Hinrich gains experience from tourney

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Kirk Hinrich devoted a large portion of his summer to USA Basketball and spent a month in China, Korea and Japan for the FIBA World Championships, which ended Sept. 3.

Despite the heavy workload and extensive travel, Hinrich feels the experience better prepared him for the coming NBA season. The Bulls start training camp Tuesday, with the preseason opener set for Oct. 11.

"It wasn’t really grueling," said the fourth-year Bulls guard. "Health-wise, I’m pretty good. Obviously, it was a long time out of the country. I enjoyed it. Until we lost, it was a great experience. I’m disappointed in the way it ended up."

The U.S. team cruised through the World Championships until losing to Greece 101-95 in the semifinals. The Americans bounced back a day later to beat Argentina 96-81 for the bronze medal.

Hinrich started three of the nine games, averaging 6.0 points and 2.1 assists in 19.4 minutes. He ranked second on the team in both 3-pointers made (12) and 3-point percentage (.462).

The most beneficial part of playing for Team USA might have been competing against players such as Dwyane Wade, LeBron James and Chris Paul in practice.

"I think I’m going to be a better player from the experience," Hinrich said. "I think it really will help me that much. To be on the team and compete and give as much time as I did, it gives me a lot of confidence. I’m coming in with a high confidence level."

Even though the Bulls added free-agent center Ben Wallace and several others this summer, Hinrich will still be one of the key players on a team widely regarded as one of the Eastern Conference contenders.

"I think we definitely have the pieces to compete for (a championship)," he said. I think we’ll definitely get out of the first round of the playoffs. I think we have the ability to go a lot farther. This year, expectations are a lot higher. I think everybody’s excited to try and meet those."

Hinrich participated in a conference call Thursday to promote the Bulls’ Oct. 15 preseason game against Seattle in Lawrence, Kan. That contest will bring Hinrich and Sonics forward Nick Collison back to their college home at the University of Kansas.

"I think Allen Fieldhouse is the all-time best basketball arena," Hinrich said. "It will be a little strange not wearing the Kansas uniform (there)."