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[Yahoo Sports] Battier doing the little things to help Team USA

Discussion in 'Houston Rockets: Game Action & Roster Moves' started by scv_rockets, Aug 25, 2006.

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  1. scv_rockets

    scv_rockets Member

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    (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_y...DnNe8vLYF?slug=ap-worlds-us&prov=ap&type=lgns)

    Battier doing the little things to help Team USA
    By ANDREW BAGNATO, AP Sports Writer
    August 25, 2006

    SAPPORO, Japan (AP) -- Shane Battier had a quick response when he was asked to define his role on Team USA.

    "See these floor burns?" he said, motioning to a nasty red spot on his forearm. "That's my role."

    Battier doesn't make many highlight shows. But he's become an important part of the U.S. team as it prepares for the second round of the FIBA world championships.

    The U.S. completed a five-game sweep of Group D with a 103-58 victory over Senegal on Thursday night. The Americans face Australia in the second round Sunday in Saitama. A victory in that game could set up a showdown with Germany and Dirk Nowitzki in the quarterfinals.

    Battier is averaging 5.8 points per game through five games, all victories. He has 11 rebounds, five assists and three steals.

    Those numbers don't jump off the stat sheet. But numbers don't begin to tell the story of the 27-year-old's contribution -- unless they start tallying bruises.

    On a star-laden team, Battier is the guy most likely to incur bodily harm.

    The Americans' 121-90 victory over China here this week featured a typical Battier performance. He scored the U.S.' first five points and didn't make another bucket the rest of the night.

    But afterward, his teammates were buzzing about how Battier stood his ground when China's Yao Ming barreled through him. Yao, who was called for a charge, and Battier will be teammates with the Houston Rockets next season.

    "I love playing with Shane because he does all the little things, like taking charges, chasing the ball, playing great defense," U.S. forward Elton Brand said. "When you look at this guy, he may be scoring seven, but he's responsible for numerous points as well as good defense. I really appreciate what he does."

    Brand played with Battier at Duke in 1998 and 1999. Back then, Battier was more star than the workman. In 2000-01, he was the consensus National Player of the Year after leading Duke to the national title.

    Battier's scoring average increased each season in Durham, peaking at 19.9 points per game his senior year. Vancouver picked him sixth overall in the 2001 draft. After he averaged 14.4 points per game in his rookie season, Battier's scoring average dropped in his second and third years, to a career low of 8.5 points per game in 2003-04.

    A role player was born.

    No longer considered a scorer, the 6-8 Battier found other ways to make himself useful. And that got the attention of U.S. coach Mike Krzyzewski, who loved to rave about Battier when he coached him at Duke.

    "Shane is the ultimate role player," Krzyzewski said here this week.

    Even on the talented U.S. team, which features star captains LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Carmelo Anthony, there's a place for a guy who knows his role.

    Battier, who has represented the U.S. in four other competitions, is enjoying every minute of the experience.

    "It probably has been one of the best basketball experiences I've had in my life," he said. "Unbelievable opportunity. A chance to play with some great players and be around some great people for a great country. The pictures I've taken on this trip and the memories I have will be with me forever."

    Although Anthony and Wade have dominated the spotlight in the group play, Battier has provided a few snapshots of his own.

    On a team that has struggled with long-range shooting, Battier is 6-for-10 from beyond the 3-point arc.

    But his defense may be his most valuable asset, especially after Krzyzewski cut Bruce Bowen, widely considered the Americans' best defender.

    "Well, I try," Battier said. "I'm trying to earn my hotel room, my uniform somehow. If I can just run around, get a couple of loose balls, make some shots, that's my job."

    Battier's made a career of it. And now he's helping U.S. make a run for its first world championship since 1994, one little play at a time.

    "There are a bunch of small plays that end up becoming big plays," Battier said. "Small plays are not something that you can turn on and off. You have to do those things every chance you get. For me, that's what I've been able to build a career out of."
     
    #1 scv_rockets, Aug 25, 2006
  2. ima_drummer2k

    ima_drummer2k Member

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    Someone did a poll here last week asking what we thought of the draft day trade now. I was shocked to see how many people had changed their minds and now liked it. I would put myself in that boat as well.

    I think it has a lot to do with us watching Shane play for Team USA. The guy is fun to watch. He's not really great at anything, BUT he seems to be pretty good at almost everything. He seems to be just what this team has been missing for a while now. He plays with a lot of heart and brings 100% energy 100% of the time. How many times have we (rightfully so) critizised our players for not doing that? I don't think that will ever be a problem for Shane and it may rub off on the other players.

    The more I watch him play in the WC's, the more I'm looking forward to seeing him play in a Rockets uniform next year.
     
    #2 ima_drummer2k, Aug 25, 2006
  3. bejezuz

    bejezuz Member

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    Amen. The guy is a 6' 8" Bobby Sura, with a better 3pt shot.
     
