Fiba world champs- Japan
 

26 July 2006 - USA BASKETBALL NAME 15-MAN SQUAD
USA Basketball has announced a 15-man squad to continue preparing for the FIBA World Championship, cutting nine players from its preliminary roster. The announcement was made by USA Basketball managing director Jerry Colangelo and USA head coach Mike Krzyzewski in Las Vegas at the conclusion of a week-long training camp. The official 12-man roster for the FIBA World Championship will be announced in the days before tip-off in Japan on August 19.

The players named in the 15-man party are: Carmelo Anthony (Denver Nuggets), Gilbert Arenas (Washington Wizards), Shane Battier (Houston Rockets), Chris Bosh (Toronto Raptors), Bruce Bowen (San Antonio Spurs), Elton Brand (Los Angeles Clippers), Kirk Hinrich (Chicago Bulls), Dwight Howard (Orlando Magic), LeBron James (Cleveland Cavaliers), Antawn Jamison (Washington Wizards), Joe Johnson (Atlanta Hawks), Brad Miller (Sacramento Kings), Chris Paul (New Orleans/ Oklahoma City Hornets), Amare Stoudemire (Phoenix Suns), and Dwyane Wade (Miami Heat).

PROJECTED DEPTH ROSTER
Chris Paul / Kirk Hinrich
Dwyane Wade / Gilbert Arenas / Bruce Bowen
LeBron James / Carmelo Anthony / Shane Battier / Joe Johnson
Amare Stoudemire / Chris Bosh / Antwan Jamison
Elton Brand / Dwight Howard / Brad Miller

So who were the 9 guys that got cut?

They actually didn't "cut" anyone. All 24 players are part of the program for the next three years. Only 20 of the 24 participated in the workouts for this version of the team.

Chauncey Billups, Paul Pierce, and Kobe Bryant are three of the four that didn't participate.

Adam Morrison and Luke Ridnour did not make this team and Shawn Marion injured himself on the last day of practice.

I don't know who the other two are that participated or who the fourth player who didn't participate.

JJ Redick, Micheal Redd, and Lamar Odom are the other three members.

JJ Redick - bad back; Lamar Odom - death of infant son; Michael Redd - Getting married, I think;

Also out were Greg Oden - wrist surgery; Kobe Bryant - Knee surgery; Paul Pierce - elbow surgery; Chauncey Billups - wife about to give birth;

Greg Oden isn't really on the team. He was the 25th player, invited to attend.