March 6, 2007 • Colorado Springs, Colorado

Courtney Paris is four for four -- helping USA Basketball squads win every tournament in which she has competed. Additionally, the Oklahoma phenom has aided the U.S. to an amazing 28-1 slate. (USA Basketball Photos)

USA Basketball today named a 21-member 2007-08 Women's Senior National Team pool that included four current collegians. With most of the pool off in Europe and the four collegians -- Ohio State's Jessica Davenport, LSU's Sylvia Fowles, Oklahoma's Courtney Paris and Tennessee's Candace Parker -- we thought we'd find out a little bit more about what makes them tick, how they feel about being named to the USA Senior National Team and what they feel they can bring to the team. USA Basketball.com, thanks to their respective sports information directors, spoke with each of them for about 10 minutes on the phone and one thing we found out was that these four players are quite enthusiastic about the future of USA Basketball.

What went through your head when you were asked to be a part of the 2007-08 USA Women's Senior National Team pool?
I thought they were joking. I mean, no way! I think it's an amazing opportunity when I get invited to be on the junior teams. It's cool, it's great getting to represent USA Basketball. The idea of playing with people who have a chance to compete to play in the Olympics and to be a part of that group of players is overwhelming and exciting. I'm going to try to be ready for the challenge.

You have gotten some good international experience over the last three summers playing for USA Basketball, do you think that will help you when you come to your first USA Women's Senior National Team training camp?
I hope so. I've never done it and it's going to be a new experience, but I hope so. I know about the way international basketball is played, and I hope that gives me a little bit of an advantage going in.

What did you learn most from your international experiences?
There's a million different rules, and it's really interesting to see how the different countries play the game. The style of basketball is so different, sometimes it's more physical, sometimes it's more finesse, it really exposes you to different playing styles.

What's it like going up against some of the girls you competed with the last three summers when you meet them during the collegiate season?
It's so much fun. Everybody's competitive and I ended up playing with some really good basketball players. When you come out and get to play against them on the other team it's always fun. You say, 'hey, it's nice to see you.' Then you have to go out there and play your best. It's a lot of fun, and it's always cool to see those guys.

As one of just a handful of current collegiate players among the pool, do you think you have to work harder to prove that you belong?
I think, definitely, yes. For me, either way it goes it's a great learning opportunity for me. To be able to play with some of those players, some of the older players who I've never been able to play with before, people I grew up watching. It's going to be cool, but I'm going to use it as a time to really learn and grow as a basketball player.

Who are you most looking forward to playing with on the 2007-08 Women's Senior National Team?
All of those guys … gee … I don't know. I'm just really excited about getting out there with all of them.

What can you contribute to this team?
Be a strong body. Kind of like what I do in my college game. I can rebound, score layups and play big, be a big post presence. I hope that's what the team needs.

Tell me about some of your best memories from your three international tours with USA Basketball - both on and off the court.
We were in Tunisia and Carol Callan, Erlana Larkins and two more staff members went out on this boat. It was awesome. There's been just so many great memories. I think the best thing overall has been hanging out with all the girls, being able to go to so many different countries, experience different cultures and then on top of that you get to play basketball for the USA. The whole USA Basketball experience is overwhelming, and it's something I'm definitely grateful for.

Can you tell me about some of your favorite Olympic memories?
My favorite one was the last one in Athens. The guys didn't finish as well, they came in third. But our girls went out there, Lisa Leslie and all those guys, represented America well. Not just that, they represented women well. I think that was the coolest part, just seeing what those guys did.

Watching the USA team take gold in 2004 or watching previous Olympics, did you ever think you'd be among the list of candidates for an Olympic team?
For me, it's one of those things when you're little you go, 'yeah, when I'm older I want to be in the Olympics. I want to play with those guys, I want to be that guy.' Before Carol Callan called me, I thought maybe after college. It's a great opportunity that I'm really grateful to have.

If you weren't playing basketball, what would you be doing after graduation?
I would like to be a writer. A sportswriter for Sports Illustrated or another sports magazine. I'm in journalism school right now.

Who is your favorite Olympic basketball player?
Lisa Leslie, just because I'm a post player.

Favorite non-basketball Olympian?
Michael Phelps

Go to the other three Q&As:
Jessica Davenport || Sylvia Fowles || Candace Parker