Mercury guard Diana Taurasi, leading candidate to be WNBA Rookie of the Year, is keeping an Olympic diary for The Republic. The U.S. women's basketball team (2-0) plays Korea (0-2) today.

On the court: We had a real nice victory (over Czech Republic on Monday). We're starting to play well together and trying to get in a groove. Every time on the court, no matter what the group, we have a good chemistry and flow.

Buddy up: I went to see Penny (Taylor of the Mercury) play (Australia vs. Russia on Monday night). She's a teammate and a good friend and I want to be out there for her. Those are the two teams we have to worry about the most. I wanted to get a feel for how they're playing.

Boat people: The boat we're living on is a little removed from the venues and the other athletes. It's always fun to meet the other athletes. It's been boat, practice, boat, practice, boat, game. There's a ton of stuff to do on the boat, a game room and three pools. Any chance we get, we go on the deck and just relax and spend time together. My sister is staying with me and my parents are there, too.

For more Phoenix Suns coverage, check out www.azcentral.com, Arizona's homepage.

Star gazing: I got to meet Andy Roddick and hung out with (Puerto Rican basketball star) Carlos Arroyo. I want to check out Argentina's soccer and basketball teams.

U.S. men: Puerto Rico played as well as they're going to play in their lifetime. Our guys are trying to find their identity. They'll be fine. We'll be out there supporting them.

Focus: We came here to win a gold medal and anything extra is fun. The minute you think you've got it covered, you're in trouble, so we're working hard. We don't have the luxuries we have at home in how we're treated.

COPYRIGHT 2004, AZCENTRAL.COM. Used with permission.