On the back end of the Socccer World Cup, basketballs show case of the World Championships is seeing many of the worlds best not put their hands up to be involved and represent thier country. Excuses such as "busy Schedule" or "uninsurable contract" or even simply "unavailable" has popped up from our own Nathan Jawai as reasons for not being able to play for their country.
The USA team will have some great players and will no doubt be the highlight for the tournament but many of the top line players from the worlds best league the NBA will not be playing. Indeed the highest profile player will be the brilliant Kevin Durant and he alone will be worthwhile tuning in for, but apart from him there appears to be not too many big names putting their hand up to play for their country.
Dirk Nowitki has pulled out of the tourny and will not represent his Germany.Ginoboli will not be there to represent Argentina and Gasol not representing Spain.
With this in mind, David Anderson said who will be our starting centre during the worlds said that with many of the big names not playing, that this might present the Boomers with an opportunity to finish high. There are two ways to look at this, the first is to suggest that we can only beat who the other countries put on the floor to represent them. The other way to look at this is that without the big names, this tournament is starting to look second rate.   
Some players who are legitimately injured have a good excuse to not compete but what a shame that the big names do not see these world championships as worthy of their effort, and what a shame that many players seem to put their own personal interest ahead of the honour of playing for their country.
When these players who cannot be bothered playing in this tournament hold their hands to their hearts when they play the national anthem at domestic games, will they feel any dishonour or guilt for not making the efffort when their country needed them.  I would suggest not.