Yinka Sanni's Diary
September 13, 2006 01:41 PM | General
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| Olayinka Sanni |
Sunday, September 10
I woke up this morning around 9 a.m., had breakfast and then went off to practice from 10-11. We practiced for about an hour due to FIBA's rules. In practice we focused on trying to play with a lot pressure on the ball in preparation for Russia on Tuesday. On our way to practice Coach Cook gave us a motivational speech so that we could start getting ready and focus on the things that needed to get done.
After practice we had a snack at 4:30. During the time that we have off most of the girls took a bath and got some rest. Then we practiced again at 6:30 until 7:30 pm. As of this writing I’m on my way to practice so I don’t know what we will be doing yet. But now we have to start focusing on getting ready for Russia and take it one day at a time.
Tuesday, September 12
Russia 84, Nigeria 50
Today I woke up feeling so great knowing that I was going to play in my first international basketball game. We had breakfast at 8 a.m. and then had lunch at 11:30. After lunch we all had to get ready for the game. We had a meeting at 1 p.m. but our game was at 3:45. In our meeting we talked about the game and prepared for Russia. Kevin Cook our head coach said that this was one of the most important days for him and us. He was ready to beat Russia. As the time passed by I was so ready and trying my best to prepare myself. The day before the game some of the girls went to the weight room, but I did not because I wanted to practice everything that I do when I’m at WVU.
Unfortunately we lost to Russia. I did not start but I came in as the sixth man as a forward. The first thing that came to my mind after the game was that I played in the World Cup! This game was like another level from college. The Russia team reminded me of Villanova. The reason for saying that is because the girls from Russia were shooting 3s and it was hard for us to defend them. We played a 2-3 defense. In the first half we tried to mix it up and that seemed to work. By the second half we did not come out ready to play so that’s the reason why we lost in the fourth quarter.
Well now we have to forget Russia and get ready for USA. The game will be on NBA TV Wednesday night at 6:30 and then on FSN at midnight.
So look out for us.
