Bruce Bowen Cut

For five months, USA Basketball officials pointed to Bruce Bowen as the type of role player they needed on their team.

So it came as a bit of a surprise when the Americans showed up here Thursday without him.

The defensive specialist from the San Antonio Spurs was the final player cut, leaving the U.S. team with the required 12 players heading into the start of the world championships on Saturday.

USA Basketball managing director Jerry Colangelo said it was “a tribute” to Bowen that he came as close as he did to making the final team.

“He was selected because we felt he had a legitimate chance to make it because of the skills he brought to the table,” Colangelo said. “He lasted a lot longer than others with bigger names and larger statistics.”

The final roster was announced Wednesday by Colangelo and coach Mike Krzyzewski, and included Carmelo Anthony, Shane Battier, Chris Bosh, Elton Brand, Kirk Hinrich, Dwight Howard, LeBron James, Antawn Jamison, Joe Johnson, Brad Miller, Chris Paul and Dwyane Wade. #

It’s no secret that I am not the biggest Bruce Bowen fan, especially after his antics against Vince Carter back in the day, but he is a pretty good defender. I was also kind of surprised when the announcement was made especially after Colangelo made it clear that he wasn’t looking for a group of all stars, just team first minded players. :S