ESPN

Moderator

  (11:05 AM)

Hello everyone! This afternoon we will be chatting with members of the Women's Olympic Basketball team. You can submit questions for ANY player on the team. So send your questions now and join the chat at 5 p.m. ET!

Moderator

  (5:05 PM)

Good afternoon .. we hope to start the chat soon. Some players were traveling today and have been delayed by Hurricane Alex which is threatening the Eastern Coast. Thanks for your patience ..

Moderator

  (5:10 PM)

Swin Cash will be here in about 5 minutes .. send your questions now!

Moderator

  (5:22 PM)

Sorry for the delay everyone .. the players travel was delayed and they are late getting in .. thanks for your patience.

Swin Cash

  (5:24 PM)

I am here and ready to go!

katie (h-town)

Swin- If the USA wins the gold you will have won a championship in every divisions of play. What do you think your furture goals are going to be?

Swin Cash

  (5:25 PM)

Good question! More championships at every level! Once you win one you just want to keep winning.

Lafayette, LA

Swin what was it like to win the WNBA championship and how do you think that feel will compare to winning a gold medal?

Swin Cash

  (5:26 PM)

I think they are pretty much the same thing. I'm a goal oriented person so I always want to reach every goal I set for myself.

Leah: (Connecticut)

Swin, how concerned are you about the rash of injuries suffered by some of your USA teammates? Good Luck in the Olympics!

Swin Cash

  (5:26 PM)

Not really. We are banged up a little but that just means other players will have to be ready to step up.

Keith CA

Hi girls,Do you guys have any trick plays or surprises you are hoping to unveil at the Olympics?

Swin Cash

  (5:27 PM)

(Laughing) I think we might have one or two!

Toop (Honolulu, HI)

Any concerns about the security over in Athens?

Swin Cash

  (5:27 PM)

I"m not worried. But I'm very aware of what is going on. I have to thank the WNBA for really keeping us informed.

Raquel Reading, PA

This question is for anyone after seeing thw U.S. Men lose today I was wondering when was the last time the U.S. Women's team lost a game? Not for a while right...?

Swin Cash

  (5:28 PM)

I don't remember exactly. It wont be any time soon!

Yesenia(San Antonio)

After already having played at Radio city and having been the first player to have fallen of the stage, do you still plan on going after every ball.

Swin Cash

  (5:29 PM)

(Laughing) You can bet on that! That's just my style of play.

Lucy Houston, TX

How do you like Coach Van? We love him in Houston!

Swin Cash

  (5:30 PM)

He's a great coach. He is such a competitor and really wants to win.

Nick

Who do you think is the biggest competition?

Swin Cash

  (5:30 PM)

I think Australia and Russia. They have both improved dramatically over the last few years.

Rae OR

Since you and Sue are such good friends are you guys rooming together for the olympics?

Swin Cash

  (5:31 PM)

My, myself and I! No roomates! On our International tour I will probably be with Sue like in college.

Lucy Houston, TX

How is the international game different from the WNBA game?

Swin Cash

  (5:31 PM)

I think the international game has more interchangeable players. The 1, 2 and 5 can all handle the ball and shoot 3's.

Joe

Are any of your feet ticklish????

Swin Cash

  (5:32 PM)

Yes! I'm ticklish!

SweetP Seattle, Wa

What are you guys planning to do in your downtime?

Swin Cash

  (5:33 PM)

During the season, I enjoy spending time with family and friends. I like to watch NFL and NBA and work on other projects. In Athens, I'm focused on winning so I don't expect to have much time off.

patrizzel, kent, wa

What are you guys most excited for when in Athens? The games, the atmosphere, or just the honor of playing for your country?

Swin Cash

  (5:34 PM)

Just the interaction with different athletes and hearing their stories and experiences!Thanks for all the questions and for supporting USA Basketball! I think Diana is next!

Diana Taurasi

  (5:35 PM)

I'm here!

Jon Denver

Could you beat the USA Men ? Italy Did.

