Matrix on board

Phoenix Suns All-Star Shawn Marion says he will be part of the U.S. team being put together for this year's world championships and the 2008 Olympics.

Marion said Monday that he has been told by the head of USA Basketball, Jerry Colangelo, that he will be among those selected to the team.

Few players of Marion's status have been as committed to USA Basketball in recent years. He played in the 2001 Goodwill Games, the 2002 World Championship and the 2004 Olympics.

"We've got to go out and redeem ourselves," Marion said about the sixth-place finish in 2002 and bronze medal in 2004. "It was a little frustrating to lose. We've just got to go out and prove that we're the most dominant force."

"It's challenging, man, it's an honor and a privilege, always," the forward told KTVK-TV in Phoenix before the team left for Orlando, "given the opportunity to go out and represent the country again, which I love doing."

"He's the kind of individual and player who personifies what you want to represent you" Colangelo said.