Talking Women's Hoops, Olympics and Other Interesting Items

Aug. 7, 2008 � Beijing, China

The 2008 U.S. Olympic Team arrived in Beijing after seven days of training and hit the ground running on Thursday. The morning was filled with the U.S. Olympic Committee's Ambassador Program and that was followed by an hour-long press conference in the early afternoon and a two-hour practice at Wukesong Arena, home to the 2008 Olympic basketball competition, Thursday night. During the press event the team discussed a variety of topics, including the USA's first opponent, the contributions that will be made by the rookies, veteran leadership, Beijing in general and Lopez Lomong being named the U.S. Olympic Committee flag bearer for tomorrow night's Opening Ceremonies. But don't take our word for it ... read on!

USA head coach Anne Donovan
On participating on her fifth Olympic team as a player or coach:
Every day feels different as a head coach in terms of my own preparation. From before I got here and now that I'm here. The interesting thing is that I love it just as much in this role as I did as a player or working with Van Chancellor (in 2004). It's just nice. I know this is my last time through this, so every day I'm making the most of it.

Has Australia narrowed the gap with the USA in terms of skill level?
They have, Australia, Russia, there is no doubt. If you look back at the history, we've won the gold medal in the past three Olympics, but the competition has gotten much closer. You go back to every Olympics, and the game's have gotten closer and closer in the medal round. And it's always Russia, Australia, USA. We have never looked past Australia. We know that they are right there breathing down our neck.

What do the Olympic rookies offer to the team?
The freshness. We just tend to get more and more athletic in the U.S., and Cappie and Seimone as first time Olympians, they bring that clearly -- Candace, Sylvia. They are all so athletic and so versatile. I think that our game continue to go in that direction, and our young players I think really reflect that.

What do you expect from your first opponent, Czech Republic?
We know that Czech is good, and we have a long history with playing the Czech Republic. We've watched all their Olympic players grow from the junior teams up through the Olympics. So, we are very familiar with the Czech Republic, and what we know about them is the fight. They are fighters, so we know it will be a great battle.

What do you think about playing China?
I think China is definitely here to contend for a medal. I think they have put a lot of time, and money and effort into their women's program, and it has paid off. We've watched this team develop. We've played the Chinese women's team quite a bit through the years, and we've watched them develop. They are a very good team here that will really try to get on that medal stand. Our first game we are going to focus on the Czech Republic, and we'll worry about China when we play them.

Seimone Augustus, Minnesota Lynx
Has it sunk in that you're an Olympian?
No, it hasn't sunk in yet. The Opening Ceremony it might. I might cry. You might see me cry, and I don't ever cry.

What do you think of Beijing?
Beijing is going great. Great food. The people are very nice.

Sue Bird, Seattle Storm
On Lopez Lomong being selected to carry the U.S. Flag in opening ceremonies:
I think that's the beauty of America. To have somebody who may not be born in America, didn't necessarily live the 'American' life that some of us here have, but represent the American dream, that is what being American is. So, for him to carry the flag, just like Dawn (Staley) represented it in her way, that is America. There are so many different ways to represent your country, and in that regard, I think is very fitting.

On being a part of the Olympics:
I remember in Athens, it's a big joke for myself, because you walk in the village, and you feel like the most unathletic person in the world. I mean, I'm 5-9, probably normal proportions, and you see (the other athletes). We were in processing, and the gymnasts are going through, and you have to try on all these clothes. They whip their shirt off, and it's like 'Oh my God. That's a human specimen.' These people are just in top physical condition, ready to go. And I joke, 'Man, I feel like a fat slob next to these people. It's just amazing to see. And not just from America, from every country.

Did the USA get what it wanted out of the Diamond Ball Tournament in Haining?
I think we did. Obviously in Latvia, we saw a European style, same with Russia, and we saw the team that last beat us in a major competition. In Australia, hopefully we will both be in the gold medal game, because if we see them again, that's probably where we will meet. So with that, it was very good competition. We were able to test ourselves. I'm sure Anne was able to figure out a subbing pattern, a defensive scheme, all that stuff. Sometimes those games can be even more productive than a practice could be.

On her preparation for the tournament:
I realized that this is a big year, for me and for the U.S. National Team. I really wanted to focus, to get back to the basics, which is as simple as shooting a little extra after practice. And just get my head right because I feel as if I�m a mental player more than physical. I�m not the tallest, I�m probably not the quickest, but with my brain I can make my impact. I just wanted to focus on that and get back to how I was playing a couple of years ago.

