http://www.ajc.com/hawks/content/sports/hawks/stories/0726teamusa.html By SEKOU SMITH The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Published on: 07/25/06 Hawks captain Joe Johnson is thrilled to be a part of the U.S. team that will compete in next month's World Championships in Japan. He just wishes the competition would start sooner. "I can't wait to start," Johnson said Tuesday afternoon after being named as one of the 15 players on the roster, which was cut from 18. Shawn Marion, Adam Morrison and Luke Ridnour were left off the roster, a minor knee injury forcing Marion to forego a spot on the team. Atlanta native Dwight Howard, former Georgia Tech star Chris Bosh, LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Dwyane Wade, Shane Battier, Amare Stoudemire, Kirk Hinrich, Chris Paul, Antawn Jamison, Bruce Bowen, Brad Miller and Gilbert Arenas are the other NBA stars that will make up the U.S. contingent in Japan. The team will play five exhibition games prior to the start of the competition, which begins Aug. 19, in Las Vegas, China and Korea. The roster has to be trimmed to 12 players before the World Championships. But Johnson isn't worried about not being a part of that final group. Not after his impressive showing during the team's initial training camp the past nine days. "I never doubted myself," he said. "I just felt if I put my best foot forward and played the game of basketball the way it's supposed to be played, anything's possible. I never came into this situation thinking I wouldn't make it. I came in with positive thoughts." Hawks general manager Billy Knight spent the weekend watching practices and visiting with Johnson and witnessed what everyone else in attendance did. "Joe played great," Knight said. "And he deserves this honor, which I think is the epitome for any athlete to be able to represent your country. Joe's such a consummate professional. He just thinks basketball all the time. And this is a great, great honor for him." Johnson's role on the team hasn't been defined. But he has a clue as to what will be asked of him as the U.S. team tries to regain it's place among the international elite after posting a disappointing 11-6 record in international competition the past four years. "I know I'm here to play defense and make shots," Johnson said. "Other than, I don't have to use my off-the-dribble skills and all that. I'm here to play the game of basketball and have fun. And we just need to over there and take care of business --

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