USA - Griner, Vandersloot, added to United States roster

COLORADO SPRINGS (Olympics) - United States women's coach Geno Auriemma has welcomed Brittney Griner and Courtney Vandersloot into the national team after they were added to the roster by the Player Selection Committee.

Baylor University junior Griner and Chicago Sky rookie Vandersloot take the roster to 26, from which 12 players will be selected for next summer's Olympics.

Griner and Vandersloot have got the call after impressing at Auriemma's May training camp.

“Brittney and Courtney fit right in with the rest of the team during our last training camp in Vegas,” said Auriemma. “They proved during that training camp that they deserved to be there and I’m glad that the committee has added them to the team.

"Brittney adds a new dimension to the post play with her size and ability to not only block shots, but she’s a game changer on the inside. She kept getting better and better each day.

"And I was also impressed by the way Courtney picked up everything quickly. You tell her once and she’s running it. She’s very smart and can do a lot of different things that you need in a point guard.”

Griner, an All-American selection last season after averaging 23.0ppg and 7.8rpg for Baylor, was excited by the news.

“I was overwhelmed,” she said. “It’s something that I’ve always wanted to do and be a part of growing up. Now to be named to the team and have a shot at playing on the Olympic team, it was the best feeling I’ve ever had.”

The news caps an exciting summer for Vandersloot, who was the third pick in the WNBA Draft out of Gonzaga and has since averaged 8.5ppg and 4.4apg for the Sky.

“I was really excited when I found out,” said Vandersloot. “I felt fortunate to even get the opportunity to train with them in May, but once I found out they were adding me to the pool I was really excited.

"It’s a great opportunity for me to be able to play and learn from some of the best players in the world.

"I thought maybe later in my career, I would hopefully be given this chance, but I really didn’t think it would be this soon. To even be considered is an honor.”

FIBA