Tim James, a first-round draft pick of the Heat in 1999, is now stationed in Iraq.

"I got my degree, lived the life I was able, have my freedom and became a professional athlete," James told the Associated Press last week. "I'm the example of the American dream."

James is stationed 85 miles north of Baghdad.

"In life, we all have different desires and needs," said Leonard Hamilton, James' college coach. "With the passion he has, he had to go fulfill this. I'm in total support of Tim and what he's doing. He's at peace. All we can do is hope he comes back safely."

James played in just 43 NBA games for the Heat, Hornets and 76ers before a short stint in Europe.

"I think of myself as a patriot," James said. "I wanted to give back to a country that gave so much to me."