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Battier makes Team USA's final 12-man roster for Worlds
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During his journey through Asia with Team USA, Rockets forward Shane Battier has visited a Buddhist Monastery and Yongsan Army Base in South Korea.
He won't be cutting his trip short.
After two weeks of playing with 15 other NBA stars in tune-ups for the approaching FIBA World Championships, Battier was named one of 12 players Wednesday to help the United States regain world surpemacy on the hardwood.
The U.S. national team, which hasn't won an international tournament in six years, will begin competing for a gold medal at the 2006 FIBA World Championships in Sapparo, Japan Saturday against Puerto Rico.
Battier is looking forward to competing in a Team USA uniform for the first time in his career.
"It probably has been one of the best basketball experiences I've had in my life," Battier said. "Unbelievable opportunity. A chance to play with some great players and be around some great people for a great country. The pictures I've taken on this trip and the memories I have will be with me forever."
Battier, who joined the Rockets in a deal with the Memphis Grizzlies, was a surprise invite to Team USA's training camp because the team usually consists of the league's top scorers.
However, the Rockets forward earned his spot because of his tenacious defense and solid perimeter shooting, two things past U.S. teams have been lacking. Battier can play multiple positions, but will likely end up splitting time with Sacramento's Brad Miller and Washington's Antawn Jamison at power forward.
"We are ready to play," Battier said. "We're a little tired of beating up each other in practice and playing exhibition games. We're ready to get after it for real and play some real games and start winning the gold."
The rest of the roster includes Denver's Carmelo Anthony, Toronto's Chris Bosh, Los Angeles Clippers' Elton Brand, Chicago's Kirk Hinrich, Orlando's Dwight Howard, Cleveland's LeBron James, Atlanta's Joe Johnson, New Orleans/Oklahoma City's Chris Paul and Miami's Dwayne Wade.
Battier is one of three Rockets competing in the World Championships. Yao Ming will play for China and Vasillis Spanoulis is slated on Greece's roster.
