USA - Hinrich: I'm a better player after FIBA World Champs

CHICAGO (NBA) - Kirk Hinrich expects to be a better player in the NBA this season as a result of having represented his country at the FIBA World Championship.

The Chicago Bulls guard was a late addition to the Team USA squad as injuries mounted up over the summer, but he played a big role once in Japan, starting three of nine games and averaging 6.0 points and 2.1 assists in 19.4 minutes.

He ranked second in the team in both three-pointers made (12) and three-point percentage (.462).

Although the USA suffered disappointment with their semi-final loss to Greece, Hinrich - now back in the training camp with the Bulls - says he learned a lot.

"I think I'm going to be a better player from the experience," Hinrich said in a conference call.

"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."

Playing in the tournament meant Hinrich had his summer holidays cut short, but he insists he will have no problem getting ready for the Bulls' pre-season campaign, which begins on October 11.

"It wasn't really gruelling," Hinrich said. "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."

Hinrich returns to a Bulls team that surprised many with how well they competed last season.

This year, with the big-money addition of Ben Wallace from the Detroit Pistons, their cover has been blown, but Hinrich believes they can go all the way.

"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 play-offs. I think we have the ability to go a lot further. This year, expectations are a lot higher. I think everybody's excited to try and meet those."

PA Sport