USA - Parker celebrates Olympic selection with awesome display

ISTANBUL (Olympics) - When Candace Parker represented the United States at the 2006 FIBA World Championship, she was still a college player and competing for legendary Tennessee coach Pat Summitt.

Six years on, following a series of injuries and also after becoming a mother, Parker will arrive in London as one of the best all-round players in the game.

No one could have drawn any other conclusion on Sunday in Istanbul when the 25-year-old led UMMC Ekaterinburg past Fenerbahce in Istanbul, 75-68, to clinch third place at the EuroLeague Women Final Eight.

In every facet of the game, Parker dominated.

She scored, passed, brought the ball up the floor, defended the low post and rebounded.

Parker was exquisite, finishing with 16 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, three blocks and two steals.

Maybe the announcement that she was in the USA Olympic team for the second consecutive time had something to do with it.

Parker was among the 11 players named on Friday night by USA Basketball.

“It’s always a huge honor whenever you get to represent your country,” Parker said to FIBA.com.

“The last four years I’ve been injured and obvious, I had Lailaa (daughter).

“Our team is going for a fifth gold medal. It’s always a huge honor to represent your country.”

There is still one place open for the last spot on the roster.

Who would she like to see get it?

“You know what?” she said.

“I think we’re going to let it play out and see who’s playing well in the WNBA season. It’s up for grabs.”

Parker says that no matter which player is chosen, USA Basketball is going to make the right decision.

“There are a lot of great players that are fighting for it, but you can’t go wrong,” she said.

“You can’t make a mistake with that 12th spot.”

FIBA