Marion Out

[cdt]

LAS VEGAS — Getting the USA Men's Senior National team roster down to a manageable number of 15 for the trip to Asia next month became a bit easier Monday when Shawn Marion pulled out because of a left knee injury.

Marion told ESPN.com that he won't make the trip to Japan for the World Championships after Monday's final training camp practice at UNLV's Cox Pavilion. Players who don't make the trip aren't being cut from the overall national team program, which is a three-year commitment.

http://sports.espn.go.com/oly/wbc2006/columns/story?columnist=katz_andy&id=2528801

There goes our best big man defender... If Coach K puts Melo at starting PF we're basically done. You can fork us if that occurs. Even on Ganja he ain't a PF

 

[Karma]

First Kobe, then Billups and now Marion. Hmmm, hows the confidense levels lads?

Well I cant talk, our best player (Matt Nielson) cannot play as our basketball body in Australia cannot afford to pay his insurance. A whole $50,000. Basketball is so poor here.

 

[highplainsdrifter]

Hmmm, hows the confidense levels lads?

The US will go undefeated, led by Bron James and D-Wade. And if the Aussies upset Team USA, I will buy you a lifetime supply of Tooheys brew. Call me an arrogant American if ya want, but i really think the extra preparation and practice time will propel the US back to the top of international basketball.

I heard an audio clip recently where a reporter asked Bron if the international playing field is now level. Bron said: "No, we're still above." I believe it.