ADDITIONAL QUOTES >> 12 Athletes Added to the 2010-12 USA Basketball Women's National Team

March 3, 2010

- Official Announcement
- 2010-12 USA National Team Athlete Update

Twelve internationally experienced players, including one Olympic gold medalist, have been added to the 2010-12 USA Basketball Women's National Team roster, USA Basketball today announced. The 12 athletes bring the pool of players from which the 2010 USA World Championship Team and, should the USA qualify, the 2012 U.S. Olympic Team will be selected to 20.

ALANA BEARD
What does it mean to be named to the USA Basketball Women's National Team?
As always, any time I'm associated with USA Basketball it's an honor and privilege that I don't take lightly. It's an opportunity to play and do something amazing for our country. It is the pinnacle of women's basketball.

Do you think your past history with USA Basketball, playing for USA head coach Geno Auriemma and your international play helped in your selection?
I don't think it's one particular thing. I think my ability to understand the game, defend consistently and play at a high level throughout my career are a few of many factors that led to my selection by USA Basketball.

SWIN CASH
What does it mean to be named to the USA Basketball Women's National Team again?
It's an honor and a blessing to be named to the national team again. I understand there's a lot of time between now and September, but this is a step in the right direction.

Do you think your past history with USA Basketball, the international game and playing for USA head coach Geno Auriemma at Connecticut helped?
Winning a gold medal, competing on the international stage and spending four years under Coach Auriemma was invaluable experience that will help me throughout this whole process.

What do you bring to the mix " what are your strengths?
I bring experience and versatility. I can play the three or the four, defend multiple positions, and have a sound understanding of Coach Auriemma's system. So for me there won't be much of a learning curve in that regard. I'm just excited to get started.

SHAMEKA CHRISTON
What does it mean to be named to the USA Basketball Women's National Team?
Being named to the USA National Team is such a tremendous honor and really the first step to the ultimate goal. I understand that I still have a lot of work to do and I am willing and ready to do everything I need to do. However, I am very excited about the opportunity to compete and represent my country.

Do you think your past history with USA Basketball and the international game helped?
Yes, my past history with USA Basketball has helped because I know what is expected of me as a player, as a professional and as a person. Since I have played internationally for the past five years, I understand the style of basketball that is played at that level. I have progressed and watched my game develop and grow over the years. I have gotten better with each year of each season, and it is because of my past experiences on the basketball court.

What do you bring to the mix " what are your strengths?
I think that I am a solid player, however, shooting is definitely my strength.

CANDICE DUPREE
What does it mean for you to be named as a member of the USA Basketball Women's National Team?
I know it may sound cliché, but it is truly a great honor to be selected as a member of the national team. My goals as a basketball player have always been to work hard, continue to develop my skills and respect the game. I believe that by doing those three things with consistency, that I have positioned myself to be mentioned in the same breath as the great players that have come through the USAB pipeline. I'm excited about, not only the opportunity to compete with and against the best players in the world, but to represent my country playing the game that has rewarded me tremendously throughout my career. I'm very appreciative.

What do you think you bring to the team " what are your strengths?
I think my ability to play both inside and out are my strengths. My range extends out to the 3-point line now so at the forward position, teams have to respect that part of my game. Also, I've always been described as poised, so I think that strength will be my greatest intangible to this team.

Do you think your international experience, both with USA Basketball and this season in Slovakia helped with your selection?
Absolutely. I haven't competed with USA Basketball since college (World University Games) but I had done well enough with the WNBA over the last few years to get an invite to camp last fall. I've had great success playing in Slovakia this season, so I'm sure that contributed to my selection as well.

LINDSEY HARDING
What does it mean for you to be named to the USA Basketball Women's National Team?
This is one step closer to accomplishing my dream. Being a part of the national team gives me the opportunity to compete at the highest level and play with some of the best players in the world.

You have a lot of international experience playing with USA Basketball. What did you learn from that and how do you think it played a factor in your selection?
Experience is something you can't teach. You have to put in the time and the work. My time with USA Basketball has helped me mature as a player.

What are your strengths, what do you bring to the mix?
I feel that I bring intensity on both ends of the floor. I love to compete, and I love to win. I will do any and everything I need to do to prepare this team to win another gold medal.

ASJHA JONES
What does it mean for you to be named to the USA Basketball Women's National Team again?
Having an opportunity to be named to the USA National Team is very exciting. It is truly an honor to be able to represent your country. I am looking forward to rejoining many of my former UConn teammates and Coach Auriemma.

Last time you were named to the USA National Team pool you were injured and unable to really try for a spot. What was that like for you and are you excited about the prospects this time around?
The last time was a difficult situation because I wanted to be a part of the team, but unfortunately my injury kept me sidelined. This time around I am feeling good and am anticipating being able to jump in and contribute in any way that is needed.

