USA - Bosh injury blow for USA

LAS VEGAS (FIBA Americas Championship) - USA’s Toronto Raptors forward Chris Bosh has been ruled out of the upcoming FIBA Americas Championship due to a foot injury.

Bosh was a member of last summer’s team at the FIBA World Championship and averaged 6.8 point per game and four rebounds as the team won the bronze medal.

Team USA are currently stepping up preparations for the Americas Championship, which is set to take place in Las Vegas from August 22.

The United States have been drawn in Group B alongside Canada, defending champions Brazil, Venezuela and the US Virgin Islands.

“This is real tough for me but I have to be safe, that’s what the doctors told me. They said it could evolve into something worse than what it is now,” said Bosh.

“It’s real tough and disappointing right now and I have to stay calm. I still feel like I’m a part of the team and I’m here to show my support and show that I’m serious about being a part of the team.”

The USA finished fourth in the Dominican Republic in 2005 after suffering a 93–83 defeat by Venezuela in the bronze medal game.

Bosh remains optimistic about featuring for the USA at next year’s Olympic Games in Beijing.

“I didn’t want to play this summer and maybe get more injured and then not be able to play next summer,” he added. “I had to be smart about this. I’m looking forward to the NBA season and the 2008 (Olympics).”

The news is also a blow for USA head coach Mike Krzyzewski, who still has nine-time all star Kobe Bryant, Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James, Phoenix Suns center Amare Stoudemire, Denver Nuggets’ Carmelo Anthony and Detroit Pistons guard Chauncey Billups at his disposal.

“It’s disappointing because Chris did a great job for us last year and he’s only gotten better - he’s an all-star. But the health of a player is the most important thing," said Krzyzewski.

FIBA