Additional Quotes >> First 11 Members Named to the 2012 U.S. Olympic Team
March 30, 2012 • Denver, Colo.
• Announcement
• U.S. Team Notes
• Teleconference Transcript (PDF)
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USA head coach Geno Auriemma, University of Connecticut
What do you like about the make-up of the first 11 members for the 2012 Olympic Team that the committee selected? You’ve got a good mix of veterans and newcomers, how will that benefit the team and its gold medal hopes?
I think anytime you’re choosing a team made up of the best players, not only the best players in the country, they’re some of the best players in the world, it’s very difficult to come to a team of 12. While 11 players have been selected to be a part of the 2012 Olympic Team, some really, really good players are still in the mix for that final spot. I think for the 11, the committee took into consideration what the competition is and who we’re going to have to beat, and put together a really incredible group of players that is not only highly skilled and competitive, they’re proven winners. You have Olympic gold medal winners, World Championship gold medal winners, NCAA champions, WNBA champions, European champions. It’s just a group of unique individuals that I’m really, really looking forward to coaching.
The USA is going for its fifth straight gold medal, does that add to the pressure?
Anytime you coach USA Basketball, there’s inherent pressure. Pressure on you as a coach to make sure you do a great job with your team, make sure you’re prepared and that the players are ready for whatever comes your way and we’re committed to one goal as a team. So, there’s that pressure. There’s the pressure that the players put on themselves because they’re winners. They’re used to winning. There’s pressure in the fact that the United States has won four gold medals in a row. That’s a good kind of pressure. To me, that’s the kind of pressure that makes you even better, because the bar’s set really, really high. Knowing the competitive nature of the group and the coaching staff, the higher the bar, the better we like it. I’m thrilled that we won four in a row. I have a tremendous admiration for the coaches who have coached in those four gold medal games and those players who have played in them. I hope we can continue to add to that legacy
This will be the third Olympics for Sue Bird, Tamika Catchings and Diana Taurasi. What kind of leadership do they bring to the team?
As you start looking at your team and you look at the core, your foundation of the team, and Sue, Diana and Tamika are really at the core. They are the backbone of the team. They are the ones who have been there the longest. They have gone through it from their youngest days when they were rookies, trying to make their way in USA Basketball at the Olympic level to now they’re the seasoned veterans. We’re going to rely an awful lot on them for their leadership and their experience. They’re three of the most competitive human beings I’ve ever met. I feel really, really good about those three.
While not a two-time Olympic gold medalist like Bird, Catchings and Taurasi, Swin Cash was on the 2004 U.S. Olympic Team, adding leadership and experience to your roster:
In Swin’s case, from talking to the committee, there was a very difficult decision. When you think about how many players who were in the Olympics last time and were in the World Championship this last time … I think the decision whenever Swin is involved really comes down to her competitiveness, how hard she works, the relentless energy she brings and the ability to just ramp up the game. She does have experience from the Athens Olympics and the experience of winning three WNBA championships. That’s a unique quality that, come August, you’re playing against some of the best players in the world who have tremendous experience at the international level. Having someone like Swin there is going to be a great asset.
On the team are three who got their first taste of Olympic gold in 2008 in Seimone Augustus, Sylvia Fowles and Candace Parker. How will their roles change on this team?
You know, in 2008 Seimone, Sylvia and Candace played more of a supporting role on that team. You still had Lisa Leslie out there, Katie Smith and other veteran players. Now these three are moving from more of a supporting role to playing a bigger role on the team. It’s their turn now. This is a great opportunity for them. They bring youth, experience and talent to the team, and that’s something that’s really going to be important for us in London.
Tina Charles, Angel McCoughtry, Maya Moore and Lindsay Whalen all have good international experience, especially as part of the 2010 USA World Championship Team that earned the USA’s Olympic berth. How do you think they’ll evolve in London?
There always has to be a changing of the guard. You can’t just keep relying on the veterans. I think that group of Tina, Maya, Angel and Lindsay, they’re a fresh look at what USA Basketball has to offer. They’re smart. They’re incredibly gifted athletes. They play at a real high level. Their athleticism and their energy is just unbelievable. I remember at the World Championship when that group came in the game, the game was impacted severely by those four. Going into London, they’re going to be nervous. They’re going to be anxious. They’re going to be all those things. But, having those veterans around them and having that World Championship experience is really going to benefit them come this August.