On the team�s defense:
Defense is one of those things where, of course, you�ve got a game plan, but you can�t really predict what�s going to happen. It�s just a matter of having that determination to get it done, and I think that right now we have a good defensive team that with some extra practice, a lot of communication, we could be a great defensive team. We have the athletes, we have the smarts, we have the understanding of the game. It�s just a matter of putting it together. The best sign for us was the three pre-Olympic games. With each one you could see the difference, you could feel us getting better. Bottom line, when it comes down to it, hopefully if we�re lucky enough to get to the gold medal game and there�s a minute left and the score is tied, that�s when it�s about just getting it done, somehow, some way. That�s what it comes down to, and that�s what we�re building toward.

On how long she�ll continue to play:
Until the wheels fall off. I�m having the time of my life right now. A lot of people talk about �how do you do it, you play year-round, how does your body hold up?� You get smarter as you get older. You eat right, you sleep, you do all these little things that when you�re 22 or 23 you even think exist. I�m definitely approaching that, getting wise in my old age. As long as I enjoy it, I�m going to continue to try and play.

On being in Beijing:
It�s exciting. Getting to the host city, there�s something about being here that establishes the beginning. It�s the mark of the beginning and I think we�re all very excited about that.

On the excitement of the first-timers:
When you don�t know what to expect you can only be excited.

Have they asked you any questions about what to expect?
Not really. You just kind of soak it all up when it�s your first time. I know that�s what it was like for me. I didn�t really have any questions because I didn�t really know what to ask. I didn�t even think about it. But yeah, I think everybody�s excited.

Tamika Catchings, Indiana Fever
Do you feel you are at 100 percent?
I got my good days. I got my 100 percent days. Today is a 100 percent day. I didn't play in that last game against Australia a couple days ago. I hadn't played three games in a row since probably high school. (I played two games) and then that third day I was a little slow, so the coaches and the training staff decided that they wanted me to chill out for a little bit.

On playing with two other Tennessee alumns in Candace Parker and Kara Lawson:
It's fun to be able to share this experience with them. I played with Kara for two years in college. I never got the opportunity to play with Candace. So, to be able to be here and have both of them alongside me has been fun.

Where is your 2004 gold medal?
My gold medal is in my trophy case. I have it in a little case. It has a basketball, it has a team picture behind it, and then I have a t-shirt underneath the ball that has everybody's signature and the gold medal is kind of draped over it.

Sylvia Fowles, Chicago Sky
At what point did it hit you that you were at the Olympics?
To tell you the truth, it still hasn't hit me yet. I wake up sometimes and wonder, am I really here with Lisa Leslie, here with Tina Thompson? I try to soak up the moment as much as possible because I still consider myself as being more of a fan when I see them. It still hasn't hit me yet. I think it won't hit me until tomorrow at Opening Ceremonies.

Is any family here?
My mom's here. This is her first time flying internationally. She's excited. She's sleeping right now. She hasn't adjusted to the time yet.

Kara Lawson, Sacramento Monarchs
Is this the final notch on your resume?
This is the highest honor you can have as an athlete I believe, representing your country and participating in the Olympics and having the opportunity to compete for a gold medal. This is the icing on the cake right here. I'm really excited about it. I've been a part of USA Basketball since '98 when I was 17, the first time that I was in the system. Your goal always is to try and make the senior national team and try and compete in the Olympics.

What has it been like participating in your first Olympics?
We haven't gotten to go to the village yet, so I haven't really seen too many other athletes, but it's just been cool. Now that we are here in Beijing, you can just feel the buzz that surrounds the city and the energy that's here.

We're starting the get the big picture of the Olympics, but also the big picture of being a part of Team USA, which I can't say you grasp too much when you are just training by yourselves as the women's basketball team. Then you get here, and you start seeing other countries, and you start walking around with your USA stuff on, and it starts to mean a little bit more.

Lisa Leslie, Los Angeles Sparks
Have you grasped the possibility of being the first four-time women's basketball four-time gold medalist?
No. I guess not, now that you put it like that. I hadn't really thought about it like that. I thought about it more like I'd love to just only have gold medals. The fact that I have three, I would like to have a fourth and take lots of pictures. That's kind of my visual. I would just like to take pictures with four gold medals around my neck and call it a day. Just to know that when I represented my country I gave it my all, and I left it out there on the floor, and every time I was in a USA jersey (at the Olympics) we won.

