USA – Lebron will play in Las Vegas

COLORADO (FIBA Americas Championship 2007) - Coach Mike Krzyzewski was glad when he received the news about Cleveland Calaviers’ forward, Lebron James, playing in Las Vegas, Nevada, in the FIBA Americas Championship 2007.

James announced his decision to the media, leaving behind the uncertainty about his participation with Team USA in the competition that will define two of the teams that will represent the Americas in the Olympic Games 2008 in Beijing.

Prior to his decision of playing in Las Vegas, James was learning some Mandarin, just in case.

Krzyzewski, coach of Duke University, who was appointed as the man in charge of getting back Team USA’s international prestige, remained away of the polemic caused by James’ indecision to play, acting sometimes with surprising diplomacy.

“I’m certain that a lot of people don’t understand the importance, and extent, of the commitment this professionals have towards Team USA,” Krzyzewski said.

“After having play through a season of 100 games, they still offer part of the rest-time during the summer in order to play for three years. We can only feel a
great deal of respect for them.”

The first challenge the NBA stars will have to face will be a mini-camp in Las Vegas, from July 20 to 22. Three weeks later, they will be back in Vegas, for the FIBA Americas Championship 2007, in which they will face national teams representing nine other countries.

Alongside James, included in the list of players which will be trying to win a spot withing Team USA for Las Vegas are: Kobe Bryant, Jason Kidd, Carlos Boozer, Chauncey Billups, Deron Williams, Mike Miller, Tayshaun Prince, Tyson Chandler, Amare Stoudemire, Michael Redd; also in the list, two college stars, Greg Oden and Kevin Durant who are the two top candidates of this year’s NBA Draft, scheduled for tomorrow (Thursday).

FIBA Americas