Nike Basketball News

The Family: Versus

Hotnix — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 19:03:08 GMT

OJ Mayo has been in the spotlight since the 7th grade, mentioned in the pages of sports magazines and broadcasts across the country. Before his freshman season at USC started, he played pickup ball with some of the NBA's top players. He then put up huge numbers in his first and only year with the Trojans before making the leap to the pros. This summer he was part of the U.S. Select Team that was assembled to help prepare the new Dream Team for battle in Beijing.

He was a veteran of the game long before he ever stepped foot on the NBA hardwood. Now that he's in the league, he is proving that all the experience has paid off. Along with high-flyer Rudy Gay, the Grizzlies have the potential to have a revolutionary season.

But first they have to get past the Suns, a team stacked with veteran champions. Led by the explosive play of Amare Stoudemire, who went off for 49 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists last week, Phoenix is fighting to take over the west. After getting a new big man last season, Stoudemire and Nash may now have all the pieces they need to put together a championship year.

NBA Regular Season

Monday, November 10

Memphis vs. Phoenix @ 9:00pm ET

Tuesday, November 11

New York vs. San Antonio @ 8:30pm ET

Wednesday, November 12

Atlanta vs. Boston @ 7:30pm ET

Friday, November 14

Detroit vs. L.A. Lakers @ 10:30pm ET

Saturday, November 15

Utah vs. Cleveland @ 7:30pm ET

The Family: Versus

Hotnix — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 17:22:28 GMT

This year, the leagues youngest players are leading their teams to their biggest victories yet. With a hot rookie class, a squad of top sophomores and an all new franchise, 2008-09 season is gearing up to be even more explosive than the last.

After walking away with last season’s Rookie of the Year award, Kevin Durant is starting the new season in a new city with fellow sophomore forward Jeff Green. And Deron Williams, arguably the league’s best young point guard, leads Utah in another push to the top of the west. Alongside him is his tough inside man Carlos Boozer and master defender Andrei Kirilenko. But first, the teams will square off in Friday night’s battle between the next generation of NBA legends.

NBA Regular Season

Tuesday, November 04
Phoenix vs. New Jersey @ 7:30pm ET

Wednesday, November 05
Detroit vs. Toronto @ 7:00pm ET

Friday, November 07
Oklahoma City vs. Utah @ 9:00pm ET

Saturday, November 08
Cleveland vs. Chicago @ 8:30pm ET

Sunday, November 09
Houston vs. L.A. Lakers @ 9:30pm ET

The Six Widget

Hotnix — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 23:30:41 GMT

Can't get enough of LeBron and his new kicks? Now you can get more and share it all with your friends with The Six widget.

Featuring Business LeBron, The Six, basketball tips, the Cavalier's NBA schedule and Ballers Network, the widget gives you a glimpse inside LeBron's amazing sixth season.

Get the widget »

The Story of the Six

Hotnix — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 15:46:26 GMT

As LeBron has evolved his game over the course of his incredible five year career, he's worked with Nike to develop a shoe to support his play at every stage. He's built an incredible relationship with the most innovative shoe designers in the game that has produced the hottest kicks to ever hit the court.

In his sixth year, LeBron looks to change the game once again. Sit with him and meet Ken Link, the Footwear Creative Director for Nike Basketball, and hear the story behind the creation of the greatest LeBron shoe yet.

The Family: Versus

Hotnix — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 23:19:17 GMT

The regular season is finally here. And to set off the first night of games, Portland faces off against L.A. in what could be a glimpse into the future of the Western Conference championship series.

Los Angeles transformed last season to become one of the most complete teams in the league. And with a range of weapons at every position like Pau Gasol, Lamar Odom, Derek Fisher and gold medal winner, Kobe Bryant, the Lakers hope to start this season off with a solid victory.

Portland, an equally stacked squad, is debuting their long-awaited secret weapon this season, Greg Oden. The #1 draft pick of the 2007-087 has fully recovered from surgery that left him benched for his entire rookie season. Now he returns to join former Rookie of the Year winner Brandon Roy, Lamarcus Aldridge and Euro League high flyer Rudy Fernandez with hopes of taking Portland to the top of the west.

