BEYOND THE BOX SCORE

Former UC Irvine men’s volleyball standouts Jayson Jablonsky, David Smith and Brian Thornton, who led the Anteaters to the program’s first national title in May, have been named to the United States team competing in the World University Games, scheduled Aug. 8-18, in Bangkok, Thailand.

Jablonsky, a 6-foot-6 outside hitter, is a two-time All-American who was named National Player of the Year in 2006 by the American Volleyball Coaches Assn. He ranks second at UCI in career kills with 1,528.

Smith, a 6-7 middle blocker, led the nation in hitting percentage (.560) in 2007. a school single-season record. Named first-team All-American by the AVCA and Volleyball Magazine as a senior, he tops the Anteaters’ career charts in total blocks (510) and block assists (461).

Thornton, a two-time second-team All-American setter, amassed 1,645 assists this season, a school record, and ranks No. 1 in UCI career annals with 4,662 assists.

The U.S. team will be coached by Alan Knipe, who recently completed his seventh season as men’s coach at Long Beach State.

— Barry Faulkner