May 22, 2006

Columbia, S.C. – South Carolina power forward Demetress Adams competed for a roster spot at the USA Basketball U20 National Team trials in Colorado Springs from May 18-21, and though she was not selected as one of the 18 finalists for a spot on the roster, the rising sophomore from Bishopville said the trials were a very good learning experience that will only help her to become a better player in the long run.

“I feel like I learned so much in three days out there and it was a great experience for me,” Adams said. “It was encouraging that the people at USA Basketball gave me the opportunity and it was one that I will never forget.”

While in Colorado Springs, Adams spent a good deal of time banging inside with such post players as Oklahoma’s Courtney Paris and Ashley Paris and Auburn’s KeKe Carrier, who all own a substantial size and weight advantage over her. Adams said she compensated for her size disadvantage by utilizing her athleticism.

“Athletically, I made a point of using my feet to get around and to get up and down the floor against them,” Adams said. “The coaches were very encouraging and they told me that I needed to focus on blocking them out and rebounding.”

Though she battled with the players during the workout sessions, Adams said one of the most rewarding parts of the trials experience was the relationships she formed with several of the other participants.

“I actually had a stop in Houston on the way out to Colorado and bumped into Erica White from LSU and Erlana Larkins from North Carolina in the airport and we got to talking about the trials,” Adams said. “Those other two both had experience with USA Basketball before and they let me know what to expect. They were very positive about everything and I got more and more excited about it by just talking to them. We met up with a couple of the other players in the Colorado airport and once we got to the training center, there were so many superstars in one room.

“When we got out on the court, it was a great experience because it wasn’t as much about competition as it was about learning things from everyone and picking up on some things about everybody’s game. All the players were very encouraging during post work and drills and we were all helping each other.”

Adams roomed with Auburn’s DeWanna Bonner and Texas A&M’s Morenike Atunrase at the athletes’ dormitory. She said the group spent most of their off time watching television, talking and laughing and added that all the players stayed in the same hall.

“Even though the tryouts could be stressful at times, everyone was loose and we all had fun at the dorm,” Adams said. “One of the best things about the dorm is that you wake up and go outside and you have the mountains right there in your backyard. It was real nice.”

Adams said she learned a lot about her own game at the trials and learned what she needed to work on to compete at the elite level.

“Playing out there against some of the best post players in the country, I learned that I need to work on getting stronger,” Adams said. “I felt good about where I was athletically and in terms of my skills, but I need to get a lot stronger to play at this level.”

Adams returned to Columbia and was back in classes on Monday, but said her experience with USA Basketball was a memorable one.

“Going out there and competing for a spot with USA Basketball was the best basketball experience I have ever had,” Adams said. “It challenged me as a player and showed me where I am and where I can be. I was really tested and I am going to continue to work and I hope they call me again.”