Brittney Griner is excited about the energy college players bring to the game.
Griner, who played college basketball ten years ago, will have the opportunity to experience that energy again in USA Basketball’s exhibitions against Lady Vols basketball on Sunday (6 p.m. ET, SEC Network) and Duke on Nov. 12.
“You can see their desire, fight, grit, and youth in their eyes,” Griner expressed on Friday. “Watching how they approach the game against us will be exciting. I can’t wait.”
These exhibitions mark Griner’s return to the U.S. women’s national team since she was detained in Russia for almost ten months last year (source).
“Last night, I had a little moment,” Griner shared. “Being back with USA Basketball and wearing this jersey feels really good.”
USA Basketball is using these exhibitions to assess players and prepare for the Paris 2024 Olympics. Griner had previously played against Team USA in college while they prepared for the Olympics and believes some Tennessee players may eventually join the national team as well.
Tennessee coach Kellie Harper understands the challenge her team faces and wants her players to compete with determination. They will be going against some of the best players in the WNBA, but Harper encourages them to embrace the moment and the opportunity presented to them.
“I want to see our players step out on the court, not back down, really fight, and demonstrate the toughness required when playing against opponents like that,” Harper stated on Thursday. “And for our Olympic team, it’s crucial that they perform well.”
Creating a game plan for an untested USA team is nearly impossible, but Harper mentioned they will provide scouting reports on the players. However, they do not typically develop strategies for exhibitions. Harper wants her players to figure things out and adapt on the spot.
“It’s a great challenge for our team,” Harper remarked. “We might be in the same situation on Sunday.”
Cheryl Reeve, the U.S. women’s basketball coach and coach of the WNBA Minnesota Lynx, will lead both games and the training camp between them. Only three players from the 2021 Olympic team are in the camp, with Reeve excited about the new players and their versatility.
The exhibitions also play a significant role in building team chemistry. Reeve expects tough competition from the Lady Vols, especially their ability to spread the floor with shooters.
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“We need to defend well, which is crucial at the international level,” Reeve mentioned on Friday. “There will be many challenges, and I’m looking forward to it. I know they will make it difficult, and that’s exactly what our team needs.”
One of the new faces familiar with Knoxville is Aliyah Boston, an alumna of South Carolina. She made a strong impression during her first senior training camp leading up to the 2022 FIBA World Cup and received a second invitation this fall.
Reeve mentioned that Boston performed exceptionally well in camp and was not an easy cut from the final World Cup roster. This time, Boston is even more confident on the court.
“I’m really impressed with her, actually, how she carried herself this whole season, at South Carolina and in the pros. She’s a class act,” Griner praised. “And she’s going to be a problem. She’s going to be a problem.”
Cora Hall covers University of Tennessee women’s athletics. Email her at [email protected] and follow her on Twitter @corahalll. If you enjoy Cora’s coverage, consider a digital subscription that allows you to access all of it.
Laura Davis covers the world of basketball with precision. Her articles explore NBA and college basketball, offering game analysis, player profiles, and highlights. Laura’s passion for hoops is evident in her comprehensive basketball coverage.
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