Interview: Karlie Samuelson

GB face Sweden this evening in the penultimate warm up game before travelling to Latvia next week for the start of FIBA Women’s EuroBasket. Ahead of this weekend’s double-header, GB spoke with Karlie Samuelson to get her thoughts on mood in the camp, Sweden and Spain and her first experience of EuroBasket.

How’s the mood in camp after the back to back wins v Canada?

“It’s good! Now we’ve travelled to Spain and I’m excited to play some teams that are actually in EuroBasket and see the difference. I know that the team played Sweden a couple of weeks ago and we’ll get a good look at Spain who are in our group so yeah, I’m excited.”

Looking ahead to these last two warm up games, what are you expecting from Sweden and Spain?

“Obviously they’re both really good teams. I know Sweden pressured the ball that last game and I think I just want to get a good feel of the pace of the game. I know Spain’s a really good team so I think it’s a good step to get ready for EuroBasket and see what we can do.”

Do you think at this stage the squad is well prepared for EuroBasket?

“yeah, I think so. We’ll use these games to help for sure but I think just playing together more and more wit the full squad will really help us get ready in these final two games.”

This is your first EuroBasket, what are you looking forward to the most?

“I’m excited to see the atmosphere. I know how big a tournament this is but for me spending a lot of time in the States I haven’t really followed a EuroBasket that closely before so I am excited to be part of it and I’m also excited to travel to new places that I haven’t been to before!”