NEW YORK — The United States is down to just two centers, and one of them better pick it up if he wants to make it to Turkey.

BEIJING — Houston Rockets forward Shane Battier said he is pleased other teams are interested in him but ruled out the possibility of being traded and playing for another side before next summer, when his contract with Houston expires.

BEIJING — Former NBA All-star Stephon Marbury has agreed to three more years with a Chinese basketball team, whose owners will set up a company to produce and sell his line of athletic apparel and shoes, the team said on Thursday.

Shane Battier, who played on the United States team at the 2006 World Championships which finished third, believes the Americans will win next month's Worlds in Turkey.

LIUZHOU, Guangxi province — For China, the match against Iran was more about pride than victory on Thursday night.