Diana Taurasi

  (5:35 PM)

(Laughing) Italy sure did beat them didn't they? Probably set them straight!

Moscow (philadelphia)

What national teams do you feel will give you your most difficult challange towards your ultimate goal of a gold medal?

Diana Taurasi

  (5:36 PM)

Once you get to Olympics, everyone is so good. Australia, Russia, Czech Republic are all great.

Lafayette, LA

What is the hardest thing to deal with as an Olympian? What (other than losing gold) is your greatest fear?

Diana Taurasi

  (5:37 PM)

It's been a great honor. I've just been extremely anxious to start playing.

katie (h-town)

What was it like going from college ball to the wnba and now the olympics all in less than a year? I kno you gotta be worn out

Diana Taurasi

  (5:37 PM)

You know what, I do get fatigued but I'm mentally prepared and very excited.

Chase (Kansas City)

What is it like being on the Olympic team as a rookie?

Diana Taurasi

  (5:38 PM)

I'm a rookie for sure. But I have to go through growing pains.

La Toya (Columbus)

You only played 4 minutes in your last game because of your injury? How is your injury and how will it affect you in the olympics?

Diana Taurasi

  (5:39 PM)

It's been feeling better everyday. I just have to wait it out and let it heal.

Katy, ROchester NY

who are u gonna room up with.. ur teammates from Uconn?

Diana Taurasi

  (5:39 PM)

We get our own room which is great.

Niecsha Reading, PA

Do you think you'll beat the WNBA All-Stars easily or do you think it will be a close game. Try to get 100 ok?

Diana Taurasi

  (5:40 PM)

It will be a close game. The best players in the nation on two teams. It will be very competitive.

Jake, St George, UT

Diana, are you single?

Diana Taurasi

  (5:40 PM)

Yes, definitely.

Rupi (Storrs, CT)

Are you guys planning on running any old UConn plays?

Diana Taurasi

  (5:41 PM)

Yeah, I think so. As soon as I get on the court there will be some backdoors. Look out for them.

Maria(Arizona)

Good luck in Athens Dee. Do you ever get nervous during big games?

Diana Taurasi

  (5:41 PM)

A little bit in the beginning but I always settle down.

Juan (Miami)

How's it like playing with your former UCONN teammates?

Diana Taurasi

  (5:42 PM)

Whenever you are with people you have known for so long it just makes everything easier.

Lafayette, LA

Who's going with you to Athens?

Diana Taurasi

  (5:43 PM)

My parents and sister will be there.

sydney australia

As Australia has the best woman's basketball player. How are you going to stop her?

Diana Taurasi

  (5:43 PM)

It's going to be extremely tough. We will put up a good fight though.

La Toya (Columbus, oh)

I heard that you are going to be on the coevr of ESPN the magazine? Do you know when it will hit news stands?

Diana Taurasi

  (5:45 PM)

I'm not sure! We'll know soon I guess.Thanks for the questions! I have to run .. make sure to watch the Olympics and the WNBA season after that! Some other players will be coming on in a few minutes so stick around.

Moderator

  (5:46 PM)

Hey everyone! Thanks to Swin and Diana for stopping by ... keep sending your questions for the team, we'll be chatting with other players in just a few minutes.

Ruth Riley

  (5:50 PM)

I am here! I'm getting my ankle taped!

Joe Fan, El Paso

With the USA men's b-ball team losing to Italy today, is this a wake-up call to you women that this is a totally different game than what is played in NBA/WNBA?

Ruth Riley

  (5:51 PM)

I think that all of us realize the significance of these games. There are great teams all over the world but we are confident in what we can do.

George B (Washington DC)

How do you feel safety wise right now with all of the war/terrorism in the world today?

Ruth Riley

  (5:51 PM)

I'm not worried much at all. I know the security is doing the best they can. We know terrorism is a threat but everyone is doing all they can.

katie (h-town)

What do you and the team like to do for fun?

