Candace Parker helped Tennessee to two straight regular-season wins over UConn in 2006 and 2007. And she had a monster performance as a sophomore when she finished with 30 points, 12 rebounds, six blocks and four assists in a 70-64 win at the then-Hartford Civic Center Jan. 6, 2007. That was the last time the two teams played. That was the last time Parker was on the same court with Huskies’ coach Geno Auriemma in a competitive setting.
But that will change next month when the 2009-12 U.S. National Team, which will be led by Auriemma, convenes for training camp at a site and date still to be announced. Parker, along with former Lady Vols stars Tamika Catchings and Kara Lawson, was among the eight players named to the team Monday.
Parker spoke about playing for Geno and how the rivalry might come into play during what was a lengthy teleconference.
“When you come to practice we may have an orange jersey on underneath the USA Basketball uniform or he may have on a Connecticut jersey underneath his, but we’re playing for the same team,’’ Parker said. “We’re representing the United States. We’re going to put all that aside. I’m sure that we’ll have some jokes. The rivalry is always going to be there. We’re two of the best program in women’s basketball so it will always be there. But we’re representing something much greater and I’m excited to have the opportunity to have him as my coach and get better under him. I’ll think he’ll do great for USA Basketball.’’
With Sue Bird, Diana Taurasi, Seimone Augustus, Sylvia Fowles, and Cappie Pondexter also in the core group of this team, Auriemma has either coached or faced off against each player in some high intensity battles at the college level.
“This is amazing, actually,’’ Pondexter said. “I’m so excited because we battled in college for four years, and I played for him for two World Championship teams (2000, 2001). So that in itself is something I’m looking forward to, especially now that I’m older and honestly I learned so much from him. He gave me my first real experience in what playing great basketball is all about. I learned how to work hard under him. And I’m definitely thankful for it and I’m looking forward to doing it again. I know he’s a winner for sure. So I’m really excited.’’
UConn senior Tina Charles and junior Maya Moore are not likely to be invited to participate at the National Team training camp next month. However, when it comes to their future participation with the team, USA Basketball Women’s National Team Director Carol Callon said Monday that “they are on our radar.’’
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