NBA Regular Season

Tuesday, October 28
Portland vs. L.A. Lakers @ 10:30pm ET

Wednesday, October 29
Phoenix vs. San Antonio @ 8:00pm ET

Thursday, October 30
Houston vs. Dallas @ 8:00pm ET

Friday, October 31
Chicago vs. Boston @ 8:00pm ET

Saturday, November 01
Cleveland vs. New Orleans @ 8:00pm ET

The Family: Versus

Hotnix — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 23:47:25 GMT

The 2008-09 Preseason heats up this week with hot new rookies and seasoned vets going head-to-head to get their season started off right.

Tuesday night pits LeBron James against Paul Pierce in a rematch from last season's Eastern Conference Semi-finals. During a close series, the Celtics faced a hungry Cavaliers squad, and both teams claimed victories on their home courts. With the series tied 3-3, Boston took advantage of home court energy in game 7 to knock Cleveland out of the tournament.

LeBron and his Cavaliers look to get a little payback on Pierce, and if it's anything like last season, these two are going to be in a shootout from buzzer to buzzer.

NBA Preseason

Monday, October 13
Oklahoma City vs. Houston @ 8:30pm ET

Tuesday, October 14
Boston vs. Cleveland @ 7:30pm ET

Wednesday, October 15
Houston vs. Memphis @ 8:00pm ET

Friday, October 16
Phoenix vs. Denver @ 7:30pm ET

Saturday, October 18
Regal FC Barcelona vs. L.A. Lakers @ 10:30pm ET

More Than a Game

Hotnix — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 21:52:03 GMT

It's a starting place for so many players around the world. Before he was an icon, LeBron James was a tall kid from Akron, Ohio who, along with his crew of friends, loved to play basketball. But his story was different.

More Than a Game is a documentary about Lebron, a legend in the making who truly believed that no one can do it alone. A young superstar that never let his destiny as one of the game's greatest get in the way of the things that really matter: loyalty and a brotherhood that outlasts fame and fortune.

Created by first-time director Kris Belman, More Than a Game tells a story that all ballers can identify with, the dedication, the passion and the teamwork that went into making LeBron and his St. Vincent - St. Mary squad champions. As a college student in Akron, Belman heard about the team's story while taking a documentary film class. Originally intended to be a short project, the story seemed so much larger, and with the help of the team's coach Dru Joyce, he followed the boys during their journey to the 2003 state championship.

The documentary premiered recently at the Toronto Film Festival to a standing ovation. With plans of a national release in 2009, More Than a Game is said to be an inspiration for all basketball lovers around the globe.

Get behind the scenes of More Than a Game »

LeBron Soldier II Giveaway: The Final Winners

Hotnix — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 19:45:15 GMT

The Final Winners are in!

For week 3 of the Soldier II giveaway we want to congratulate everyone for sending in great wishes for Team USA. Your unstoppable support got them training camp in Vegas to the gold in Beijing!

Congratulations to Esteban and May, our final winners!

As we bring the contest to a close, Team USA would like to thank everyone who participated. They couldn't have done it without you and the millions of fans across the country and around the world.

Letters from our Final Winners:

"Im from Puerto Rico, but I may be the biggest fan of team USA. When USA was beat by PR in 2004 I was happy and sad at the same time. But that's all in the past. I know this year you guys can do it. Bring the gold back to the USA, I live in the United States and I'm glad to be American. I know u guys got the talent, but don't forget the team spirit and raise that America Flag next to the Gold Medals once the last game ends and the score shows once again the supremacy of USA Basketball."

--Esteban

"You've all heard it, the LB23. Thats right he's LeBron James the one and only, known for his powerful dunks and his good sportsmanship. He is sure to guide the men's USAB into the top and the best!

All of the USAB out there has put a amazing effort to their goal, to redeem the gold medal they deserved long ago. Go LeBron James, Go Team USA do your best. It's time to take that medal and shine. You've got through Team China. You've made it through tough games so do your best and shine for USA!

I will always cheer on team USA and always be LeBron's best fan of all time! GO! Redeem your place, prove yourself, and always try your best! GO LEBRON JAMES!! GO TEAM USA!!"

--May

We Believed. They Achieved.

Hotnix — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 18:41:39 GMT

We were with you.

For our women, who proved for the fourth time straight that they are truly champions.

We knew you could.

For our men, who put behind a disappointing past to lead us all to a bright future.

We knew you would.

This has been a journey of epic proportions. A road that took us from the deserts of Las Vegas to the mountains of Beijing. Three years of blood, sweat and tears. And a commitment that took a collection of America's most gifted athletes and turned them into an unstoppable force.

We stood by you every step of the way.

This is our game. One that defines us as men and women, teammates and competitors, citizens and patriots.

