J.J. Redick Wants To Learn While His In Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS - J.J. Redick brought no delusions of grandeur with him this week as he fills out a roster spot -- for now -- on the USA Men's Senior National Team roster.

The 23-year-old Redick, a 6-foot-4, 190-pound guard for the Orlando Magic, knows the reality of the situation as he spends a week with the USA players while they prepare for the FIBA Americas Championship. The tournament, a qualifier for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, begins Wednesday and continues through Sept. 2 at UNLV's Thomas & Mack Center.

"He is not going to make the team," said USA Coach Mike Krzyzewski, who coached Redick at Duke

Redick understands his role here on a team that also includes Magic all-star center Dwight Howard.

"I am just strictly a practice player," Redick said Thursday. "I had that understanding when I came out here. The experience is invaluable for me. I have the opportunity to play against these guys for a week.

"Redick said he plans to take a red-eye flight back to Orlando on Monday night. Redick, coming off a strong Orlando summer league showing, averaged 14.8 minutes and 6.0 points per game as a rookie last season.

After a nagging back injury got him off to a slow start, the first-round draft pick played sparingly under former Magic coach Brian Hill. He got off the bench in 42 of 82 regular-season games -- much to his frustration at times.

But with Grant Hill to Phoenix and Rashard Lewis signed to complement Howard, Redick will be given the opportunity to show his shooting touch in Coach Stan Van Gundy's offense.

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source : orlandosentinel.com