Shane Battier
PEAK Blog
August 10, 2007 

Wow, I can't believe that we are only a year away from the Olympics in Beijing! After visiting Beijing last month, I know that the city will look great and that everyone will be very impressed with the stadiums and buildings that are being built. The "Bird's Nest" will be a great centerpiece for the opening and closing ceremonies. I couldn't believe the size of the stadium ?it抯 huge! Although I did not get a chance to visit the basketball venue, I hear it is the best basketball venue in all of Asia. That is really exciting because it will be able to host future NBA games.  You never know, but maybe one day there actually may be a team in Beijing! Wouldn't that be amazing? Needless to say, the Olympics in China will be a great display for your nation. The world will finally see the growth and progress of the Chinese people. I can't wait for the Olympics next summer!

After I returned from China on my summer tour, I went to Las Vegas where USA Basketball held a short mini-camp for the team that will attempt to qualify for the Olympics. I had so much fun playing with Jason Kidd. He is probably the best point guard with whom I have ever played. He makes the game so easy for everyone else. It is incredible that he can dominate the game without taking a shot. He simply controls the game from the point guard position. It was also fun to try to guard Kobe Bryant. He is so good. I think he is the best overall player in the NBA today. It is nice to know he is playing for USA basketball this time. We played an intra-squad scrimmage and it was a better game than the NBA All-Star game. In the NBA All-Star game, it is more about having fun and the game really does not get competitive until the fourth quarter. In our intra-squad scrimmage, however, we were playing like it was the NBA finals. It was an ultra-competitive game. In the end, Kobe hit a jumper with 5 seconds left to win the game. The crowd went crazy! I think the future is bright for USA basketball. Hopefully we can qualify for the Olympics and put on a great show in Beijing next year.

Wouldn't it be fun if it were China vs. USA in the gold medal game?????????

You never know, it may happen........

I hope everyone is enjoying summer. I know I am.

I'll check in soon.

Thanks,

Shane