The Finals Say

June 9, 2008 � Colorado Springs, Colo.

Monday marked the start of the 2008 USA Basketball Women's U18 National Team Trials, with 34 of the nation's best 18-and-unders reporting from all over the country to the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo. In the next three days, the girls will battle for one of 12 spots on the 2008 USA U18 National Team, which will travel to Buenos Aires, Argentina, for the July 23-27 FIBA Americas U18 Championship for Women. This year's crop features 27 athletes who return to the red, white and blue from the 2007 USA Basketball Youth Development Festival, and seven others who are new to USA Basketball.

Seven of the trials participants told us their favorite basketball player was either Kobe Bryant or Kevin Garnett, two stars who are currently going head-to-head in the 2008 NBA Finals. USABasketball.com decided to use the information as an opportunity to learn what exactly these girls appreciate about their favorite ballers and how that respect translates on the court.

Ayana Dunning
6-3 � Center � Eastmoor Academy � Columbus, Ohio � Louisiana State
How long has Kobe Bryant been your favorite player?
Since I was like eight years old, Kobe has been my favorite player. I think that was the first time I saw him win a championship, and from there on out he's been my favorite player. It's hard with me living in Ohio and having LeBron James on the Cavaliers.

What do you admire about Kobe's game?
I admire that Kobe can dominate a game at any point in time. His work ethic has inspired me to become a better player and to work harder. I have a picture of him on my wall, and I look to his example for motivation. For instance, I follow some of the things he does when he misses a shot, like play.

Who do you think will be the NBA Champions?
The Lakers are down two games, but they are still going to win [the NBA title]; I'm just not sure how many games it will take. It will definitely have to be at least six games now.

Ashley Gayle
6-4 � Center � Bishop Gorman H.S. � Las Vegas, Nevada � Texas
How long has Kevin Garnett been your favorite player and the Celtics been your favorite team?
I've always liked Kevin Garnett, and I started to like the Celtics this season because they have Garnett along with Paul Pierce and Ray Allen. I've been rooting for them all season.

What do you admire about Garnett's game?
He plays with a lot of heart and a lot of passion, and he's really exciting to watch. He has a lot of variety in his game. He can play strong in the post and outside too. That's something that I try and model in my game. I'm used to staying inside when I play, so it's kind of difficult for me to get comfortable on the outside. It's different, but I'm getting used to it.

Have you been watching the Finals?
Yes, I have. Celtics up two, so I'm happy about that.

Do you think Garnett is playing well?
I do. I think he played better in game two than game one, because Paul Gasol played really good defense on him in the first game. The second game they really weren't able to stop him or the other guy Poe.

If the Celtics lost after leading by two games, would you be crushed?
Not crushed. I mean, I'm not a superfan, but I would feel bad for Garnett because he doesn't have a ring and he's been playing hard for years now. I think he really deserves a ring.

Lynetta Kizer
6-4 � Center � Potomac H.S. � Woodbridge, Virginia � Maryland
Why is Kevin Garnett your favorite player?
Since I was little, Garnett has been my favorite player because he is so versatile. I like to try and model my game after him. I like how he can play on the inside and then step out. That's what's he's known for, being the most versatile player in the league, and I respect that.

How does he influence the way you play basketball?
With trying out for this team and playing in the (Youth Development) Festival last summer, we heard a lot about how, in international play, the post players can step outside and shoot. So, I have been working on that, so I can be more of a threat.

Are you suprised the Celtics are up 2-0 in the series?
A little bit, because Kobe was doing his thing against the Spurs so well. You never know against Boston's big three though. I kinda want the Lakers to win, but I'm also pulling for Kevin Garnett, so it's kind of a win-win for me.

Chiney Ogwumike
6-2 � Forward � Cy-Fair H.S. � Cypress, Texas � 2010
When did Kobe Bryant become your favorite player?
Kobe's always been my favorite player, but especially the past few years when he has been playing without Shaq. I really admire him for being the heart of their team and proving that he can do it. I like people who reach for their personal best, and I really admire that.

What do you admire about his game?
I like how he can play with his back to the basketball and then still square up and know where the rim is. I think that's amazing.

How does he influence the way you play basketball?
I like his moves at the elbow, and I try to bring that into my game. I know I'm far from mimicking Kobe Bryant, but it helps to have something to aspire to.

Are you suprised the Lakers are trailing in the series 2-0?
The Lakers have always been my favorite team, and I'm a little suprised that they are down two games. I'm guessing that they are going for the underdog factor, but I still have hope in them.

So you haven't lost any confidence in the Lakers or Kobe?
No confidence lost at all.

Samantha Prahalis
5-7 � Guard � Commack H.S. � Dix Hills, New York � Ohio State
When did the Laker's become your favorite team and Kobe Bryant your favorite player?
I've liked Kobe Bryant and the Lakers for a long time. I like Kobe's work ethic. He's always in the gym trying to get better. And I like his competitiveness because he never likes to lose. He's the best.

What do you admire most about his game?
His mentality about winning and his will to be the best. He always works hard no matter what.

How does he influence the way you play basketball?
It just makes me want to strive to also be the best that I can be. To never give up and always have will.

Do you ever think about that example when you are training?
I guess sometimes. Yeah.

Have you been watching the Finals?
Of course. I'm a little disappointed, but it's all right. We'll give 'em two. We'll be able to come back and take the next three because it will be in Los Angeles.

Would you be crushed if the Lakers lost the series?
Yeah, it would be disappointing, but I'd be all right.

Tierra Ruffin-Pratt
6-0 � Guard � T.C. Williams H.S. � Alexandria, Virginia � 2009
When did Kobe Bryant become your favorite player?
He's probably been my favorite player for like five years. Just watching him play inspires me. The way he can take over a game and score at will is what I love about his game.

How does he influence the way you play basketball?
I kind of try to play like him sometimes and take over a game when my team needs it.

Are you suprised the Lakers are trailing in the series 2-0?
Yeah, I am, but I think they can come back and take the next three games. I have confidence in them.

Chay Shegog
6-4 � Center � Brooke Point H.S. � Stafford, Virginia � North Carolina
When did the Laker's become your favorite team and Kobe Bryant your favorite player?
I've been a Laker fan since I was young because I grew up in San Diego, California, so it's kind of my home team. And I've like Kobe Bryant ever since he joined the Lakers. I think he's done a lot to improve the team.

If Kobe wasn't a Laker, would he still be your favorite player?
Probably not. I would still think he was good, but he wouldn't be a Laker and that's my favorite team.

What do you admire about his game?
He does everything without fear. If he wants to do something, then he is going to do it. He is not going to let anybody stop him. He just attacks, and attacks and does whatever he wants.

How does he influence the way you play basketball?
I like his swagger on the court. He goes in and does what he needs to do to help his team, and that's what I want to try to do. It can be hard at times to change the momentum of a game, but if you just go in there and play the way you know how, things fall into place.

Are you surprised the Lakers are trailing in the series 2-0?
It's heartbreaking, but I'm not counting them out. I think they'll get the next three games at home, and then go back to Boston and make a run for it.