We Have Arrived

MATT BOULDI N
On the long travel day:
Well, the travel day was one of the longest days of my life. It's hard because most of us haven't been to Europe, and we don't know what that's like. Not going to English speaking countries is really hard. Serbia's been nice. It's been hot and obviously a big change from any of the cities that we're all coming from. Overall it's been a cool experience, and I'm excited to play.

On interactions with people around town:
It's funny because most of the people who came up to us weren't from Serbia. We talked to a guy from Holland and a guy from Spain. But the Serbian people, everybody in the hotel has been really nice.

On realization of playing in a World Championship:
I'm definitely starting to feel the whole tension, especially playing in a different country. Wearing USA on the jersey means so much. I really think we're going to feel it tomorrow.

STEPHEN CURRY
On the long travel day and his first impression of Serbia:
It's my first time over in Europe, so it's definitely a change from back in the States. The travel day was kinda long, just sitting in the airport and the long flight. We got over here, and it was tough adjusting to the time difference. The first practice was a little rough, but it got us adjusted to playing over here. I'm just having fun touring the city and practicing before the games.

On seeing McDonald's down the street from the hotel:
I'm happy to see McDonald's and some food that I recognize, but a different culture is an eye-opening experience. Stepping out of the box and being in a different country is always fun, so I'm enjoying it.

Do you know about the history between the USA and Serbia?
I'm just learning about the history and what happened back in the day, but definitely we want to handle ourselves responsibly, act right all the time and have our best behavior to represent our country well.

On first game:
That's what I've been waiting for since I got here. Practice is fun, but it's all about the games when it comes down to it. I've been looking forward to it. Sitting down here, looking at all the teams and stuff, it's starting to sink in that tomorrow we're going to be playing tomorrow, and I'll definitely be ready.

DAMIAN HOLLIS
On the travel day and his initial thoughts on Serbia:
Well, the travel day was crazy because we had to hop on two planes. I feel even worse for the rest of the team. There was that third plane plus that 1.5 hour drive through Serbia on that hot bus. Plus we had to practice, so that was mentally challenging. That was probably the toughest thing I had to deal with. I bet it's the same for the rest of the players too. It felt like two days packed in one.

On the town:
It's an interesting town. It looks very old, very historical. It looks nice though. I have an appreciation for historical places.

On realization of playing for USA Basketball in a World Championship:
It hit me earlier today. It's a buildup of so much energy and stress. (I just have to be) patient. It's boiling up, and it's ready to come out. I want to play. I can't wait.

On his thoughts about coach's comments at team meeting that the USA is the underdog team here:
It's good motivation. We have to play against all odds, and we have to come out on top. We have to because we're USA. We can't take an L.