February 22, 2016
The USA basketball Women’s National team are holding a training camp in Storrs, Connecticut from February 21-23. A break in European leagues for the EuroBasket qualifiers gave players playing abroad the opportunity to to descend on the campus of the University of Connecticut to participate in the mini-camp. Those expected to be in attendance, who are all finalists for the 2016 U.S. Olympic Women’s Basketball Team are, Seimone Augustus (Minnesota Lynx), Sue Bird (Seattle Storm), Tamika Catchings(Indiana Fever), Elena Delle Donne (Chicago Sky), Stefanie Dolson (Washington Mystics), Brittney Griner (Phoenix Mercury), Jewell Loyd (Seattle Storm), Kayla McBride (San Antonio Stars), Angel McCoughtry (Atlanta Dream), Maya Moore (Minnesota Lynx), Nnemkadi Ogwumike (Los Angeles Sparks), Danielle Robinson (San Antonio Stars), Breanna Stewart (University of Connecticut), Diana Taurasi (Phoenix Mercury), Courtney Vandersloot (Chicago Sky) and Lindsay Whalen (Minnesota Lynx).
A familiar face that many are eager to see back on the court is Diana Taurasi who took the 2015 WNBA season off for varying reasons. ESPN’s Mechelle Vopel caught up with Taurasi in Storrs and they discussed what went on during her “off season” and what she is looking forward to this coming summer. You can check the article out here. Although this training camp will last for only three days it is invaluable for these players to be able to get on the court at the same time while having to navigate conflicting schedules. Camp will especially be beneficial to the younger players who are looking to get noticed by USA basketball and perhaps find their way onto the roster for the olympics in Rio this summer. USA basketball shared some highlights from day one;