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Sue Bird, Seattle Storm
• 2004 & 2008 Olympic gold medalist
• 2002 & 2010 FIBA World Championship gold medalist
• 2006 FIBA World Championship bronze medalist
Who will be the toughest competition at the 2012 Olympics?
I think in the 2012 Olympics, the toughest competition is going to be Australia. I think that’s a no-brainer. A lot of the European teams are moving up as well, but Australia’s the one.
What makes the Olympics so special?
You know, for me, as a little kid, that’s what I aspired to do. I watched those girls play, or those women, and that was something I wanted to do. To represent your country, to be selected as one of the top 12 players, there’s no honor greater. To go out there, every American’s cheering for you. No matter what WNBA team you play on, no matter what college team you played on, everybody loves the USA team and it’s a really great feeling.
What are some of your favorite USA Basketball memories?
In my life, USA Basketball is something I’ve always looked forward to; that I’ve truly enjoyed. I’ve been very fortunate to win two gold medals in the Olympics, two gold medals in the World Championships, a bronze in the World Championships, but the thing I remember most or the things I remember most are the people that I did it with. My teammates, the coaches, the support staff, the trips we took, the training camps, all the hard work, all those things. The memories? They trump the medals because we’ve had such a great time and I’ve been very fortunate to experience it.
What makes Geno Auriemma such a great coach?
No matter who coach Auriemma is coaching, he stays exactly the same and you have to respect that because he doesn’t care who you are. He wants the team to be successful. He wants each individual to be successful and he’s going to try and get the best out of you, out of the team, out of everybody. And that always stays the same and I think that’s why he’s able to do what he’s done.
To what do you attribute the USA’s continued success?
Overall, I’d have to say that the United States has probably the most talent from … gosh, we could probably field three Olympic teams, to be honest. So, the talent is there. That’s never a problem. The best thing about USA Basketball is you’re taking the 12 best players in the U.S., possibly the world at times, and it’s never an issue with ego. Nobody cares about points, rebounds, leading the team in this or that category. It’s not about that at all. It’s about one thing and that’s winning gold medals. It’s easy to be a part of that and that’s why the success is there.
What’s one of the first memories that pops in your mind when thinking back on your USA Basketball career?
I guess when I look back on my career, standing on the podium, receiving the gold medal, having the national anthem play will always stick out. But I have to say that in 2004 when Dawn was selected to carry the flag into Opening Ceremonies and we were right there in the front, hearing the roar of the crowd when the United States was announced, the chills, literally the chills that I felt, that’s something that I’ll never forget.
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Swin Cash, Chicago Sky
• 2004 Olympic gold medalist
• 2010 FIBA World Championship gold medalist
After not making the team in 2008, you’ve been working so hard to get back to this point. How happy were you to find out that all the hard work had paid off?
I just feel really blessed. I’m just speechless. It’s been a lot of hard work and some sacrifices, but it’s been worth it. I’m so happy. I just feel really blessed.
In 2004 you were one of the rookies. How do you see your role and contributions to this team changing in 2012?
I see my role as being a kind of a leader. Obviously I’ve been in the position before of being in the Olympics. So, I know what to expect. With the blend of players who are going to be on the team, I think it’ll be good to have that veteran leadership and do whatever it is the coaches need me to do. Each game it changes. So from game to game, whether it’s being on the bench or on the floor I’ll just try to bring that leadership and a lot of energy to the team.
At the 2010 FIBA World Championship you were able to play for your college coach, Geno Auriemma again. Are you excited about another opportunity to play for him again?
Yeah, it’s special because in 2010 when we won the World Championship, that was a special team. We had great chemistry and obviously coach and his staff was a big part of that. He just makes it fun and enjoyable. So, I’m looking forward to finishing off my USA Basketball career with one of the coaches who helped get me here, from pushing me in college all those years and really giving me encouragement after that. I’m really looking forward to it.
