The United States Women’s National Team held a training camp this past week. The camp, held from February 6-9 in Minneapolis, was used as an evaluation for coaches to evaluate the pool of talent ahead of the 2024 Olympics in Paris. The camp comes off the heels of the team’s fourth FIBA Women’s World Cup medal.
The Talent is Aplenty
Among the players in attendance, the accolades are legendary. Out of the 15 athletes invited to the camp, 11 have claimed a combined 26 Olympic (5-on-5 and 3×3) and Women’s World Cup (5-on-5) gold medals. Among those 11 are current Phoenix Mercury player and WNBA legend Diana Taurasi, who at 40 years old is the most experienced player invited.
“USA basketball is a very special organization,” said Taurasi. “I’ve been a part of it since 1998 when I started playing under-18. It’s something that I have always taken great respect playing in and it’s always an honor.”
Taurasi is the oldest player invited to camp by four years but still has the drive and passion to compete for the United States. She enumerated the things that USA basketball has given her over the years, things like learning how to be a better teammate and being unselfish. Joining Taurasi was current Washington Mystic Elena Delle Donne, who is coming back to USA basketball after nearly a year. She touched on the feeling of being back and getting to play.
“It’s really awesome to be back,” said Delle Donne. “Now, a year later and getting a bunch of WNBA games under my belt and being at this camp, it is so nice to be in full practice.”
The Rise of the WNBA Superteam
A large point of discussion among the players and media was the aftermath of the major trades that had happened just days before the camp had begun. Briana Stewart, who was not invited to camp, has signed with the New York Liberty. This move, in addition to Candace Parker’s move to the Las Vegas Aces, marks the beginning of the WNBA super team era. Current New York Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu was quick to comment on the major additions the team made.
“I’ve talked to all of them, obviously really excited to have them join the team,” said Ionescu. “I think with my skill set, with the ability to pass and score at all three levels, I think we will all fit right in. If I have to have 15 assists per game and not score for us to win, that is what I will do.”
A Try-Out of Sorts
Among the players invited to camp was current free agent Angel McCoughtry, who at 36 years old is still seeking out plans for the upcoming WNBA season. McCoughtry’s career accomplishments and accolades are quite impressive. Though, she has seen her off-court career thrive while her on-court career takes a bit of a detour. Nevertheless, she still thinks she has plenty left to give on the court.
“I think I still have juice left in the tank,” said McCoughtry. “I think I am at that point now where I am just smooth sailing. As you get older, things just take a little more time to heal but now I am feeling good; feeling like my old self again.”
She is embracing being the only player invited to camp without a team and wants to prove it on the court. She is ready to find a new team, contribute and win this upcoming season.
Final Thoughts
Despite this camp being merely an opportunity to evaluate the talent pool for the Women’s National team, this group of stars is hungry to remain the best in the world. With the WNBA season starting in May and the Olympics looming on the horizon, it should be a fun year.