This is our legacy. A rich history of stunning victories, crushing defeats, transformations and redemptions.

This is Team USA. A collection of the greatest players the world has ever known.

LeBron Soldier II Giveaway: Week 2 Winners

Hotnix — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 19:16:56 GMT

The Week 2 Winners are in!

For week two of the Soldier II giveaway we want to congratulate everyone for sending in great wishes for Team USA. Your unstoppable support has once again helped the squad get one step closer to the gold in Beijing.

Congratulations to Christopher and Chuck, our Week 2 winners!

Letters from our Week 2 Winners:

"Hey Team,

I wanted to let you know that I’ve loved watching the preliminary games so far leading up to the Olympics. I’m really impressed with the attitude that’s being taken towards these games. It seems like everyone is really committed and focused towards reaching their final goal, an Olympic Gold Medal.

Growing up watching the Olympics has really imprinted into my mind that it is truly the platform for athletics at the up most level. This Olympic team seems to understand that and has taken that same drive, that same energy into the game. This is what the USA is, what team USA is all about. It’s a great reflection upon yourselves but more importantly your country. Everyone should be proud.

I’ll leave us with a word from LeBron, 'no excuses'.

Good luck in Beijing,"

--Christopher

"Good Luck bringing home the gold LeBron. It's about time the world sees what USA can do and put the other countries in their spot!"

--Chuck

Other Entries:

Let's go TEAM USA!!! LET'S GO USA!!! We are the best in the world lets bring gold back to the American people let the WORLD know we are the best sports player and country in the world. WIN THIS!!!!

--TJ

"Dear Team U.S,

You guys are so cool....one day I would like to be on Team USA. My name is Chrisian and I'm 12. I love to play basketball. I think basketball is life! I am really good, I average 20 points a game. Well that's about it bout me. Now let's talk about you LeBron. You're so good at bball. I love when you do your reverse layups. I try it about 100 times a day and I'm getting a little better =]. LeBron you're sooooo cool. You're my favorite basketball player!!!!!

Well good luck in your basketball career! I will be watching you doing your reverse layups =]."

--Christian

"Hello my name is Solomon. I'm a member of the U.S. Navy and a fan of USA basketball. My favorite player is LeBron James because I'm from Columbus, Ohio. So, on behalf of all the men and women who serve, bring home the gold.

Best wishes."

--Solomon

"GOOD LUCK TEAM USA BASKETBALL."

+--Jim +

"Want to Witness a Gold Metal! Good Luck team USA!"

--Kevin

DREAM TEAM of 08-

"You guys are going to go all the way. I mean look what you guys did in exhibition, coming off that motivation you guys should be unstoppable. "Never give up, don't ever give up," if you're down in a game or struggling just think of those words, even if your down by 20 don't give up. GO FOR GOLD."

--Mitchell

"Dear Team USA. My name is Soleman. I am 14 years old. I am a big fan of the NBA. In fact, they are just getting an NBA team in my state of Oklahoma. My favorite player is LeBron James, but I am a big fan of Team USA. Good luck. I hope you win the Olympics 2008.

Thanks"

--Soleman

"Gold is an awesome mineral for one to own. In South Africa we mine hard for it and never get to own it. I’ll like to say to the Team USA as you go to Beijing know that to obtain a mineral like Gold is not going to come easy. But an interesting thing is you will get to own it at the end of the tournament. Play hard and enjoy.

Best Regards."

--Sakkie

"United We Rise!

I'm Neil, your no.1 fan here in the Philippines. Here we play ball as hard as we can to the hoop, every game raising up the volume and tempo of the game. Pushing hard to the limits. Let us be your inspiration to win and let us to make you as our wings to reach our game. More Power and Good luck.

'One team, One nation, Team USA. Go Hard!'"

--Neil

"I do wish that LeBron James and Team USA to bring home the gold medal
from Beijing."

--Robert

Blogging the Journey: Coach K

sanampetri — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 15:52:20 GMT

Ready to Win: After three long years, Team USA's dedication is finally getting put to the test. Coach K talks strategy, and why his team is ready to take home the gold.

Finally, Olympic competition has begun and it is time to discover if we have done what is necessary to close the deal, to achieve our ultimate goal. Now we see if we have prepared properly and made ourselves worthy of winning. As I look back over the three-year process, this past month of training in particular, I feel good about where we are and confident that we have readied ourselves in the best way possible.

