Photo by: R. Dean Hendrickson
Bussey Invited to Play on United States All-Star Team in China
4/10/2012 1:14:00 PM | Women's Basketball
Katie Bussey’s outstanding play at the Final Four combine has paid dividends. The senior from Alamosa, Colo., has been invited to play on a United States all-star squad that will play nine games in 14 days in China, April 25 – May 9.
Katie Bussey's outstanding play at the Final Four combine has paid dividends. The senior from Alamosa, Colo., has been invited to play on a United States all-star squad that will play nine games in 14 days in China, April 25 – May 9. The squad will play in three different cities and provinces and is being promoted by Atlas Sports in Beijing.
The US All-Stars, sponsored by the United States Basketball Academy, will play three games in each city against the Junior National Teams from China, Australia and New Zealand as they prepare for the FIBA season this summer.
The US squad, who will be coached by former Colorado State and Santa Clara head coach Chris Denker, includes: Bussey, Katelan Redmon, Gonzaga, ReZina TecleMariam, Portland, Talisha Rhea, Seattle, Casey Garrison, Missouri State, Rebekah Gardner, UCLA, Jasmin Holliday, Oregon, Natalie Day, Portland, Jalana Childs, Kansas State, Rachael Hackbarth, Drake, and Kali Bennett, Arizona State.
According to Denker, the US players will have an opportunity to gain valuable international experience as well as showcase their abilities in front of the Women's China Basketball Association's coaches and administrators. In addition, the Aussie coaches will also be scouting the games for professional leagues back in Australia.
“I'm very excited for this opportunity,” Bussey said. “It's my second experience playing internationally. I've met and played against some of the girls and the assistant coach (Ryan Johnson) is from Northern Colorado, so there is some familiarity and I won't be going in not knowing what to expect.
“It will be nice to get the exposure in front of coaches from China, Australia and New Zealand,” Bussey added. “We'll see what comes after that.”
Bussey recently completed one of the best careers in Montana State history. She became just the second player to score over 1,700 points. En route, Bussey became the all-time Big Sky Conference leader in three-point makes with 254 career treys. She also set a MSU record and tied the league mark for points in a single game when she scorched the nets for 41 against Idaho State.
Bussey was a four-time All Big Sky honoree; a four-time Big Sky All Academic pick; and was recently named WBCA All America Honorable Mention.
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