Portland, Ore. ? Dallas Mavericks’ owner Mark Cuban, who is concerned about insurance policies of his star players, would have cringed at Friday’s USA Basketball practice.

There was 6-foot-11, 240-pound newly signed Raef LaFrentz diving for a loose ball in the middle of three players, not for a moment pondering about the possibility of injury.

“These guys at this level take it seriously,” shrugged LaFrentz, a 1998 KU graduate who recently penned a seven-year, $69 million contract with the Mavs. “They don’t like to lose regardless of the situation. It’s an honor to represent your country. This is my first chance to do this.”

Some NBA phenoms declined the opportunity to play for the USA in the upcoming World Championships in Indianapolis.

Not LaFrentz.

“I think we have a very good team as it is,” LaFrentz said. “A lot of guys did pass, but that’s their prerogative.”

Former KU player Paul Pierce also is making his U.S. team debut.

“It is great because it’s an opportunity for me to get better,” said Pierce, who has taken on the role of team leader, barking out orders and encouragement at practice sessions. “It’s for a good cause. It’s great to have a chance to represent the whole United States.

“It’s 12 very competitive guys. We take this very seriously, especially after 9-11 (Sept. 11 attack on U.S.). It means a lot to represent your country and we’re doing this on our home soil.”

Pierce’s six-year, $84 million contract with Boston goes into effect this coming season.

NOTES

LaFrentz on his new contract which he signed several weeks ago: “I really wanted to get it done before this (start of U.S. camp). I really wanted to get it done there because Mark Cuban is a great owner. It’s an exciting style of basketball and it’s a talented team, a great group of guys. we’re looking forward to big things.

LaFrentz on visiting Portland this time of year as opposed to the NBA season. “I’ve been here many times and never seen the sun. This is really nice,” he said.

Paul Gowen is a Lawrence High and KU graduate living in Portland. The Journal-World’s Gary Bedore also contributed to this story.