A key part of our time together has been the establishment of relationships. Our guys now know who each other are both on and off the court and have developed the type of friendships that foster communication and trust. We will need to rely on those relationships in the heat of on-court battle. We need to respond to one another at a moment’s notice, no questions asked. This type of trust doesn’t come about naturally. It takes time. Thanks to the new program for USA Basketball, we’ve had that time.

Another major part of our training has been becoming adept at the international game. In our training camp we worked with international officials and had them officiate our inter-squad scrimmages and those versus the Select Team. This allowed us to ensure that we could play the international game at game speed, not just in theory. We were able to further establish these habits in our five exhibition games.

Now we are putting our relationships and training to the test in Olympic competition. I couldn’t be more excited.

More on Coach K
Read his Bio »

More on Team USA
Watch The Road to Redemption »
See all Team USA Blogs »
Check out the Olympic Histories »
Meet the Competition »

LeBron Soldier II Giveaway: Week 1 Winners

Hotnix — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 16:07:41 GMT

We Have Our Week 1 Winners!

Thanks to everyone who sent in their support for Team USA. Your words helped inspire our team to easy victories so far in Vegas, Angola, and Beijing. And congratulations to Jack and Darwin, our Week 1 winners!

As we count down to the finish line, Team USA still needs your support. It's not too late to send a message to the team at nikebasketball@nike.com. Each entry is a chance to win the kicks LeBron will be sporting on the court, the Soldier II, in a limited edition camo colorway.

Letters from Our Week 1 Winners

"Let's go USA basketball and LeBron James. You have the skill and talent USA needs to win the gold medal in Beijing. You all are so good. USA had an amazing game versus Canada. Let's keep it up. We all have faith in you all. I am submitting this letter because I love USA basketball and LeBron James. He is also my favorite player in the WORLD. Let's go team USA. We know you can win the gold medal. Just go out there and do your best. The whole world knows of your talent and I know if you play as a team you are truly UNSTOPPABLE. If you all play with your hearts, the result will be the same as it was in the years 1992, 1996, 2000, and many other years. We know you all can do it. LET'S GO. LeBron James had an amazing game against Turkey.
USA is the best team out there."

--Jack

"My wishes are for the Team USA, especially for my beloved NBA star LeBron James as the Captain of the men's USAB. I wish Lebron and the whole USA team will do their bests on the battle in China, victories and great appeals waiting.

Kobe, Jason and the team, hope u guys will enjoy the games full of spirit and effort of winning. And for LeBron, keep it your best leading the team as the Captain America!! Go LeBron, be the king of the court and beat ur opponent and make it victory for team USAB!!

Hail King James, and best wishes for you. I hope my wishes on my birthday 8th August will make it true."

--Darwin

Other Entries

"We'd rather get gold than Diamonds,
but no surprises,
It's what the Gold symbolizes,
It make us want to rise up,
just as we want our flag to do it's in Beijing, China.
One thing that I can say is this,
In the end we will pump our fist,
Index finger amidst the rest, yes,
because work has paid off, and we're the best
But it wasn't easy because we never let it rest,
stopping us, not until we reach success,
but on a team with J-Kidd, Redd, Bosh,
Boozer, LeBron, and Kobe winning's easy.
We train because we try to
get that gold like as if we're a miner,
with Tayshaun, Deron, and Stoudemire.
But we are not playing for fame,
because we're playing to rep Team USA.
So when it's all said and done,
and dedication has made us what we've become,
because of team-work we have won,
Together, yes together, we are ONE!"

--Bryce

"I want to share my love and support for our USA basketball team in the 2008 Summer Olympics. I encourage LeBron James and Team USA to bring home the gold medal from Beijing. I am proud of the coaches and players who are representing America. Through fair athletic competition we can bring faster peace to the world than any war could hope for. Much love to all our Olympians. GO USA!!!"

--Anthony

"Not in years has there been an Olympic basketball team as well balanced and endowed with vigor and talent as this one. With the drive and determination of LeBron James, it will be nearly impossible to stop this team from winning. There will never be another opportunity to achieve this greatness, with this group of players. The Olympics are the ultimate showcase of glory, success, and achievement. Yet at the same time, selflessness, teamwork, and humility are present elements of success. To have athletes such as LeBron’s caliber representing USA in the ’08 Olympics is truly an honor. I wish TEAM USA, all it’s athletes, sponsors, fans, and families the best of luck in Beijing for the ’08 Olympics. To ALL the athletes representing the USA I wish you greatness in vision and spirit."

