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The U.S. women's national team, composed of WNBA stars, will not have much time to prepare for next month's World Championships because training camp begins in the middle of the league's finals.
USA Basketball on Thursday released its training schedule, which tips off Aug.29. The WNBA playoffs begin Aug.17 and could run through Sept. 9.
"No doubt that it's a challenge, everybody that's a part of the women's program recognizes that, players as well," U.S. coach Anne Donovan said of the schedule. "The training ... isn't really adequate. But we're going to go over there with very experienced players. Many of them have gone through training in the six weeks of spring, so they have a foundation for what this staff is looking for, and we've got the best players in the world when we go over there.
"It will be about going over there and everybody fulfilling the role that's set up for them in order for us to capture the gold. No doubt it's a daunting task, but these women are capable."
The USA has won three consecutive Olympic gold medals and the last two World Championships.
The preparation for next month's challenge includes an exhibition against rival Australia, featuring WNBA MVP candidate Lauren Jackson.
The USA has beaten Jackson and Australia in the last two Olympic gold medal games. However, Australia beat the USA in their last meeting, April 12 in an Australian-hosted international tournament.
"The game against Australia, that's one of the teams we'll be contending with in the medal run, so fans will get to see the Australian team and our team coming together before the Worlds," said Donovan, who also coaches Jackson with the Seattle Storm. "It will be a very competitive game, as it always is when we play against Australia."
The U.S. team includes Seimone Augustus (Minnesota Lynx), Alana Beard (Washington Mystics), Sue Bird (Seattle), Tamika Catchings (Indiana Fever), Yolanda Griffith (Sacramento Monarchs), Lisa Leslie (L.A. Sparks), DeLisha Milton-Jones (Washington), Katie Smith (Detroit Shock), Sheryl Swoopes (Houston Comets), Tina Thompson (Houston) and Diana Taurasi (Phoenix Mercury). More players will be invited to training camp, from which the final roster spot will be named.
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