Olympic teams in other countries

Eloy Vargas

It was reported yesterday that St. Mary’s (Calif.) guard Matthew Dellavedova would be suiting up for the Australian National Team, and he won’t be the only one trying to help their national squad advance to the Olympics.

Three more teams can clinch a spot in London in the FIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Venezuela next week, and seven current or recently graduated players will take part.

For players looking to play at the international level, returning to a home country is a great way to do it.

We are seeing the same from 2015 center Karl Towns of New Jersey, who is playing for coach John Calipari and the Dominican National Team.

To take a look at who is taking part, below is a list, with a hat-tip to Jeff Eisenberg of Yahoo!.

Melvin Ejim, Iowa State, Nigeria

Ejim has had two solid seasons at Iowa State so far, averaging 10.2 points per game his freshman season and 9.3 this season, to go along with 6.7 rebounds and 6.6 rebounds, respectively. He was named a Big 12 honorable mention this past season and, at 6-6, brings a good rebounding presence as a swingman for the Nigerians.

Eloy Vargas, Kentucky, Dominican Republic

Vargas, a member of the 2012 national champion Wildcats, plays for his former coach with the Dominican Republic. He was used in a limited role last season, but his 6-11, 244-pound frame is an asset on the international stage.

Orlando Sanchez, St. John’s, Dominican Republic

Also playing for Calipari and the Dominicans, Sanchez is another inside presence, having transferred from Monroe CC (N.Y.) and signed with the Red Storm for this upcoming season. He averaged 10.2 points and 8.0 rebounds per game for Monroe this past year.

For the rest of the list, click here.

Daniel Martin is a writer and editor at JohnnyJungle.com, covering St. John’s. You can find him on Twitter:@DanielJMartin_