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By Damien Pierce
Rockets.com

Rockets forward Shane Battier is trying out for a basketball team for the first time since he was in high school.

He imagines that this tryout is a little more higher profile.

Battier began training camp with the USA men's basketball team Wednesday morning in Las Vegas and could be among the final dozen players who head to Japan on Aug. 19 for the world championships.

Battier, who was recently acquired by the Rockets in a trade with the Memphis Grizzlies, is hoping to be on of the final roster.

"We are all fortunate to live in the greatest country in the world," Battier said. "I believe it's my duty to serve for USA Basketball when I'm asked."

Battier's former college coach, Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski, is coaching the U.S. team.

He has invited 24 players to Las Vegas this week in an effort to turn around the U.S.'s performance in recent international events.

The Americans managed only a bronze medal in the 2004 Olympics after a sixth-place embarrassment in the 2002 worlds on home soil. They haven't won the world championship since 1994.

Coach K will be choosing 12 player to turn around the U.S.

"It's been a tough couple of years for USA Basketball and they've taken some hits internationally and in this country," Battier said. "It's time to put USA Basketball on top of the hill where it belongs. I'm honored to be a part of that."

Krzyzewski added players like Battier even though he has never averaged more than 20 points per game in a season. He instead added the small forward because of the other things he does well.

The small forward is considered one of the NBA's best defenders and he is an excellent spot-up shooter.

Battier, however, doesn't think he'll be added to the final roster just because he has close ties to Coach K.

"Coack K is serious about this," Battier said. "He's going to take the guys that give Team USA the best shot at winning. Hopefully, I'm one of those guys."