During the course of USA Basketball training camp, players will be checking in on a regular basis to give you the scoop on what's going on in Las Vegas and in the minds of the team as they prepare for the 2006 FIBA World Championships.

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Shane Battier Chat

We had a group meeting after the last practice on Monday. We talked about the first phase and what we're trying to accomplish. We had a great first week and we need to continue the spirit and the energy that we displayed there. If we do, we'll be in great shape.

Obviously, we have a great collection of talent. The challenge for us in the next month will be to meld that talent. But if the first week is any indication, I'm not worried that it will be a difficult task. It's exciting for us to play against each other, but it will be even more exciting to go out and play against other countries.

I think the leaders of our group will become more apparent as the team progresses. We're sort of in a feeling-out stage right now and just learning about each other. As we spend more time together, especially away from our families in Asia, I think the leaders will emerge.

There will be less numbers in the second session starting Monday, so there will be more of a focus on the guys that are there. We're going to play a lot more game situations and we'll be held much more accountable. That's exciting. That's what competition is all about.

It will be great just to finally play another team. Beating up on each other gets old after a while, so it will be nice to go out and try to beat up on someone else for once.