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Today the final 12 will be announced for the USA Senior national team roster for the FIBA World Championships. While the fate of the 14 still in the running is in the hands of the committee, it actually may rest on the knee of one person, Chicago Sky center Sylvia Fowles. Fowles is the cornerstone of the USA team. Lisa Leslie is gone; it is Fowles' turn to be the dominant post in international competition.
But after the regular season Big Syl needed to take some time to have her troublesome knee scoped. Whether or not she can play in the championships is still unknown, and accordingly, final roster selections hang in the balance.
So what exactly was done for a surgical procedure, where does recovery stand, and what should we expect out of Syl? I'll let you hear for yourself.
Dishin & Swishin: Sylvia Fowles on Her Knee and Status
If she cannot go, then the post position falls into the young hands of Rookie of the Year Tina Charles. Is she ready for the responsiblity? Syl likes what she's seen so far.
Dishin & Swishin: Sylvia Fowles on Tina Charles
One thing that Syl has commented on previously was the fact that because of her size, she has felt she doesn't get the same respect as other players regarding foul calling, both on her and committed against her. After watching from press row the physical defense Charles, Asjha Jones, and Jayne Appel put to 6'8" Aussie center Liz Cambage on Friday night in Hartford, I know better what she's talking about, and I asked her about it.
Dishin & Swishin: Sylvia Fowles on the Physicality Inside the Post
Finally, I couldn't let time with Big Syl go by without asking her about the departure of Steven Key from the Sky, and what she is hoping for and anticipating in the future for the Sky.
Dishin & Swishin: Sylvia Fowles on the Coaching Change in Chicago
Will she be able to play or won't she? If she is included on the roster, how much can she play? On a newly operated on knee, can she handle 9 games in 11 days? Important, outstanding questions that the selection committee and coach Auriemma have been thinking about for days, and now must be finalized. One thing is for certain, if Syl has her way, she'll be on the court in the first game, wearing the USA colors proudly and banging her way towards a medal.