Kara Lawson’s experience of winning a women’s basketball gold medal in 2008 is more than enough motivation for more.
“Absolutely, it’s addicting,’’ the former Tennessee Lady Vols guard said. “You get that chance to be a part of a special group of people. You don’t get that opportunity very often in your career.”
Lawson, who plays for the WNBA’s Sacramento Monarchs, is one of eight players chosen to the initial U.S. national team player pool for 2009-12. Former Lady Vols Tamika Catchings and Candace Parker also are among the group.
Former Connecticut players Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi are being reunited with Huskies coach Geno Auriemma, who is coaching the U.S. team. The other players are Cappie Pondexter Sylvia Fowles and Seimone Augustus.
All eight players were on the U.S. Olympic team in Beijing.
Catchings, who plays for the Indiana Fever, was the youngest member of the 2002 U.S. national team. She is the most tenured member of this group.
“I have learned a lot about leadership,” Catchings said, “about what it means to represent your country, sacrificing for the team and being able to put aside your own individual accomplishments to put forth the best for the USA.”
As was the case during the past four years, the U.S. roster will be fluid and athletes will be added to fill out the final 12-player squad.
“Naming these eight players was not that difficult of a decision to make, I’m sure, because those eight were truly instrumental in winning the Olympics in Beijing,’’ Auriemma said.
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Comments » 10
BigRMan writes:
Auriemma will be watched closely to see just how many of his former Lady Huskies will be shown favoratism is the selection process to fill out the rest of the roster spaces. I think he'll have no choice but to name Brittany Griner, former Houston Nimitz High and current Baylor phoenom to the team. Mya Moore will no doubt have one of the remaining spots. Candice Wiggins and Nicki Anosike should get a fair shot. Front court players who likely won't be back due to age and injury are Cheryl Ford & Tina Thompson. The Mystics Lindsey Harding & Alana Beard have to be given strong consideration as back court reserves. Candice Dupree and Plennete Pierson would be excellent candidates to help replace Ford, Thompson & Lisa Leslie. With all the talent available to the U.S., Auriemma would not be needed. Stevie Wonder could just roll the ball on the court for that team. They'd know how to take it from there!
ladivolfan writes:
I wonder if Geno had difficulty tipping the scale on the Tennessee side?
BigRMan writes:
It was as difficult for Geno to tip that scale as it is for Shelden to leave Candace in the morning to go to work, or as difficult as it is for Jay-Z to leave Beyonce in the morning and go to work (LOL)!
98reax writes:
BigR, what a lame analogy, I don't recognize the point you're attempting to make.
Catchings is such a representative of the caliber of character, talent and athleticism of a USA Gold Medal player. As for Pierson, she is a hothead and I would not give her any consideration, besides she is injury prone.
rdberry#654521 writes:
98 How are ya'? Beg to differ on the analogy. It would be difficult for any man to part from those 2 godesses, even for a minute. And don't judge Plenette too harshly-Don't think of her as a hot head-She's a fiery competior who has won multiple 6th Woman of the year awards in the WNBA. Pierson asks no quarter and gives none regardless who the opposition happens to be. She's been instrumental in helping Detroit to its' last 2 titles in '06 & '08-And she's a Texas girl-OK, Texas Tech girl!-Couldn't agree more concerning Catchings-Top Shelf-All the Way!
rdberry#654521 writes:
OK 98-Different Analogy-It would be tougher for Geno to tip that scale than it would be for him to drive an Escalade without sitting on a copy of the Hartford Conn. phone directory!
YankeeVol writes:
Ha - have you ever been to Hartford? A lame city. Their phone book is about as thick as the average Dr. Suess book.
BigRMan writes:
If Dr. Suess has anything to do with it then at least there'll be some green eggs & ham for everyone!
CTOWNICON writes:
I can't wait to see who will fill the final four spots. I would like to see Britney Griner get a shot at it as well and Angel Macaughtry.
BigRMan writes:
If the front line winds up being Fowles, Parker & Griner, the paint will be off limits for the opposition!- A definate restricted block party!
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