"It always helps when you have familiarity. You know each other's moves, how to play off each other," Boozer said. "It makes the process of putting a team together that much easier."

USA Basketball apparently feels the same way, because Jazz guard Deron Williams is expected to be invited to try out alongside Boozer for the national team this summer.

"That would be great. It's an honor," Williams said Wednesday. Noting that the team will compete in Beijing next summer, he said, "Everyone wants to play in the Olympics."

The point guard said he had not been contacted by Jerry Colangelo, executive director of USA Basketball, though "he told me last summer that they had their eye on me, that they would be watching."

But a source familiar with Colangelo's plans confirmed that the second-year guard is USA Basketball's top choice for a summer tryout. And ESPN.com reported that Williams and University of Texas freshman Kevin Durant "could be" invited. (Colangelo did not return a phone call Wednesday, and USA Basketball spokesman Craig Miller said no announcements are currently planned.)

Williams, like Colangelo a University of Illinois alum, has international experience, having won a bronze medal in 2002 with the junior world-championship team, and a gold medal with the junior team at the Global Games in 2003. "I loved it. I wanted to go my junior year [in college], but I had an injury," Williams said. "I'll do anything they ask."

That means trying out, on a team that already includes Chauncey Billups, Chris Paul, Luke Ridnour and probably Jason Kidd. The Jazz guard said he would have no problem taking his chances in a tryout situation.

And he's got Boozer - who has told Colangelo he will play, but has yet to be formally invited - excited about the prospect.

"The way he's playing this year, he's among the top three or four, definitely top five guards in the league," Boozer said. "I think it would be a big honor for him. He's got a lot of pride. I think he would kick some butt."

pmiller@sltrib.com