Fab Four key for U.S. women's hoops team

< Prev | 1 | 2

Inside NBCSports.com

Scores, schedules
Fantasy sports
Trash Talk
Player news
Sports odds
Game matchups
Week in Pictures
JT The Brick

Fowles, an LSU senior, and Paris, an Oklahoma junior, were part of the senior national team that played in Italy in April and gained valuable international experience. Wiggins was a newcomer, being invited to the camp late last week after helping the U.S. win gold at the under-21 tournament and Pan American Games this summer.

“I know for me, every day is just trying to absorb as much information as you can,” the Stanford senior guard said. “To be on the same court as these veterans and play with them I’ve learned so much.”

Fowles was only able to attend the New York portion of the camp as she had to go back to LSU for classes. However, she left a strong impression on some of her teammates.

Story continues below ↓

advertisement | your ad here

“She plays above the rim,” Kara Lawson said. “It’s unbelievable watching her go get that ball and put it back in.”

Fowles would love the opportunity to come back and help the U.S. qualify in Chile.

“Definitely, I’d love for them to invite me. I’ve been blessed with the chance to play with all these great players and I’d be honored if they chose me.”

Whereas Parker was the lone college player on the world championship team, she now has her three friends to hang out with. Parker, Paris and Wiggins first played together on the U.S. under-18 national team. That’s where Parker and Wiggins got the nicknames “Ace” and “Ice” so that they could be told apart.

“I’ve know Courtney since freshman year in high school and I’ve know Candace forever, and Syl too,” Wiggins said.

Those friendships have lasted despite playing across the country from each other during the college season.

“You look in the paper and see every other day that Courtney had 20 (points) and 20 (rebounds),” Parker said. “We keep up, it’s hard not to.”

Despite having to head back to school soon, all four college players have enjoyed their national experience and would love a chance to play for the U.S. team in Chile and help America qualify for the Olympics.

“We’re learning as much as we can from them so we can keep the USA on top,” Parker said. “After playing in the world championships and losing to Russia we’re trying to bring basketball back to the United States.”

< Prev | 1 | 2