USA Basketball Senior National Team Managing Director Jerry Colangelo and Head Coach Mike Krzyzewski announced the 15 finalists for the 12 man roster that will compete in the FIBA World Championship next month in Japan. Technically, no one is "cut" from among the 24 players who have accepted invitations to make a three year commitment to compete for the United States in international play. Everyone is still considered to be part of the team but 12 of the players will not be on the active roster. The selection process was made a little easier this time due to the fact that Chauncey Billups, Kobe Bryant, Lamar Odom, Paul Pierce, J.J. Redick and Michael Redd are unavailable because of injuries or personal reasons. Here are the 15 finalists:
Carmelo Anthony
Gilbert Arenas
Shane Battier
Chris Bosh
Bruce Bowen
Elton Brand
Kirk Hinrich
Dwight Howard
LeBron James
Antawn Jamison
Joe Johnson
Brad Miller
Chris Paul
Amare Stoudemire
Dwyane Wade
Shawn Marion would probably have been added to this group, but he developed soreness in his knee late in the team's Las Vegas training camp. The two players who are healthy and available but were not included are Adam Morrison and Luke Ridnour. The team will rest for five days and then begin the second phase of the Las Vegas training camp with a greater focus on the specific plays and sets that Kryzyzewski plans to run in Japan. Hinrich and Paul are the only true point guards among the 15 finalists but James and Wade can certainly handle playmaking duties as well.
The Fab 15: USA Basketball Announces the Finalists for the World Championship Roster
