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Story originally printed in the La Crosse Tribune or online at www.lacrossetribune.com

Published - Friday, July 25, 2008

Bogut's big week: $72.5M and Olympics

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Milwaukee Bucks center Andrew Bogut agreed to a five-year, $72.5-million contract extension Wednesday.

He was officially named to the Australian Olympic team Thursday.

Bogut said Friday he couldn't decide which was the highlight of the biggest week in his basketball career.

``That's a great question,'' he said during a news conference at the Bradley Center. ``It's nice to have some security here, but it's also huge to be representing my country.''

Australia will be shooting for its first medal in men's basketball at next month's games in China.

``We've never finished better than fourth in the Olympics,'' Bogut said. ``We could shock the world by beating the USA. We'd have to play the best game of our lives, but it's possible because it's not like the NBA playoffs where we'd have to win a 7-game series.''

To beat the U.S., he'd have to play against Bucks teammate Michael Redd. Wouldn't that be difficult?

``I wouldn't have a problem running him into a pick to help my team win,'' Bogut joked. ``It would be a lot of fun seeing him on the court over there.''

New Bucks coach Scott Skiles is looking forward to seeing Bogut on his team.

``Young centers with his skill set are hard to find in this league,'' said Skiles, who hopes to use Bogut more on the fast break.

``I've watched every minute of every game from last year,'' Skiles said, ``and frankly I'm sick of seeing him run the floor while they'd jack up a 3-pointer. We have to get him the ball or he'll stop running the floor.''

Bogut played in 78 games last season, averaging 14.3 points and 9.8 rebounds. But he wanted to stay and try to turn around a team that finished 26-56.

The feeling was mutual.

``I ran into a season ticket holder the other day who said this was a great deal because Andrew cares about playing hard for the fans,'' Bucks general manager John Hammond said. ``You don't see that all the time in professional sports these days.''