U.S. to monitor events after incident
LOS ANGELES -- The United States plans to play in the world championships. Safety will come first, though.
USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo said Wednesday that the Americans expect to participate in the event in Turkey later this summer, but players wouldn't be put in harm's way.
"Right now we're not doing anything but planning to be there," Colangelo told The Associated Press. "If world events cause us to have to take another look at, we will, but I think it's too early to speculate on anything like 'what if.'"
Relations between Turkey and Israel were seriously strained after nine people were killed Monday when Israeli commandos stormed a six-ship flotilla in international waters. About 700 activists -- including 400 Turks -- were trying to break the Israeli and Egyptian naval blockade of Gaza.
The U.S. team is scheduled to play in Istanbul at the tournament that runs from Aug. 28-Sept. 12.
"Let's wait and see what happens," Colangelo said. "If there's a reason that would change our, if something happens that really would change our position, then we'd have to do what we have to do. So I think it's too early to project. We're always looking out for the safety of our people, let's face it."
The Americans were plagued by player withdrawals before the 2004 Olympics in Athens. Some players cited security fears following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on New York and Washington as a reason for pulling out.
So Colangelo is aware that players may have concerns, even if it's far too early to think about that now.
"So far nothing has really happened that would deter us," he said. "If there are developments that cause us to take stock and have to reconsider, then we have to do that. But so far I would say no."
Both are correct for Turkey.