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Tamika Catchings, Indiana Fever
• 2004, 2008 Olympic gold medalist
• 2002, 2010 FIBA World Championship gold medalist
• 2006 FIBA World Championship bronze medalist
How does it feel to be named to your third Olympic team, especially after being injured at the end of last summer and having to work your way back all winter?
It’s an honor, obviously. Anytime you get to represent your country is just an incredible honor. I’m looking forward to going back to the Olympics with another team full of young and old players. It’s going to be a lot of fun.
You mention the younger and older players. You were a rookie in 2002 in your first stint on the USA National Team. How has your role evolved over the last decade?
The one thing that has remained the whole time comes from a defensive stand point. Even making the team that first time, my role was being that defensive stopper, being that defensive player for the team. I think that still remains the same. When you have a team full of players like this, everybody can score. But at the same time, having that player you know you can count on to make that stop. Or that player who can kind of be, whether it’s the point guard, the point guard, shooting guard, the four player, the five player, just having somebody you can rely on is important. I think that (defensive effort) remains the same. From a leadership standpoint, being one of the younger players early on to now being one of the older players, I’m now filling that role of a leader also.
What makes the Olympic Games so special?
You get to represent your country. When you get to put the U-S-A on, it’s just one of those things that it’s now not just representing you and your family, or your WNBA team, it’s representing every single person who doesn’t have that chance to be at the Olympics and to be a part of that atmosphere. That’s what makes it so special: knowing that every single thing that we do is representing the whole United States of America.
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Tina Charles, Connecticut Sun
• 2010 FIBA World Championship gold medalist
What kind of emotions did you have when you got the call that you were officially going to be on the team?
Emotions that I had when I got the call, I was overwhelmed with joy and excitement. It is truly a blessing to be named with the elite players in women’s basketball and the opportunity to play with a great group on the highest level of competition doesn't get any better than that.
Most people don’t get to play for their college coach after graduation, but you are one of the lucky ones who have that opportunity. Are you looking forward to playing for Geno Auriemma again?
I am really excited to learn from Coach Auriemma, along with my other teammates named to the team. It’s easier for me to play for Coach Auriemma because I know what he expects from me as my role on this team. I know I will take in a lot from him and the rest of the coaching staff to add to my game.
What is it that you feel you will be able to contribute to this team?
I will be able to contribute a high energy level on both ends of the court to this team. Focusing on controlling the boards with rebounding and doing little things to help us bring home the gold.
Is this something you’ve been dreaming about for a long time or did it just seem within reach over the last few years?
Yes, this have been a dream of mine to be a part of an Olympic team and now I’m just going to take advantage of the opportunity.
Along that same line, when you first started playing for USA Basketball in 2006, was this something you thought would be attainable?
I knew with hard work and patience my time would come to be a part of a special opportunity. Playing at UConn and buying into what Coach Auriemma and the rest of the coaching staff wanted out of me and believed in that anything was possible.
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Sylvia Fowles, Chicago Sky
• 2008 Olympic gold medalist
• 2010 FIBA World Championship gold medalist
What makes the Olympics so special?
I have to go with being around the best of the best of your country and being around the best from the other countries. Just to represent the USA across your chest, knowing that it’s not about you, but it’s about us. There’s no feeling that can overcome that.
What makes Geno a great coach?
He just knows everybody’s personality. He knows how to get to you mentally, physically. You just got to get it done when you’re playing for him. He knows what he wants, he’s consistent with what he wants and he knows how to win. You don’t have any choice but to respect that.
What keeps bringing you back to USA Basketball?
Obviously the girls, because it’s great competition. But, just to come out here, to represent your country and compete with the best of the best. You know that if you can compete against them, you can go up against anybody else. That’s what keeps me coming back.
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Angel McCoughtry, Atlanta Dream
• 2010 FIBA World Championship gold medalist
What does it mean to you to be named to the Olympic team?
I’m just so, so honored. This is my first Olympic experience and I’m excited about it. Honestly, I don’t think there’s a greater honor out there, as far as being in sports.
What do you bring to this team?
I really want to focus on defense, bringing defensive energy to the team. We have a lot of scorers, all of us can score, so I want to focus on my defensive energy.
