Eastern Michigan senior guard Tavelyn James has been selected to play for the United States women's basketball team at the 2011 Pan American Games, held Oct. 21-25 in Guadalajara, Mexico.

James is the first player from the Mid-American Conference to make a Team USA roster.

"I am honored and excited to represent the USA team, EMU and the MAC," James said in a statement. "I am looking forward to playing with players from across the country and learn new things from the Team USA coaching staff. The experience will provide a new prospective for me and I am looking forward to becoming a better and more well-rounded player."

The 12-player roster was selected by the USA Basketball Women's National Team Committee. Team USA will be defending its 2007 Pan American Games gold medal.

"This is such a tremendous honor for Tavelyn, our program, as well as for the MAC," said Eastern Michigan coach AnnMarie Gilbert. "I have always believed that she would one day be invited to play for USA Basketball. She is, in my opinion, one of the best and fastest small guards in the country.

"The opportunity for Tavelyn to represent the U.S. and to complete with and against some of the nation's top players will be such a rewarding and unforgettable experience for her. She has worked extremely hard and is so deserving of this special honor."

A two-time All-MAC first-team selection, James led the Eagles in points (17.4 per game), field goals made (227), 3-pointers made (74) and free-throw percentage (77.6) last season.

The Detroit native has started 97 games since coming to Eastern Michigan. She's the fourth player in school history to surpass 1,500 points in a career and the second Eastern Michigan player to make 200 career 3-pointers.

The U.S. women will play in preliminary round Group A with Argentina, Mexico and Puerto Rico. Brazil, Canada, Colombia and Jamaica comprise Group B. Preliminary round play runs Oct. 21-23, with the semifinals on Oct. 24 and the finals on Oct. 25.