What are your strengths, what do you bring to the mix?
Throughout my career, I have worked extremely hard to become a more versatile player. My ability to play with my back to the basket or turn and face can create problems for potential opponents. I think I am an unselfish player who is willing to do what is needed to win.

ANGEL McCOUGHTRY
What does it mean for you to be named as a member of the USA Basketball Women's National Team?
First, it's a great honor to represent the United States with some of the most talented athletes in the world, and to be coached by some of the greatest coaches for women's basketball today. It means everything and it's a charge that I do not take for granted.

What do you think you bring to the team " what are your strengths?
I bring to the USA team the attitude of TEAM. Together we are the best! My strengths are to continue to work hard defensively and the offense will come to you. I also have a competitive nature that drives me to win.

Do you think your international experience, both with USA Basketball and this season in Slovakia helped with your selection?
I believe being a part of the USA team and my international experience in Slovakia helped my resume for the USA Basketball Women's National Team. I'm striving to be the best wherever I'm playing, and I try to give my all when I'm playing basketball. It's what I have a passion for, and I love playing.

RENEE MONTGOMERY
What does it mean for you to be named to the USA Basketball Women's National Team?
It means a lot for me to be named to the USA National Team pool because every since I was young I have watched the Olympics on TV and imagined myself playing on the USA team. It's hard to believe that now it's an actual possibility with the USA National Team. It's truly a blessing.

What are your strengths, what do you feel you bring to the team?
I already know that the USA National team is going to have people whose strengths are to score, rebound, shoot, defend, etc. What I feel I can bring to the team is energy and also fill in wherever else needed.

There are several University of Connecticut players on the team. Does that, coupled with the fact that Geno Auriemma is the head coach, help in terms of knowing the team and what's expected from you?
I would be lying if I said that playing for Coach Auriemma doesn't help me in terms of what is expected. In the same sense, I do not feel that playing for him will help me make the team. I am excited to play with the former UConn alumni as well as others. It's a great thing when you get to play with someone you have competed against.

MAYA MOORE
What does it mean for you to be named to the USA National Team?
I feel extremely honored and humbled to be selected to compete with such an elite group. I have always had dreams of being on the national and Olympic teams, and now I get the opportunity to earn a position. I am anxious to continue to learn and be challenged at the highest level.

How much do you think your history with USA Basketball and your knowledge of the international game played a factor in your selection?
USA Basketball needs people who are dedicated to the program and to winning. I have been competing and winning for USA Basketball at the developmental level for three years, and now I get the honor of working with the best players in the world.

What are your strengths, what do you bring to the mix?
I love to compete and find different ways to score. I will bring a will to win and do whatever the team needs of me to be successful.

LINDSAY WHALEN
What does it mean to be named to the USA Basketball Women's National Team?
It is a huge honor of course to be named to the roster for the team. Looking at the names of the players who have played on the teams before me and who are on the team now, I just feel honored to be mentioned with them. I know it will be a challenge to make the final roster, but that is what makes the USA so good I believe.

Do you think your past history with USA Basketball and your international play helped?
Yeah, I think playing with USA Basketball when I was younger and some of the competitions before the last selections helped me. Also this being my fourth year of playing in Europe I have gotten to know the style and rules of international basketball better than I did when I was right out of college. So hopefully that experience will continue to help me along the way.

What do you bring to the mix " what are your strengths?
I think I bring solid play at the point guard position and a good understanding of how to get my teammates the ball and make plays when the team needs them. There are so many talented players on the court, as a point guard it will be my job to find them and put them in the right spots on the court. Other than that, a good attitude and willingness to just help the team in whatever way I can is what I will bring.

CANDICE WIGGINS
What does it mean for you to be named to the USA Basketball Women's National Team?
This is an amazing honor. Playing for the USA has been a dream of mine since I was a young player, and will continue to be so in my career as a professional athlete. It's amazing to be a part of this 'dream' team's journey, and to have a chance to compete for a spot. America is full of so many talented players and it's great. It breeds healthy competition and I'm ready for that.

You have a lot of international experience playing with USA Basketball. What did you learn from that and how do you think it played a factor in your selection?
I've been playing for USA Basketball since I was 17, and it's taught me a lot in these six years. I've been able to grow a healthy appreciation for the international game through my participation in the various international competitions. I've always seen playing on the national team as the ultimate achievement. USA sets the highest standard for women's basketball in the world, and I've learned to always take pride in that.

What are your strengths, what do you bring to the mix?
I believe my strengths are not only what I can bring individually, but what I can bring to the team. I've matured as a player and I understand the international game much better from a basketball perspective. But I also I understand what it means to sacrifice and play for a bigger cause, and that's exactly what USA Basketball is all about. I'm honored to have the opportunity to help make this team great.