National Team News

The news out of Storm camp the last two days has all been about national teams and the upcoming Olympics. Yesterday, Sue Bird was one of nine players named to the U.S. Olympic Team. USABasketball.com has plenty of coverage, including a Q&A with Bird. The site also has some quotes from yesterday's press conference to announce the team, which included Head Coach Anne Donovan.

There are three more players to be chosen for the team, announcements USA Basketball said yesterday are expected by July 1.

"We still have three more players to add to the team," said Renee Brown, chair of the selection committee, in yesterday's release, "and we’re hoping to add a tough defensive stopper on the perimeter who can also score for us, as well as at least another post player."

Storm forward Swin Cash could figure into the mix for those last three spots, having played extensively for the U.S. National Team over the winter and spring. Cash could be that defensive player the committee is looking for, though the first choice for that position is likely to be Tamika Catchings should the Indiana Fever's All-Star forward return from her torn Achilles soon enough to convince USA Basketball she is healthy and ready to go for Beijing.

Today came the news that center Kelly Santos has joined her Brazilian National Team. Why now? Brazil has yet to qualify for the Olympics and will be taking part in the inaugural FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament for Women in Madrid, Spain from June 9-15. The last five spots in the Olympics will be on the line in Madrid, and Brazil has to be considered amongst the favorites in a field that also includes the likes of Cuba, the Czech Republic and Spain.