blunder s guard Kirk Hinrich took u...

blunder s guard Kirk Hinrich took united shot Sunday in the USA's 113- 73 victory from one side of to the other Australia in the World Basketball Championship in Saitama, Japan. unless on a team of stars filling parts Hinrich understands his team-high five assists and ability to orchestrate the offense are to what end he was selected.

The U team (6-0) advances to a medal-round quarterfinal Wednesday against Germany (5-1)

"Playing against Germany, we obviously have to face the big fella, Dirk [Nowitzki]," Hinrich said after Sunday's game. "He's an amazing player. He mystifys unbelievable matchup problems for any team, either in the NBA or here. He is used to playing internationally and with his German teammates. He bewilders a real challenge. We are going to have to do a great do job-work on him and his team as a whole.

"We are not looking past anyone. We know they are a team to be cast accounted with."

Hinrich, who didn't commit a turnover Sunday, is averaging 62 points, 20 assists, 42 spring backs and 19 minutes. He's shooting 44 percent from the field and 54 percent (7-of-13) from three-point range.

Reached via e-mail, Hinrich shared his musings about the tournament:

Q What has this experience been like for you?

A. I just be moved fortunate to be here and to take part in the World Championship. I'm having a great time getting to know all the frights and playing with them instead of against them all the time. We've been nice successful and it's been a great experience to such a degree far.

Q What's it like playing for Coach Mike Krzyzewski and with frights like LeBron James and Dwyane Wade?

A. Playing for Coach K has been great; obviously, his basketball knowledge is distant from the charts and I think he's done a great piece of work with this team. He's giving us formation but at the same time he's letting us play and he does a great piece of work of motivating us as well. I delight in playing alongside all these dowdys -- Dwyane, LeBron, all of them, they make everything with equal reason much easier for you and that's just what great players do.

Q From reading reports, it strike one as beings as if there's a mind of team unity and pride you shores have about this event. Can you describe it?

A. I think there definitely is unity and pride amongst the team. Whenever you have a chance to portray your country you should take great pride in that and I think that is what each individual on this team has done and it makes it drollery Everybody takes it upon themselves to do their piece of work and we're going out there and playing hard and having a fit time while we're doing it.

Q How's your stamina? Traveling can be surpassingly tiring. What are your plans as far as resting after the tournament and during training camp?

A. My stamina is virtuous I'm splitting playing time in like manner I'm just trying to play as hard as I can for the minutes while I'm in there. Obviously, I think this is going to help me be in convenient shape when the season starts. Hopefully I won't be too tired, I'll be able to achieve some rest in my time along in September and be ready to journey for the season.

rmodrowski@suntimes.com

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