Why do you think the committee selected you to the team?
I think it was part of my defense. Having the ability to get my hand on a loose ball, get the steal. I think that kind of made me stand out a little bit.
After all the hours you’ve put in, did you ever dream you’d be in this position?
Everybody, even if you don’t play sports, you just dream about the Olympics. I’ve always dreamed about it, but honestly I never really thought I’d be here right now. I mean … wow! Just a couple years ago I couldn’t imagine it.
What is it about the Olympics that makes it so special?
For one, it’s a compliment because it means you’re one of the best players in the world. People say, ‘hey! You’re one of the best in the world.’ Not just your state, or your region or your city, but in the whole world. To be considered as one of the best players in the world. Then you’re playing people from other countries. You’re always playing people in your area, but to play against the world … I can’t really explain how anything could get better than that. Playing in college or in high school, you want to make the Final Four, the state tournament, those are great. But, playing in the Olympics is just like a dream.
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• 2006 FIBA World Championship bronze medalist
What kind of emotions did you have when you got the call that you were officially going to be on the team?
I was totally caught off guard because I was expecting the decision to be made in May, so it was a thrill to hear that one of my dreams was coming true.
Most people don’t get to play for their college coach after graduation, but you are one of the lucky ones who have that opportunity. Are you looking forward to playing for Coach Auriemma again?
Absolutely! Now that I have been away from my college program for almost a year now, I've gotten a chance to really appreciate how special of a place it is and how much Coach Auriemma has impacted Connecticut and basketball. He’s the best and I’m excited to play for him on the world stage.
What is it that you feel you will be able to contribute to this team?
Passion, intensity, and a willingness to do all of the little things championship teams need to win; whether that's scoring the ball, setting a great screen, or getting a key rebound.
When you first started playing for USA Basketball in 2006, was this something you thought would be attainable?
It definitely helped me feel closer to attaining my dream of being an Olympian, but now that it's official, it's even better than I thought it would be!
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Candace Parker, Los Angeles Sparks
• 2008 Olympic gold medalist
• 2006 FIBA World Championship bronze medalist
When I was a kid I dreamed of representing the USA in the Olympics. Beijing was a dream come true! This time around it seems more special because of the obstacles I've had to overcome to even be able to play.
What makes the Olympic Games such a special event?
The Olympics are special because for one month the world stops to honor, marvel and come together to watch athletes compete at the highest level.
The University of Tennessee is the only school that has an Olympian on ever team since 1976. How proud of you to help continue that tradition?
I am very proud any time I get to represent the University of Tennessee anywhere, let alone on the USA National Team. When I went there I dreamed of being like Olympians Chamique Holdsclaw and Tamika Catchings, and to say I helped carry on the tradition is very gratifying.
You were one of the rookies four years ago, how do you see your role on the team changing in 2012?
I know what to expect this time around and won't be as much in awe at the fact that I'm actually in the Olympics. Our team is full of veterans that have helped me and I hope to do the same for other first olympians.
What makes Geno Auriemma such a good coach?
I think coach Auriemma is very knowledgeable about the game of basketball. He breaks things down for his team and he allows us to go out and play. I think when you have a leader like that, you’re willing to play hard and learn from him.
What is it that keeps you coming back to USA Basketball?
It’s an honor for me to represent my country and play. I think that the first time around, I was excited and just wanted to do it for me, for myself. I dreamt of that since I was a kid. Now that I have my daughter, it’s kind of like I want to show her women’s basketball and show her that we’re continuing to grow in the sport of women’s basketball. I’m excited for her to be at the Olympics and experience that and hopefully remember it.
Is there one particular USA Basketball memory that stands out among the rest?
I think the memory, unfortunately, that pops in my mind the most is when we lost to Russia in the semifinals in the (2006 FIBA) World Championship and we had to play for third place. I think that’s what really made our team take that extra serious. I think that was an extra kick in our butt, because we’d won, what? Three prior gold medals? We had won the last World Championship. That really kick-started everything. We came into the ’08 Olympics with a vengeance and wanting to show the world that we were the best.
What do you remember about the medal ceremony at the Olympics?
