Candice Duprees Team USA Training Camp Blog - Day 5

Today’s practice was cool. It was a bit shorter than normal because it was showcase day for all the fans, which means practice was open to the public so we had a bunch of fans in the gym watching practice. Other than that, practice was pretty much the same. We didn’t scrimmage as much as I thought we were going to. We put in a couple more offensive sets, but mostly we’re focusing on working out the kinks of the offensive plays we put in throughout the week.

After practice we signed autographs and got to interact with the fans a little bit which was great, and we talked to some media there as well.

Once we were finished with the fans and media, I went to dinner with some friends from college. A few people I went to school with in Philly drove down and we went to Benihana!!! Yea!! That place has become one of my favorite places to eat, the food is always good and I like watching the food prepared in front of me. I’ve grown so fond of Beni’s that when I’m back in Chi, I drive all the way out to Lombard for the food!! Unfortunately, my college friends couldn’t stay and hang out. They drove back to Philly after dinner.

Tonight is kind of an exciting night for me. We leave for Russia tomorrow, so I’m spending my time getting my bags situated for the trip. We head to the airport tomorrow (Monday) at 7pm.

Playing in Russia will be exciting because we’ll have an opportunity to see what we look like against another team. Throughout this camp I’ve personally learned a lot. I’m playing at the three a lot more, plus there’s stuff I’m trying to work on both offensively and defensively. Playing the three as opposed to the four is a little different but I’m trying to adjust to it. The switch doesn’t bother me at all. I know it’ll help me expand my game so I’m more than willing to learn the position and make the adjustment, especially if it’ll help the team.

What I’m most excited for though is getting the chance to wear the red, white and blue. It’s an honor to represent the country, my family and Chicago so I’m definitely looking forward to it. I hope that I do a good job when I’m on the floor.

Spending time in D.C. has been fun, but I can’t wait to get to Russia to start playing games. Make sure to check back with me tomorrow for more updates.

Click here to read Candice's Day 4 blog