How difficult was it to watch the USA take bronze in the 2006 FIBA World Championship?
That was difficult. More so because I was dealing with a family emergency. My uncle is still paralyzed, so that was really difficult situation. I've been playing USA Basketball since I was in 11th grade, and I had never missed a trip.

Can you put the Olympics in perspective along with the rest of your career?
The Olympics is just the greatest feeling, to be an Olympian and to be able to represent your country. For me to be blessed enough to be doing it for my fourth time, it's amazing when you count up the years. Let's not do that, but when you count up the years, it's just like, 'wow.' I'm excited because I know it's my last Olympics, and I'm excited because my husband and my children will be here for the first time to watch and to have the Olympic experience.

DeLisha Milton-Jones, Los Angeles Sparks
What is it like to finally be on the ground here in Beijing?
I actually should have kissed the ground once I arrived simply because I am here. I didn�t have to miss this Olympics because of injury or anything like that. So I am just tickled pink at the fact that I�ve arrived safely and able to participate.

How is the team looking?
I think the team is looking good. The tournament that we had in Haining, the (FIBA) Diamond Ball Tournament was good for us. It allowed our maturation process to go in light speed. What would have taken months would have happened in a matter of five days, seven days. I was really pleased with the results. We had some ups and downs but we made some progress every day.

You played for Brno in the Czech Republic alongside many of their national team players. Can you give us a scouting report?
They�re going to be a team that we cannot take lightly. I�ve played with these young ladies and they�re very competitive. They have a great will to win with a lot of pride in their country. Anytime someone is facing the U.S. you know they�re going to bring their best so we better come and match their intensity, supercede it really, and the results should be in our favor.

Who are some of the top players to watch?
Jana Vesela, Hana Machova � they have numerous players. Everyone is over six feet so it�s going to be tough for us. It�s going to be a challenge.

Candace Parker, Los Angeles Sparks
On the pressure of the Olympics:
I don't think I feel pressure. I've played in other pressure situations, and I think the thing that my coaches and my teammates have emphasized is that it is important to stay within the moment and to realize that you've played 500 billion basketball games and it's about that. It's everything else around it that makes it bigger than the game, but it is still about execution and just playing the game you've played so many times in your life.

When did the realization that you were at the Olympics hit you?
I think when we pulled up (to the Main Press Center), and then also from the airport, just seeing all the Beijing Olympic banners and the different signs.

Are you feeling like there is paparazzi everywhere?
No. It's hard to describe. It's a great experience to have so much surrounding you. It really says a lot about what women's USA Basketball is all about, to have the support and to be here and have people that are interested in what we do.

Cappie Pondexter, Phoenix Mercury
This team has not lost in the Olympics since 1992, are you guys a sure bet?
Well I don't know, we lost in the World Championships two years ago. We have a huge process ahead of us. We can't say the gold is locked down. We have to work towards it. Like I said, we didn't win in the world championships, and right now Australia is holding the crown. But for us, we just have to continue to get better each and every single day and work towards that. I think we have a solid chance of winning a gold medal.

Has Australia narrowed the gap with the USA?
The gap has definitely shortened in terms of the skill level and the athleticism. I think everybody around the world is improving. Not only us, but other countries as well. And that's a good thing. You go watch a game, it's not boring. You know other players from other countries. It's good for the sport.

Do you see yourself as a leader of future Olympic teams?
Definitely. I've been playing USA Basketball since I was 16 years old, and it's always been a process. Now I'm on a different level, and it's taking baby steps all over again, which is great because I'm always looking to improve and be a better player.

If you don't play that much, how do you compensate for that?
You always want to stay game ready and stay in shape, but I think everybody's role is important because you never know when your number is going to be called. For me, I want to be the best teammate I can be. Whether it's on the court, or it's on the bench cheering my teammates on. I think I have the ability to be a leader on and off the court, and the energy that I can bring to both sides. I just have to be willing to stay in the right mindset and stay focused no matter what.

Katie Smith, Detroit Shock
On the level of excitement among the first-time Olympians:
I don�t think it�s really hit them yet. We�re so used to the traveling and the tournament in Haining. But now that we�re here, seeing everything, the security, credentials, all of that, it�s going to really start to hit them. I think they�re excited. It�s neat because it�s their first time, their guests are coming in and it�s going to be a fun time.

Is there going to be tension between the USA and Australia if you play them later in the tournament?
No. Actually it�s a lot of fun. For us, with Russia there�s a rivalry because there�s so many years of competition. With Australia, you can go back to Sydney where we beat them in their home country, they won the (FIBA) World Championship this last time. For us, it�s a great rivalry. We play against them in the WNBA, we play with them, we play overseas. To me it�s a friendly competition in a sense that we all know each other and play together. We respect each other and we�re going out there to play a great basketball game.