--Ryan

"It doesn’t matter what state you’re from or what team you play for. United we stand and divided we fall and I wish you luck to conquer the world in the biggest set stage of all."

--Sharath

"Dear LeBron/Team USA,

I wanted to write this to encourage you guys on your journey on the road to redemption. I have been watching all of the Road to Redemption episodes whenever they are on. The image of American basketball/NBA may come across to some people as just a bunch of guys who only play for the money and to receive honor and fame. I believe what you guys have done and shown the country what it means to play for your country has given a whole different image to USA basketball. Watching you guys has shown me what it means represent your country. And what it means to wear a USA jersey. I know Team USA is trying to emulate what our country's soldiers are out doing everyday, and that is fighting for our countries.

I believe Team USA has shown the country what they have to do to emulate what our soldiers are doing. I truly believe that every player on that team has been willing to drop their ego and play for their country. This team has so many superstars that can try do it all by themselves. But watching how you guys bond and play together as a team representing their country is an awesome thing. It's awesome to see the best players in the world on one team playing together as one! If you guys play with the same unselfishness and chemistry that I have seen so far there is no doubt in my mind and shouldn't be in anyone's that this Team USA should win a gold medal! I can't wait to see LeBron and Kobe all playing together.

Just by LeBron making a camo shoe shows a lot about his patriotism and what he wants to do for his country. It shows his respect and reverence he has for his soldiers which is bigger than basketball. I can't wait for it to start. You guys will get it done. I'm sure. Good Luck!"

--Matt

"We’re counting on you guys! It’s up to you to bring back the glory, the hype and the respect of the world for USA basketball. With every tired gasp of breath you take, with every shot you line up we are behind you. Watching, hoping, dreaming. We are the United States of America! From trenches in Iraq, caves in Afghanistan, front porches in Montana and back alleys of Harlem we will be with you! This is for more than Akron, more than Cleveland, this is for the flag that flies high and gives us all the freedoms we have."

GO USA!!!!!!!!!"

--Ryan

"Hello.

I just wanted to wish team USA and LeBron James nothing but good luck at the 2008 Summer Games. It not always about winning (which is nice) it is be united as a whole and also the friendships you make and the knowledge you gain too is what really matters. So Good Luck and God Bless."

--Robert

"When most people think of Olympics Basketball they recall the 96 Olympic Basketball team and the gold medal they went on to take. Most of you all may not remember that and though you don't the task put before them remains the same task put before you all LeBron, J. Kidd and the rest of you all. That task being to not only unify a country but to show the world that USA Basketball is still great, still dominant, and still a game many dream to play but few are given the privilege to ever achieve. I encourage you all to not only strive for greatness but to show a younger generation what can happen when athletes at the top of their games come together for a common cause. Show the world how much America is still proud of basketball and our athletes that lace up and walk on the court to not only represent themselves but to represent a nation. Go for the gold and if you all dream hard enough you will be that dream team. Best of Luck."

--Dwight

"To Sir LeBron James and Team USA:

They say this isn't the Dream Team, but I think otherwise. No matter what critics say, the hearts of Americans know that you all still carry the legacy of American hoops, even the tag "Dream Team" from '92. The time has changed, but the dominance has not. Good luck in Beijing; hopefully it won't be needed."

--Richard

"Team USA,

Nobody needs to tell you that the talent level of Team USA is bar none the greatest in the World. Knowing that, follow the lead of the player that makes the extra effort on D, or gets banged up inside fighting for a rebound. Hit the opposition early and hard and never let up. Give that extra effort from buzzer to buzzer, whether you're up by 5 or 50. Play as a team, find the hot hand, and feed it.

See you on the top of the podium."

--Chris

"What's up Team USA?

My name is Jose and I just want to wish you guys the best of luck in Beijing. It has been 8 years since the US has won gold in the Olympics and not because for lack of trying. The past teams did not seem to be committed. They thought talent would get them by but the world has been training and practicing day and night to keep us down. I truly believe that with this team that's assembled who has sacrificed plenty and is committed as well as focused. Team USA will bring back the glory that has eluded us for years.

I think that Redemption Team is good but this team is the second coming and should be dubbed "Team USA the Wrath of Bronze".

Again good luck and "GO TEAM USA!"

--Jose

Blogging the Journey: Coach K

sanampetri — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 23:00:23 GMT

At the Starting Line: As the moment of truth approaches, Coach K writes about the heroes who inspire him to reach for the stars.

