COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- Houston Comets forward Tina Thompson will not play for the United States in the world championships, citing medical reasons.

New York Liberty center Tari Phillips replaces Thompson on the roster for the championships, being held in China from Sept. 14-25.

Phillips joins 11 previously selected WNBA players: Sue Bird (Seattle), Tamika Catchings (Indiana), Tamecka Dixon (Los Angeles), Jennifer Gillom (Phoenix), Shannon Johnson (Orlando), Lisa Leslie (Los Angeles), DeLisha Milton (Los Angeles), Katie Smith (Minnesota), Dawn Staley (Charlotte), Sheryl Swoopes (Houston), and Natalie Williams (Utah).