Ruth Riley

  (5:52 PM)

I think that will be determined in the next few days once we get over there.

Armon,losangeles,ca

how tough do you think this game will be for you and is this a game you really wanna focus on because your the USA team and there on the WNBA team?

Ruth Riley

  (5:54 PM)

I think the game tomorrow will be a great event. It's not only the best players from the country but so many great players from the WNBA. It should be a lot of fun.

Joey, Nj

What kind of music do you and your olympic teammates like to listen to?

Ruth Riley

  (5:55 PM)

Well, this is our first practice! We've just recently go together so I'm not sure yet.

Jaime Newark, NJ

Ruth, how much prep did u get with the Olympic team seeing that you were only named to the Olympic team less than a month ago

Ruth Riley

  (5:56 PM)

Personally, that is the interesting part about this whole Olympics. We have been playing with our respective teams and today is the first time we've really been together.

Jack(jersey)

Who will be the USA toughest competition?

Ruth Riley

  (5:57 PM)

I think because we are the reigning champs, everyone will be wanting to beat us. Australia, Russia, Brazil .. I could go on and on. On any night, as we just saw with the men, anyone can win.

Acacia(Seattle)

Ruth - How did you react when you heard you where named to the U.S.A team after DeLisha's injury?

Ruth Riley

  (5:59 PM)

I was extremely excited. It's been a dream of mine since I was little. I got the call from the Chairman of USA Basketball and I was just so excited.I have to run, wish I could stay longer .. thanks for all your support! Be sure to watch all the games!

Moderator

  (6:02 PM)

Stay tuned everyone.. we'll have a few more players shortly.

Katie Smith

  (6:12 PM)

I am here and ready to go!

Stacey, Renton, WA

Do you think you'll get homesick being away for almost a month?

Katie Smith

  (6:13 PM)

No. We're used to it. I'm away from home for five months in the summer. No homesickness for me.

Esmerelda (Ft. Lauderdale)

What is your eating/meal plans for Greece You can only eat so many Gyros.

Katie Smith

  (6:13 PM)

I'm not really sure yet! We will have some restaurants where we are staying with Americanized food. As long as I have bread I'll be ok.

Jack (maryland)

Are you nervous or excited since normally you are seen nation wide and now you will be world wide.

Katie Smith

  (6:14 PM)

I'm excited, not nervous at all. You forget about all that stuff and you just want to get out there and play.

JP (San Diego)

Why do you think the men used the cop-out about security concerns to refuse invitations to play, when the women seem to not be afraid??

Katie Smith

  (6:15 PM)

I think the men are a little more high profile and with the longer season they just felt they didn't need to go. I've been playing since '93 and many of us have a lot invested in this that the men don't.

dallas, tx

what USA basketball veteran do you think will be the true leader on this team?

Katie Smith

  (6:16 PM)

I think Lisa Leslie, Dawn and Swoopes could all be that person.

John phila.

on a scal of one to ten how confident do you feel about winning the gold. good luck, go USA

Katie Smith

  (6:16 PM)

I'd say we are extremely confident, but not cocky.

Freddy (Compton, CA)

Is it going to be a big deal to adjust to the rules for international play??

Katie Smith

  (6:17 PM)

It takes a little getting used to but it's not hard to adjust.

GAgirl

Katie how's the knee? Will you be able to play in the Games?

Katie Smith

  (6:17 PM)

The knee is doing better than it was but I have to wait and see how it heals.

Vincenzo (Pittsburgh)

who's been the unofficial team "clown" so far?

Katie Smith

  (6:18 PM)

Pretty much the whole team!

Katie Smith

  (6:23 PM)

I have to run, thanks for the questions! Watch the game Thursday night!

Moderator

  (6:24 PM)

Well, that's going to wrap it up for today. To all the Sue Bird fans, sorry we couldn't get her on today but she was delayed and was still traveling. Be sure and watch the game against the WNBA All-Stars Thursday night on ESPN at 7 p.m. ET!