Catch no ball

United States President George W. Bush looked startled, as the basketball he had dropped failed to bounce up.

It was a practical joke played by Shaquille O'Neal, the Miami Heat's star centre.

The National Basketball Association champions had been invited by the president to visit the White House on Tuesday.

President Bush lauded the Heat for succeeding the hard way in last year's NBA Finals. They had lost the first two games to the Dallas Mavericks before winning four straight to clinch the series.

He said: 'They had the stars, but it was the capacity to play together, to put the team ahead of themselves, that enabled them to be here at the White House.'

He called O'Neal one of the most well-known figures in the US.

Miami's other superstar, shooting guard Dwyane Wade, came with his left arm in a sling.

He had dislocated his shoulder last week, and is deciding whether to have season-ending surgery or enter a rehabilitation programme that could get him on the court in weeks.

Said Mr Bush: 'I know a lot of NBA fans, whether they like the Heat or not, are pulling for Dwyane to get back into action. We wish you a speedy recovery.'

The championship was the first in the Heat's 18-year history.

It came with contributions from some famous NBA players at the tail end of their careers, such as guard Gary Payton and centre Alonzo Mourning.

ASSOCIATED PRESS