Spurs defensive guard Bruce Bowen was one of 15 payers chosen to participate in a continuation of training and a series of ?friendly? games against international teams in China, Korea and Japan as a tune-up for the team's participation in the 2006 FIBA World Championships, scheduled for Aug. 19-Sept. 3 in Japan, the San Antonio Express-News is reporting.

The 12-man team that will represent the United States will be selected from the 15-man roster that will head to Asia after an exhibition game against Puerto Rico's national team on Aug. 3.

While the roster for the Asian tour won't be formally announced until Tuesday, a source close to the selection committee said Bowen made the cut.