COLORADO SPRINGS (2015 FIBA U19 Women's World Championship) - USA head coach Dawn Staley is ready to put her players through their paces in camp ahead of the FIBA U19 Women's World Championship.

However, she will not be able to call upon the services of influential Asia Durr. An injury has resulted in the holders turning to University of Notre Dame freshman Ali Patberg as a replacement ahead of the preparation camp which starts on Tuesday at the United States Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs.

"Anytime a team loses someone like Asia Durr, someone who has had a lot of success in USA Basketball, it leaves a pretty big void," said Staley.

"But our country has the best players in the world and in adding Ali Patberg, we'll be just fine.

"She brings to our team a hard-nosed player who has the ability to create her own shot and she has tremendous court vision.

"We're looking to add those attributes as we lose someone like Asia Durr.

"I'm really excited to start training camp.

"We have a big feat ahead of us and the more opportunity we have to prepare, the better.

“I'm looking forward to working with a star-studded roster. - Staley

“Hopefully we can get everyone meshing sooner than later, but with experience in USA Basketball I know that everybody is willing to do their part for us to be successful."

For her part, Patberg said: "I was really excited, it was almost like it wasn't real.

"When [USA Basketball women's national team director] Carol [Callan] called me, I heard what she said, but it took me a while to really realise what it meant to be able to be a part of the USA [U19] National Team and represent my country.

"I'll contribute in any way the team needs me to. I handle the ball well. I can create shots for other people. I'll do whatever they need me to do in order to help the team win.

"I love Asia as a person and I know that she's a great player, so it stinks for her to not be able to go, but also I think that since she can't play, she would want me to take her place and play hard for her.

"I want her to get better and be healthy."

Prior to heading to Russia for the championship itself, the USA will play in a round-robin tournament between 12-14 July 12-14 against Australia, Canada and Spain.

USA roster for 2015 FIBA U19 Women's World Championship: A'ja Wilson, Napheesa Collier, Mariya Moore, Kristine Anigwe, Lauren Cox, Crystal Dangerfield, Ali Patberg, Katie Lou Samuelson, Gabbi Ortiz, Azura Stevens, Shakayla Thomas, Chatrice White.

FIBA