Gophers forward Trevor Mbakwe, who averaged 13.9 points and 10.5 rebounds per game last season, has accepted an invitation to try out for the USA Men's World University Games squad, according a Wednesday release by USA Basketball.

Mbakwe is one of 22 collegiate players scheduled to participate in the training camp at the USA facility in Colorado Springs, Colo., which starts July 29 and ends Aug. 7. The final roster will consist of 12 players.

Former Gophers star Vincent Grier played on the 2005 World University Games squad.

"It is an honor to be amongst a talented group of players invited to participate in the training
camp," Mbakwe said in a statement released by the Gophers. "I want to thank USA Basketball for giving me the opportunity. It would be an unbelievable honor to represent the State of Minnesota and the University of Minnesota at the
World University Games."

He won't be the only Big Ten rep vying for a spot on the team. Wisconsin's Jordan Taylor and Northwestern's John Shurna have also accepted invites to the tryout. Purdue head coach Matt Painter has been named head coach of the World University Games squad.

"After a lot of thought and consideration of potential players, the committee has put together a very strong roster for the USA Men's World University Games Team training camp," said Syracuse's Jim Boeheim, chair of the USA Basketball Men's National Junior Committee. "As always, the committee will be looking for not only the most talented players, but also players that will work well as a team."