USA National Team: Wrapping up Training Camp, Previewing the Russia Trip
Oct. 5, 2009 - Washington, D.C.
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| USA team members Asjha Jones, Sylvia Fowles, Lindsay Whalen, Lindsey Harding, Shameka Christon and Renee Montgomery pose in front of three of the four former presidents / mascots at the Washington Nationals game last week. | ||
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Sue Bird, Seattle Storm
On the team's six-day training camp in Washington, D.C.:
I'm sure all the goals that coach Auriemma had coming into training camp, he was able to accomplish, and then some. We had a really good training camp. I think it prepared us for what we're going to see, which is European teams. It's a different style. So for some of the younger kids who haven't been overseas, it'll be a good way for them to get their feet wet.
What do you know about the USA's competition this week?
I'm very familiar with them. Ekaterinburg has a lot of talent. They're a very talented team, one of the best in Europe. The other two teams are very good as well. They're tough European teams. Sopron went to the EuroLeague Final Four last year, Prague won the Czech league. Like I said, it's just a different style. They have some very good players and it'll be interesting to see how we do.
Tina Charles, University of Connecticut
How has this week been for you, one of three college players at training camp and one of two on the floor?
It's been great, besides my busted lip. It's been a great experience, just being able to take in tips from these pros. Little things, knowing the post lines, the specific ways or technique of how to shoot a hook shot, little things like that I'm going to take back with me.
Has your international experience with USA Basketball helped prepare you for this?
Definitely. Just having that kind of experience, it really does help. I'm really looking forward to it, just to be with these girls and take in more information.
What kind of opportunity is this for you?
It's a huge opportunity. Just to be invited, that's the first step. Then for me to learn, move on and keep on progressing with the team is a huge opportunity.
How has it been playing with some of the veteran USA National Team post players?
Really, it's just been a whole bunch of fun, laughing and giggling. When it comes time to work, we work, but we all have our different kind of post moves and everything like that.
Asjha Jones, Connecticut Sun
On the team's six-day training camp in Washington, D.C.:
I thought everybody came out and did a great job with being competitive. For me, this is the first time getting to play in the USA uniform so it was a exciting and a little bit nerve-wracking not really knowing what to expect. I thought everybody did a really good job learning all the new stuff that coach put in. Going over to Russia is going to be a good test for us, just to see how much we learned and how well we play together.
You played in Ekaterinburg, what is that Siberian city like?
Usually the Russians like to put on a big show. We think they're going to be simple games, but I'm sure there are going to be cheerleaders and some kind of big production. Something to entertain everybody. They're going to be surprised at how nice the city is. There've been a lot of improvements over the years. The hotel is going to be nice. I think everybody's going to be surprised at how nice Russia is going to be.
What can you tell me about the competition?
They're three of the top teams in Europe. Even though it's early, they're going to have most of their players in. It's going to be a pretty good competition. I think everybody's going to be surprised by the level of commitment teams have and the continuity they have.
Maya Moore, University of Connecticut
What have you learned from this experience?
Mostly, just being in this environment has been good because of the high level of competition and the attitude of dominance. Being around these great players kind of rubs off on you and gets you excited to go back to your team and carry that on. I'm excited that I get to go back (to Connecticut) with Tina. I got to play with Renee last year, so just having national level players that I got to play with back on my team, I just feel really blessed to have them along here with me. Having coach come back with us too, is just awesome.
Has your international experience with USA Basketball helped prepare you for this?
Coach Bruno was my coach for the first two years with USA Basketball. I've gotten to know all the staff and am comfortable with. I'm comfortable to ask them questions or just goof off with them a little bit. The USA Basketball way is very similar to Connecticut, so this whole environment is very comfortable to me. It's exciting to know that I can come out here and I don't really have to worry about anything. I can just play basketball.
Candice Wiggins, Minnesota Lynx
On the team's six-day training camp in Washington, D.C.
It was a lot of fun. Geno said this earlier, we didn't really know what to expect, but it's a great way to start. I've never been on the senior team post-Olympics. I'm sure there's a lot of anxiety that lingers, but that really went away after the first practice. Now, we just all see it's bigger than ourselves and we want to be the best player we can be, but it's more about the team. I love that kind of environment. The offense is very similar to the offense we ran at Stanford. There's lots of movement, not a lot of pressure on one person to score. So I think you're seeing that people are showing their best. That's always great.
Are you excited about having the opportunity to go up against another team in a few days?
Yes. Geno made a comment the other day that the first best team in the world is our starting lineup and the second best team is our second string. I really believe that's true. We're pushing ourselves. The competition is going to be fun for all of us.
Do you know much about the three teams you'll face?
I don't. But to me it doesn't matter. I know a lot about this team and I know we're winners.
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