Aug. 27, 2003

FAIRFAX, Va. - George Mason University has a representative in the 2003 Tournament of the Americas Men's Basketball Olympic Qualifying event, being held in San Juan, Puerto Rico, as former Patriot Jesse Young (1999-2003) has seen consistent action on the court as a member of the Canadian National Team.

Young has appeared in every game for Team Canada who is 4-2 overall (3-2 in Group C and in fourth place) after seven days of competition. A native of Peterborough, Ontario, he is averaging 9.2 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game while playing 20.8 minutes per outing. Young's best performance of the tournament occurred in Canada's 90-84 victory over Uruguay Saturday when he scored 13 points, collected six rebounds and added two assists.

Against Team USA Monday, Young saw 20 minutes of action, scoring six points, three rebounds and dishing out one assist.

"It was a real thrill for our coaches and players to watch Jesse compete for Team Canada against the USA," said Mason men's basketball head coach Jim Larranaga. "Seeing him play against NBA all-stars such as Tim Duncan, Jermaine O'Neal, and Kenyon Martin was very exciting. It's great to see him represent Canada and George Mason University in the Tournament of the Americas, and we'd love to see Jesse compete for Team Canada in next year's Olympics."

For his career, Young played in 115 games as a Patriot, averaging 9.3 points and 6.2 rebounds. He ranks 19th on the all-time scoring list with 1,073 points and is eighth in career rebounds and blocked shots with 708 and 84, respectively. He is only the eighth Mason player in history with more than 1,000 points and 700 rebounds in a career. Young helped guide the Patriots to two postseason appearances in four years.

The Tournament of the Americas concludes Sunday, August 31 with the Bronze and Gold Medal games. The top four teams from Group C advance to Saturday's semifinals.