Arenas out of Worlds

[Jerryaki]

http://sports.espn.go.com/oly/wbc2006/news/story?id=2549008


Gilbert Arenas suffered a groin strain during Team USA's practice on Monday and will not play in the FIBA World Championships, USA Basketball announced.

Arenas, of the Washington Wizards, strained his groin Monday morning during a practice outside of Seoul.

"We know Gilbert is really disappointed, he's done a great job. It's an unfortunate situation but he is not going to be able to continue on," managing director Jerry Colangelo said. "We're concerned because he has had a history regarding groin pulls. This is a precautionary move but it is important that he return home and get treatment."

Arenas' departure leaves 13 players competing for 12 spots on the roster for the World Championships, which start Aug. 19 in Sapporo, Japan. His absence will likely ease the competition at point guard and could open the door for a player who might have been in danger of being cut for the tournament.

The 13 remaining finalists contending for the roster include: Carmelo Anthony, Shane Battier Chris Bosh, Bruce Bowen, Elton Brand, Kirk Hinrich, Dwight Howard, LeBron James, Antawn Jamison, Joe Johnson, Brad Miller, Chris Paul and Dwyane Wade.
Arenas played in all four of the team's pre-tournament tune-up games. He started once, averaging 3.8 ppg., 2.3 rpg. and 11.0 minutes per game.

 

[twocents]

that is a pretty bad set-up to cut arenas without tainting him. the lithuania game made it obvious that one of the last two to go would be arenas. so this news comes as no surprise at all. the other will probably be bowen.

 

[venom_7]

yah thats a bad cover up
jamison or bowen is gone.

 

[Sac.Kings]

Bowen could be useful, i think Jamison is gone most likely.

 

[Kings113]

That's unfortunate for Arenas, he was playing pretty well..

Out of Jamison/Bowen, I'd rather see Bowen stay. I don't dislike Jamison, just think Bowen would be a better fit based on his game. Having both Battier/Bowen isn't redundant, based on them differing in ways as team-players.

 

[mouse]

http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/basketball/nba/spurs/stories/MYSA081406.9D.BKO.bowen.17fcb63.html

Basketball: Bowen likely won't make U.S. club

[SIZE=-1]Web Posted: 08/14/2006 02:21 AM CDT

[/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]Johnny Ludden
Express-News Staff Writer[/SIZE]


With one exhibition game remaining for the United States before the start of the world championships, it appears increasingly likely Spurs forward Bruce Bowen won't be selected for the national team's active roster.

U.S. coach Mike Krzyzewski brought 14 players to Asia for the team's warm-up games but must pare the roster to 12 before Saturday's opener in Japan. Bowen has totaled only 27 minutes, the fewest among the 14 players, in the team's four exhibitions.

After not playing at all against Brazil last week, Bowen had three rebounds and an assist in six minutes during Sunday's 111-88 victory over Lithuania. He is the only player on the team who hasn't scored, though he has taken just four shots, all 3-pointers.

Before Sunday's game, one USA Basketball official conceded Bowen would have a "difficult time" making the active roster. Though Bowen was named to the team to give the United States a strong perimeter defender, Houston's Shane Battier also could fill that role.

If Bowen isn't selected for the 12-man roster, he could still remain with the team and assist with game preparations.

The United States will play Korea on Tuesday in its final tune-up game.

 

[Kings113]

We'll just have to see. I stand by my feelings.

 

[loopymitch]

I feel bad for Gil, he looked so disappointed. I hope Jamison stays, I tend to think Bowen's gone too.

 

[Gargamel]

They're gonna give Bowen a figurative kick to the face.

 

[Packt]

Nice to know that after all the ruckus, they decided star power is still the route to go.

It sucks that the US has so many good players.