CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA — Seimone Augustus and the 2006 USA Basketball Women’s Senior National team fell to host Australia, 76-65, in the final game of the Opals World Challenge play on Wednesday.
The loss was the first for Team USA in the spring training session, but the United States came away with a first place finish due to the fact that the USA’s earlier victory over Australia was by 20 points.
Augustus managed two points on 1-4 shooting and added a rebounds and a steal in 14 minutes. In her three games with Team USA, the first selection of 2006 WNBA draft, averaged 8.3 points and 3.7 rebounds in 19.0 minutes.
After the tournament, USA Basketball sat down with Fowles to talk about her experience with Team USA:
What is it like being out here with professionals and long-time USA Basketball veterans?
FOWLES: I feel like I’m blessed to be able to have the opportunity to come out here and play with them. They’re cool to be around, they all act like mothers, they all teach everything we need to know. They’re fun to be with.
What kind of things are they teaching you on or off the court?
FOWLES: Just to keep doing what I was doing and not to rush my shots. That’s a big thing, I always have to worry about rushing. Don’t rush my shots and continue to do what I’m doing. They also taught me that I need to go out there every day and be ready to play and give it your all when you’re out there on the court. (Off the court) they tell us to be yourself. It’s basically common sense. Don’t do anything where you wouldn’t want your name out there, don’t put yourself in bad terms. Be yourself, continue to do what you’re doing and don’t do anything to ruin the program.
(The veterans’) work ethic is good. Everybody gets out there, especially the veterans. They’re really hard on us young ones because they expect us to do good all the time, but it’s always a good thing, a positive thing. Everybody’s been working hard.
Are you still learning from the veteran players even though you’re injured and unable to compete?
FOWLES: Oh yeah. Tina Thompson always says something to me when she comes out. Or Katie (Smith), Swin (Cash), they always keep me motivated, even though I’m not out on the court. It’s a good thing because it keeps me focused on everything. It’s all about motivation, just to keep me in it, to make sure I’m still in the game even though I’m injured. Just make sure I’m staying focused and know what’s going on even though I’m not out there.
How difficult was it for you to make the transition from the NCAA Tournament and playing with your college team to coming out here with the USA Basketball Women’s Senior National Team?
FOWLES: It wasn’t very difficult. I got over it kind of fast, I didn’t have much of a choice. If I was to sit and ponder on it I don’t think I’d be in the right state of mind. But just to come out here and be ready to work, they help you out with every problem you have. I think it was a good transition for me.
How will this help your game next season?
FOWLES: Just to learn how to be a vocal leader and how to see the floor. Not just going out there and playing, but to be able to read defenses, and just to be ready to go out there and work and be a leader.
What have you been doing off the court?
FOWLES: Just chilling, hanging out among ourselves.
What went through your mind when you found out you would be added to the team for this portion of spring training?
FOWLES: I felt that I was blessed. But then again I was kind of nervous because I didn’t know how it would be. It’s been good though.
Has it helped having Seimone Augustus out there with you?
FOWLES: Oh yeah, it did.
How do you like Australia?
FOWLES: I’m liking it a lot. The weather in Cairns reminded me of home. Hot and sticky!
Why didn’t you hold the koala bear?
FOWLES: I don’t deal with animals. I don’t mind holding them, but when they start moving I tend to let go. I didn’t want that problem!