I remember the medal podium ceremony and I remember looking up at my family in the stands and I just remember having that gold medal around my neck. And I slept in it that night. It was just an amazing feeling. My body tingles just thinking about that ceremony and finally getting that medal and being on the biggest stage in the world.
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Diana Taurasi, Phoenix Mercury
• 2004 & 2008 Olympic gold medalist
• 2010 FIBA World Championship gold medalist
• 2006 FIBA World Championship bronze medalist
Looking ahead to the 2012 Olympics, who will be the USA’s toughest competition?
Going into London is going to be a huge challenge for us. These teams are getting back into the swing of things, getting their training camps ready. It’s going to be the usual suspects with Australia I think being the favorite going in, coming off of a less than impressive World Championship for their standards. They’ve really kept the level of basketball really high throughout the world. Then you have teams like Brazil, who has the capability of scoring a lot of points, getting you involved in a very difficult game. Russia, and then you have the Asian teams with China always being a tough competitor.
What makes the Olympic such a special event?
There’s nothing like it. You can play in a million basketball tournaments, you can play in the WNBA Finals, you can play overseas in the EuroLeague championships, but there’s nothing like playing at the Olympics for your country and it’s the one moment in time where the whole world is watching one sporting event.
What are some of your fondest memories of USA Basketball?
It’s funny, the one game I remember the most is in 2001 we went to the Junior World Championship in the Czech Republic and we lost to the Czech Republic in the game to go to the finals. And I remember the feeling that, you know, that I hated so much of losing for our country. So, I think I hate that feeling more than I like the feeling of winning.
What makes Geno Auriemma such a great coach?
You know, he just has a tremendous respect for the players. In turn, the minute he steps on the court he gets every player’s full attention. Because when you have someone that’s won that much, that’s proven it over and over, you have to listen, learn and take what he says to get where we want to go.
How have you been able to sustain the level of play that you have through over a decade with USA Basketball?
You know, it’s a lot of pride. It’s special playing for USA Basketball. I remember my first Olympics and it was Sheryl (Swoopes), Dawn (Staley), Lisa (Leslie), and I hold them in such high regard that hopefully one day when Sue and I are done that these guys can say, ‘well, I remember when we played with Dee and Sue, Candace Parker. So, it’ll be nice to go down in that light.
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Lindsay Whalen, Minnesota Lynx
• 2010 FIBA World Championship gold medalist
How exciting was it to find out you will be playing in the Olympics this summer?
I was just like ... wow! I saw that it was Carol (Callan, USA Basketball Women’s Programs Director) calling, so I knew it was going to be something about the national team. But, I didn’t know when the announcement was going to be. I was really excited. I didn’t really know what to say at first. I’m kind of still so happy. It’s one of those things I’ve dreamt about since I was growing up and something I’ve really worked for. For me, being on the last USA World Championship Team and being in the pool for the Olympic team, having that as a goal is something I’ve really been working hard for. I’m really excited to be a part of it.
You’ve got a decade-long history with USA Basketball; do you think that everything you’ve done in the past has been leading up to this?
Yeah. I think even going back to when I was first playing in college on different teams when we went to Brazil and Croatia, getting to be in that atmosphere with all those great players. Just learning in my first time playing in any kind of international competition was good to get to know the international game. Then, heading overseas for so many years and now to two years ago, making the USA World Championship Team definitely helps because you gain experience in being around the coaches, the players and the whole organization. You gain so much experience and you get so much better because you’re practicing against the best every day and then you’re playing against the best teams every game. So, just playing on those teams really gives you a solid experience and I think it really helped me.
Over the last couple of years you were traded to the Lynx, returning to your home state, you won a FIBA World Championship gold medal, a WNBA title and now you’re on the Olympic team. Do you find it all surreal?
Yeah, it’s unbelievable. I’ve worked hard, but I’ve also been really fortunate to be a part of lots of great teams and have had lots of folks who were great teammates. I think that’s something that I’ll always appreciate. Definitely, the last few years have been really great and I’ve been lucky. I’ve been working hard, doing all the right things and it’s paid off. I’m just super excited.
Additional Whalen qoutes from her March 31 teleconference
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