If you play Russia later in the medal rounds, you�ll face Becky Hammon. Will that be a little weird?
We just saw her. Honestly, we�re playing Russia. It has nothing to do with Becky. She�s on their team and obviously she�ll be on the scouting report. But when it comes down to playing Russia, that�s just what it is. It is Russia versus the USA. It is not the USA versus Becky.  The history of our rivalry and our competition with them goes way back before Becky. This game is about Russia versus the USA and that�s it. If she�s on the floor, great. If she�s not, no worries. It doesn�t have any bearings on how we approach that game. That game, whenever that happens or if it happens, it�ll be the importance of us going out there and playing great basketball, hopefully getting past them and move on to where we want to be.

Diana Taurasi, Phoenix Mercury
On the pre-Olympic tournament:
It was for us a good three games. The beauty of those three games is that in the long run it really doesn�t mean anything, it�s just a matter of where we�re at right now and the things that we have to work at. We took some positives out of it, but looking at film and evaluating the three games, we still have a lot of things to work on to get where we want to be.

With those games, win or lose didn�t really matter. We were just trying to see how well we can play together. We haven�t had a lot of prep time, so every chance we can get on the court we have to make it worth our while in getting better. That�s what we were concentrating on the most.

On being at her second Olympic Games:
It�s always different the second time. The first time, you don�t know what to expect, everything�s brand new, you�re excited, you�re kind of surprised by everything. The second time around you know what to expect, which makes it easier to focus on the goal. If anything, I�d rather be here the second time.

Everything is kind of a shock at the magnitude of the Games � so many countries, so many athletes, the preparation the city goes through to get set up for it. Beijing is like Athens, just an amazing place. The minute you get here, you can tell there�s something special going on. You can feel that energy, which is what you want from the Olympic Games. It�s been wonderful.

On the meaning of playing on the Olympic Team:
With USA Basketball, we spend the least amount of time together (as a team), but it probably means the most because you are playing for your country and it�s a world stage. You�re playing against the whole world. To us, it means more than anything.

Can you talk about having younger players on the team and how that is different from 2004?
It's a lot different than in 2004, but I think they have been in these roles in other settings. Sylvia, Candace, (come from) big time programs. I think that adds experience. Cappie and Seimone have been playing in the WNBA for the past three, four years, so I think it's kind of different from when I came in not really knowing the international game. Candace played in the 2006 World Championships, so she knows the style of play, what to expect. I think we are confident in all 12 people on this team.

How ticked off were you after losing to Russia in the FIBA World Championship?
That was devastating because we had been playing well. Every game we got better. To lose the way we did was very disappointing, but it was a reality check. And if you can't learn from your mistakes and take something out of it, then you're an idiot. I think we took something out of that game. We know that every time you step out on the court, if you don't bring your A-game, you'll end up playing for third place.

Is there an excitement level that builds through training and the arriving in Beijing?
The minute you get to China, you feel the energy and excitement of being in the Olympic games. It is a process. When you're named (to the team), there's obviously that level of 'I finally made the team,' to training. But to actually be here and know that in two days the games start, that's an unbelievable feeling.

Tina Thompson, Houston Comets
On Australia�s Lauren Jackson and Penny Taylor:
As you all know, Lauren and Penny are the leaders of their team and they�re awesome players. Lauren is the MVP of the WNBA. She�s probably their go-to player, the player on the Australia national team where when things get tough they�re going to go to her. Either her or Penny. So of course any team that�s going to play them wants to take them out of the game, not let them get comfortable because if they do it�s going to be a long night.

Do you anticipate playing them in the gold medal game?
We�re looking to play whoever is going to be in that gold medal game. It doesn�t matter. We�re not putting a face on it. We want to take each game day by day, but we want to be in the gold medal game. It really doesn�t matter who�s going to be in that game. If it is Australia, it�s going to be an awesome game because they�re an awesome, as we are. It�s going to be exciting, whoever�s going to be there. But we definitely want to be there, that�s what I know.

How disappointing was it at the 2006 FIBA World Championship in Brazil not being in the gold medal game?
It was very disappointing. We want to win and we want to win gold medals all the time. In my opinion I feel that in any competition if we don�t win a gold medal, it�s absolute failure because that is our goal: to win gold medals. So it was very disappointing, it hurt for a long time. It still hurts now and I don�t think it�ll go away until we have a gold medal.