Harding looking for Belarus to make some noise in Rio

RIO DE JANEIRO (Rio 2016 Olympics) - Lindsey Harding isn't at the Rio Olympics just to make up numbers with her Belarus national team. The Phoenix Mercury point guard warned they are looking to make some noise.

"I am not here just to participate. I am in Rio to play a role. I have high expectations of this team. Some people may think that we won't move from the pool play, but we are very hard to beat." - Harding 

After missing two weeks of Belarus's preparations in the country's capital Minsk, Harding rejoined the team in Rio on Wednesday.

In her first contact with Anatoly Buyalski's team since they claimed one of the five tickets for Rio at the 2016 FIBA Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament (WOQT), the 1.73m guard encountered a team more ready than ever.

They advanced to Rio thanks to a 3-2 mark in the 12-team event held last month in Nantes, France but the 32-year-old feels they could do a lot better in Rio.

Talking to FIBA.com, Harding said: "I am not here just to participate. I am in Rio to play a role. I have high expectations of this team. Some people may think that we won't move from the pool play, but we are very hard to beat. The qualifier (WOQT) wasn't our best showing, we can do a lot better than that."

The fact that she stayed in the U.S playing for the Mercury while her national team was preparing in Europe "wasn't an issue", she said.

"It's just about keeping the poise, keeping the mindset right and implementing the plays that coach wants us to. It's a great feeling to be back with the girls after a little break. These girls are very easy to play with."

Harding and Yelena Leuchanka were key in Belarus' qualification for Rio

Harding is among a number of WNBA players joining their national teams as the league paused for the Olympic break.

But it's the prospect of making her Olympic debut in style and facing some of her Mercury teammates in Rio - Penny Taylor (Australia), Sonja Petrovic (Serbia), Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner (USA) - that gives Harding extra motivation. 

Belarus and Australia will square off in Group A.

"Every team can beat each other," Harding said.

As Belarus return to the Olympics for the first time in eight years, Rio 2016 is set to become a special occasion for Harding.

"I dreamed of becoming an Olympian as a track and field athlete. Then I started playing basketball when I was 13 and everything changed for good. I never thought I would get this opportunity, but it feels so good to see that all the hard work has paid off."

For Belarus's impact to become a reality in Rio, they will need to do well against their Group A opponents, France, Brazil, Japan, Turkey and Australia.

FIBA