    #3 bejezuz, Aug 25, 2006
  4. The_Yoyo

    The_Yoyo Member

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    while i am in the camp of "we should have gotten a draft pick from memphis" i remember reading on some grizzlies boards on how they felt they got shafted in the trade and how we will love shane. I wasnt sure what they meant at the time I do know, the guy makes it hard to not root for him
     
    #4 The_Yoyo, Aug 25, 2006
  5. pgabriel

    pgabriel Educated Negro

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    this is an anti battier post

    the media has really been trying to sell this role player thing for team usa. we'll see.


    edit: I meant to say not an anti battier post
     
    #5 pgabriel, Aug 25, 2006
    Last edited: Aug 25, 2006
  6. Texas Stoke

    Texas Stoke Member

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    Battier, Sura, and Hayes. That may be too many Mr. Intagibles.
     
    #6 Texas Stoke, Aug 25, 2006
  7. forchette49

    forchette49 Member

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    I think it also helped that CD said that he would not have taken Rudy Gay at #8 (would have opted instead for some Euro that went to the Bulls at #13), that shock would have been FAR worse to one we all felt when he was actually traded away for Battier. Stro and a 1st round Euro for Battier... GREAT deal now! ;)
     
    #7 forchette49, Aug 25, 2006
  8. ima_drummer2k

    ima_drummer2k Member

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    Sura won't play this year. Even if he does, he won't be the same player he was in 2004/2005. Hayes has no game besides the 'intangibles' and is an offensive liability. He probably won't even be in the regular rotation.

    Shane has more game than both of those guys combined.

    Bad comparison.
     
    #8 ima_drummer2k, Aug 25, 2006
  9. intersync

    intersync Member

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    Yeah, and it seems like from Van Gundy's comments coupled with the actual decisions the Rockets made on draft day that they think there is more hype than anything surrounding Rudy Gay. Coack K calling Battier the "Ultimate Role Player" is enough for me. That's exactly what we want. This season has more potential than last season to be really really awesome/special. The only thing missing for me is Rudy T. I think he needs to make some appearances at Toyota Center and stuff to get us pumped up, that guy rocks.
     
    #9 intersync, Aug 25, 2006
  10. Plowman

    Plowman Member

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    Shane is much more talented than people give him credit for. He is highly skilled with an immense understanding of the game of basketball.Battier recognizes his role(to make his team better) and subjogates his game,doing the dirty work or whatever is needed to win.A rare player and an incredible cog in a title team.With a decent team,his contributions are measured in many more w's rather than points and rebounds.If he was that kind of guy when he came to the Grizzlies,Shane could have inflated his numbers easily.
     
    #10 Plowman, Aug 25, 2006
  11. Plowman

    Plowman Member

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    The situation over there was that players needed to be developed.For those caught up in stats,HERE,I see Battier putting up somehwere in the neighborhood of 15 8 and 3.
     
    #11 Plowman, Aug 25, 2006
  12. Texas Stoke

    Texas Stoke Member

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    So basically you're saying:

    Sura won't play, if he does, he will suck.

    Hayes has intagibles but won't play because he sucks.

    And that Battier has too much game to be labeled as just mr. intagibles.

    So who the hell is mr. intagibles around here then...

    ...I don't know but I do know your post it intagibleless

    imadrummer2k, when was the last time you took a charge, dove into the stands, set a pick, boxed out, blocked a shot?
     
    #12 Texas Stoke, Aug 25, 2006
    Last edited: Aug 25, 2006
  13. Rocket River

    Rocket River Member

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    yea
    they really are

    Propaganda

    Rocket River
     
    #13 Rocket River, Aug 25, 2006
  14. ima_drummer2k

    ima_drummer2k Member

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    I'm not saying that, I'm saying that he has the intangibles AND a pretty good game too. It is possible to have both, it's not an either/or type thing. I love Sura and Hayes, but I'm just saying Shane gives us what they give us and then some.

    I would respond to that, if I knew what "intagibleless" meant. ;)

    All the time*, actually.








    *on NBA Live
     
    #14 ima_drummer2k, Aug 25, 2006
  15. Texas Stoke

    Texas Stoke Member

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    Pgbariel and RR, is Shane Battier not black enough for you dudes or what?
     
    #15 Texas Stoke, Aug 25, 2006
  16. dandorotik

    dandorotik Member

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    James Edwards
    Bill Walton
    Ron Harper
    Mario Elie
    Bruce Bowen
    Mike James
    Jud Buechler
    James Posey

    What do they all have in common?

    Exactly.
     
    #16 dandorotik, Aug 25, 2006
  17. gifford1967

    gifford1967 Member
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    T-Mac, Yao, and Battier are all smart team players, more concerned with winning than personal stats. With these three, I think the Rockets have a very strong nucleus and will have great team chemistry. I'm excited. The season needs to start already.
     
    #17 gifford1967, Aug 25, 2006
  18. rrj_gamz

    rrj_gamz Member

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    That's good to here...Let's hope it continues in Houston...
     
    #18 rrj_gamz, Aug 25, 2006
  19. SamFisher

    SamFisher Member

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    I call being the best pure rebounder on the team fairly tangible, as is his FG%. As far as being an offensive liability, he's much less of a net drain than Howard. If he's not in the regular rotation and Juwan is playing 30+ minutes a night, we might as well start counting lottery balls now.
     
    #19 SamFisher, Aug 25, 2006
  20. pgabriel

    pgabriel Educated Negro

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    wtf does that mean?
     
    #20 pgabriel, Aug 25, 2006
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