Additional Quotes >> USA Practice

Sept. 15, 2010 • Salamanca, Spain

Charles

Tina Charles (Connecticut Sun)
How are things going here in Salamanca, Spain?
It’s a lot of fun. We’re getting a lot of things done. Coach is throwing a lot of things at us, but that’s what comes with it as a pro – you have to learn how to take a lot and be able to execute it.

Is it difficult not knowing who is going to be on the final team?
No, it’s not difficult at all. We love this game. We do it because we love it. It’s not about … it is about making the team, but at the same time we’re just trying to be productive, learn more and add more to your game.

How much has your previous international experience with USA Basketball helped you prepare for this?
It definitely helped, especially with the physical play part and how the refs call things, things get away and you can’t get frustrated.

Are you playing overseas this year?
Yes, I am. I’m going to Orenburg, Russia, with Becky Hammon.

What do you expect to see from Australia on Friday night?
Them trying to pound it inside to their big girl, their running game, trying to get by us and go to the lane.

How are you dealing with the jet lag?
I’m still trying to deal with the east coast timing a little bit, but I’m still able to rest up.

Harding

Lindsey Harding (Washington Mystics)
How are things going so far in Salamanca, Spain?
It’s good. I think the more reps we get playing together, the more comfortable we’ll be playing together and we’ll get that team chemistry that we’re missing at times.

Are you getting over the jet lag?
Whew! I think I could sleep all day if I had the chance. It’s good, though. I think part of it is that we’re anxious to play, we’re anxious to make the team, we’re anxious to do everything. As far as getting up and playing, it doesn’t matter what time it is.

You bring up making the team. Is that something that’s always in the back of your mind?
The thing is, if we all weren’t good enough, we wouldn’t be here. That’s a good thing. We don’t have to worry about that. You just have to play your best and hope that what you have is what the team can use and what the team needs to win. I just go out every day and just play.

You will face Australia in two days. What do you expect to see from them?
I expect them to come out a lot harder than last game. We played really well against them, but with Penny (Taylor) coming in, we’re going to have to play even better. They don’t have their whole team either, but we know we’re preparing for something.  We’re not just coming to play, we’re preparing for the World Championship.

Jones

Asjha Jones (Connecticut Sun)
How are things going so far in Salamanca, Spain?
Every day’s a little better. The first day was a little tough, having to get off the airplane and having to come to practice. Today was a little better after getting a little rest. The team looks really good.

Have you played in Salamanca before?
I have. We had the EuroLeague Final Four here a couple years ago. It was awesome. It was as full as it could be. The fans are excited. They come in with a lot of energy. You see a lot of soccer games on TV and it’s kind of like that, but on a smaller scale.

Have you adjusted to the time change?
Yes, this is a little bit easier for me. Usually I have a 12-hour change (in Ekaterinburg), so six hours is not a real big deal for me.

Are you going back to Ekaterinburg this season?
I’m not. I’m not going anywhere this year. I’m staying at home and getting a little rest.

What do you feel you could add to the team?
Experience. I’ve been playing overseas since I graduated from college. I’ve played against a lot of the players who are going to be in the World Championship, so hopefully I’ll be out there, give them a little wisdom here and there and go out and play hard. I understand coach’s system, because I played for him at UConn. I’m just going to go out there and try to keep the flow of the game going.