Q and A with Lindsey Harding

Lindsey Harding (Cy Fair HS, Duke University, Minnesota Lynx) is currently in the middle of her first two weeks of practice with USA Basketball as a member of the USA Senior Women's Basketball Team. The team is in Rome right now; so, during some down time for her, Lindsey took a few minutes to answer a few questions from the HRR.

HRR: Did you ever think about playing for USA Basketball when you were younger?

LH: I hoped there would be an opportunity. It’s something I’ve strived for as a goal, but I thought it was going to come along later in life. Like after I was in the WNBA.

HRR: What have you learned from Dawn Staley thus far these first few days?
LH: It’s just the leadership. In college I did have a lot of leadership, but out here there’s a lot more to learn. She was there in my ear telling me what to say, what to do, when to do it, so it was good following her around.

HRR (hokey question): Was it difficult to practice with players you grew up watching and possibly idolizing?
LH: I think the only thing difficult is how much faster the game is, how much stronger and bigger they are. But once you get use to it and get adjusted to it, it gets easier. But at first it was an eye-opener.

HRR: Since you're going from the NCAA Tournament to USA Basketball to the WNBA season in a short amount of time, do you have any concerns about getting tired or getting injured during the WNBA season?
LH: No, I don’t think about getting injured. Period. As for being tired, after the NCAA Tournament I had two weeks where I wasn’t doing anything. And then I’m here for two weeks and the Lynx are giving me a few days off at home in Raleigh. So I’m getting enough time in between.

HRR: How would you describe the differences between the international game and college ball?
LH: They do not call fouls here. I’m just realizing that. And I’m not sure if they know how to call a charge here either (laughs). It’s so physical. But to be honest, I’d rather it be more physical than not physical at all.