Justin Robinson and Ben Gordon: Backcourt mates in international basketball?

The Rider point guard and the Detroit Pistons star -- and former UConn standout -- were both on the 21-man preliminary roster released Friday by the British national team.

Robinson, in the running for a spot on the 2012 Olympic team, will first try to make the final cut for international competition this summer. Last year, he made the first cut (down to 16 players) but not the second, from 16 to 12.

Given his role as one of the youngest players in camp, Robinson's stock figures to rise. Whether he makes the final cut this summer or -- more importantly -- the Olympic roster -- remains to be seen. But his place on the preliminary roster means he'll have a chance.

The team figures to get a major lift from Gordon, who was born in London but grew up in Mount Vernon, N.Y. before starring at UConn. He joins former Bulls teammate Luol Deng and former NBA player Pops Mensah-Bonsu on the roster.

Robinson and Washington's Matthew Bryan-Amaning are the only college players on the roster.