USA - Battier: "We're still looking to play the perfect game"

SAITAMA (FIBA World Championship) – The USA have reached the semi-finals of the FIBA World Championship with an 85-65 win over Germany earlier today and Shane Battier has been one of the team’s key components throughout the tournament.

Representing the United States has given the small forward an opportunity to be re-united with his college coach at Duke, Mike Krzyzewski and he has not disappointed.

Battier may not be one of the team's brightest star players - that is more likely to be the trio of LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony and Dwyane Wade - but his ability to be the perfect role player has so far been instrumental in Team USA's success.

FIBA correspondent Simon Wilkinson talked to Battier following the win over Germany.

FIBA: Was tonight's game a bit tougher than you might have expected?

Battier: No we knew it wasn't going to be easy. Germany played very well and they gave us a tough match up but we responded in the second half. We played a great defensive game but missed some open shots. Hopefully those will fall. However our defense was impressive.
FIBA: You did miss quite a few open shots. Is that a concern ahead of the semi-final with Greece?

Battier: Not really because that's how basketball is at times. Some nights you make shots and others you're going to miss them. As long as we keep playing good defense that's how we put ourselves in a position to win.

FIBA: Looking ahead to that game against Greece, what do you make of them?

Battier: They're a very impressive team. They're very physical and play very well together. We know it's going to be another tough game for us.

FIBA: How do you feel the team has been playing so far? Have you improved your play from game to game?

Battier: We've played well but we're still looking to play that perfect game and that's very exciting. We've yet to play 40 minutes where we feel great about ourselves. Hopefully we can do that in the next couple of days.

FIBA: How does it feel for you to be on this team?

Battier: I'm very honoured to be on the USA basketball team and represent my country. We've taken quite a bit of heat in recent years and I'm proud to a part of the group that tries to restore what USA basketball is all about.

FIBA: Your style of play doesn't seem to change much from the NBA to the international game. How do you feel other players have been able to handle the transition from being a star player on their NBA team to being a role player for Team USA?

Battier: Well my job is easy. I just come in and play with energy and have fun. As for the other players, it's a matter of figuring out a way of adjusting to the international game and so far everyone's doing a great job of it.

FIBA: How is the camaraderie? Does everyone get along?

Battier: Oh yeah. We all like each other and playing with one another. We don't have the same history as some of the other teams have of playing together in international competitions over the years but I think we've developed a very good chemistry.

FIBA: In previous international competitions, the American teams may have been known to come into the tournament without knowing too much about their opposition. Is Team USA very well informed on your opponents?

Battier: Well we know there are good teams out there. The final four teams are all very good basketball teams and we knew that coming in and we know we have to play well together to win the championship.

By Simon Wilkinson
FIBA