July 29, 2005

How was your experience with the Russian Junior National Team?
It was a great experience because I got to play on a very good team with a lot of good players who I grew up playing with. It was fun to get back together with my friends and wear that Russian uniform. Unfortunately we didn't do too well, but we tried our best. It was a lot of fun.

What countries did you visit, and which was your favorite?
We visited Cuba, Tunisia, Russia, America and Belarus. My favorite had to be Cuba, because the second day we were there I broke my nose. It was so much fun lying in the hotel room and looking at the ceiling while my fellow teammates were playing. But really, Tunisia was fun because we got to meet a lot of people from the teams we played.

What country had the best food? What country had the worst food?
Tunisia had so much food and a selection of everything. It was really good, but Russian food always wins. Cuba had the worst food. We ate rice every single day.

Did you meet any interesting people on your journeys?
The tournament in San Diego, the International Sports Invitational, also had a men's volleyball tournament as part of it, so we met and hung out with a lot of volleyball players who play overseas. We met a guy who's dating Michelle Kwan, so that was really cool. We met a lot of other people from a lot of different places. It's fun knowing that people all over the world love the same game you do.

What part of your game did you concentrate on most?
It's hard after you don't play that much to get back on track. I had a different role, more of a leadership role. It was an adjustment. I played the 4, but I tried to work on my jump shot and stepping out to the perimeter rather than being inside all the time.

How is it to be back in the USA?
It's good to be back. As much as I love Russia, two and one-half months is pretty much enough. I'm the kind of person who likes to change things up, so I'm excited to start a new year and move into my apartment.

Are you looking forward to going back overseas to France and Switzerland with your Purdue teammates, or would you prefer to have a break?
Yes, I'm really excited. I've been to the Paris airport seven times this summer, but have never made it out of there. I'm excited to explore France and see how pretty it is. I'm sure Switzerland is going to be awesome, too.

What will your Purdue teammates and coaches be surprised to see about your game when you get back out on the court with them?
Hopefully they'll see that I have my confidence back, and hopefully that I'll be better.

What are your expectations for 2005-06?
I definitely want to contribute more. I want to help my team get better by first getting better individually.