On my way out to Las Vegas for the first meeting and practice of our Olympic team, I was fortunate to be able to make a pretty amazing pit stop. My wife, daughter, and I stopped through Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, where my old friend and West Point player, General Bob Brown, picked us up from the airport. Bob and I have remained very close over the years and I have followed his Army career the same way he has followed mine in coaching.

In the summer of 2006, my first summer as the National Coach, then-Colonel Brown came out to Las Vegas with three wounded heroes and addressed our team. His theme was selfless service. It was the best possible way our team could have kicked off our three-year commitment together. I did not yet know back then who my team was – this was our first opportunity to get acquainted with one another. But when I saw their reactions to General Brown and the soldiers, I knew this was a team I wanted to coach. I knew they had heart.

One thing I am always asked about with regard to being the National Coach and coming to compete in the Olympics is about pressure. How are we handling the pressure? Will we live up to the pressure? How is the pressure affecting us? When I addressed the troops at Fort Leavenworth, it gave me a humbling sense of perspective. I believe that what we are doing is important, trying to reclaim the game of basketball for our country. It is a form of selfless service. But what we are doing is nowhere near as important of what our service men and women do every day. We are playing basketball. They are protecting our right to do that.

What happened that afternoon was mutual motivation. Talking to them about serving the United States helped give meaning to our endeavor. The thing we do share with our country’s soldiers is who we represent. We share a love of country and a commitment to represent the United States with honor and extreme pride. Whatever I was able to give them in the form of inspiration, I am honored to have been able to do that. Whatever connection they feel with our Olympic team as we pursue the gold in Beijing, that is an honor to all of us. But we cannot repay them for the service that they do for our entire nation, a service that often goes thankless.

We are all patriotic, but the soldiers are the true patriots. With the Olympics about to begin, we can only hope to make Bob Brown and the rest of our soldiers proud as we embark on our respective missions. We all want to come home winners.

More on Coach K
Read his Bio »

More on Team USA
Watch The Road to Redemption »
See all Team USA Blogs »
Check out the Olympic Histories »
Meet the Competition »

Marvin Gaye Brings Soul to the American Game

Hotnix — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 16:45:49 GMT

As the new Team USA looks forward to claiming victory in Beijing, Coach K looks back twenty-five years for new inspiration from our national anthem.

The Star Spangled Banner is played before every game to inspire the players and the fans to greatness. Coach K took a moment out of practice to share a version of the song with his players that, in its own right, made sports history.

Performed for the 1983 NBA All-Star Game, Marvin Gaye’s remix captured the passion of 80s soul, mixed it with some old fashioned patriotism and created a timeless classic.

And like Marvin and the Dream Team before them, this year's Team USA intends to put on a show that will forever go down as one the greatest performances in the history of the sport.

To show support for the men that will represent us in Beijing, Nike Basketball brings Marvin, LeBron, Kobe, J-Kidd and the rest of the team together to pay homage to basketball, America's game.

More on Team USA
See all Team USA Bio's »
Check out the Olympic Histories »
Meet the Competition »

Blogging the Journey: Sue Bird

sanampetri — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 23:37:30 GMT

The First Tip-Off: As the Games get underway, Sue talks about the challenges that lie ahead.

Training camp just started this week and everyone’s really excited to be here. Even though it’s the first time all of us are together at the same time, we all know each other really well, so it’s just like old friends getting back together.

As for the camp itself, it’s just a little bit of a refresher course. Just re-leaning all the plays and getting used to each other again.

Overall, I’m excited for getting to Beijing and playing a lot of these teams. Especially against the countries that beat us in the past, there's definitely some extra motivation there. Each team has a different style, and with each team comes a new challenge.

But in the upcoming weeks, the main thing we have to focus on isn’t our opponents really, but ourselves. That probably comes across as selfish, or that we underestimate our opponent, but because we haven’t had a lot of training time, we definitely just need to stay focused. We are talented enough to where, if we take care of ourselves and just play our game, we can beat a lot of these teams.

I remember the Olympics in 2004, back when I was the third point guard on the team. My role was different then. I was there if needed, but it was more trying to gain the experience by watching veterans first-hand. It was about learning the ropes, so I could kind of take the reigns when need be.

And now that time has come. And more is going to be asked of me. I’m going to get more playing time. More expectations, more possibilities. So it’s definitely an entirely different experience, but one I can’t wait to have.

More on Sue
Read her Bio »

More on Team USA
See all Team USA Blogs »
Meet the rest of her team »