Two weeks ago I had a chance to spend a few days in Vegas as a court coach for the USA Women's Basketball National Team mini-camp. It's always an honor to get a call from USA Basketball and I eagerly accepted the opportunity to work with Geno Auriemma and the players in the WNBA hoping to be future Olympians. It really was a tremendous experience.Â
The 19 players that participated in the camp quickly took off their individual hats and competed proudly in their USA practice jerseys. In some cases, they took on different roles in order to help their teams and in most cases they had to come out of their comfort zone in order to adjust quickly to Geno's offense and unselfishly find a way to make a great impression.Â
I was impressed with how coachable the players were and how professionally they went about the weekend. It was clear to the coach's and the selection committee that the future of USA basketball is in good hands and the task of whittling down that pool to 12 players for next year's World Championship will be a difficult one!Â
As always, it was a privilege for me to be there. Every time I participate with USA Basketball I learn so much from the people around me and I take a lot of pride in any role I have in shaping the future of our sport at the highest level.Â
Thanks to Geno, Doug Bruno, Dawn Staley and Pokey Chatman for making it a special weekend and for helping me take my coaching to the next level.Â
Go USA!
