Irvine, Calif. – Three former UC Irvine men's volleyball players are on the preliminary roster for the U.S. Men's National Volleyball Team that will compete at the FIVB World Cup on Nov. 20-Dec. 4 in Japan.

Competing for a spot on the World Cup roster are Anteater All-Americans Brian Thornton, Jayson Jablonsky and David Smith. UCI head coach John Speraw will serve as an assistant coach for the team.

The top three finishing teams at the FIVB World Cup will qualify for the 2012 Olympic Games in London. Most U.S. players are now competing with clubs overseas, but will return around Nov. 7 to begin training for the World Cup. The roster will be cut to 14 players during the training block.

For more information can be found at the USA Volleyball website.