AUS – Batkovic returns to bolster world champions Australia

HAINING (FIBA Diamond Ball for Women) - Australia won the 2006 FIBA World Championship without an injured Suzy Batkovic.

Now the center is fully fit and back in the Opals’ line-up as they go for gold at the Beijing Games.

Batkovic had 17 points on Sunday in the Aussies’ 84-70 triumph over China at the FIBA Diamond Ball for Women.

She spoke to FIBA.com after the game.

FIBA: Suzy, you suffered a dislocated thumb back in April at the 2008 Beijing Basketball Test Event but it looks as if you are in good form. How fit are you?

Batkovic: I am coming back slowly but surely. I still have a few more games before we head to Beijing for the Olympics so that makes it easier for me to know that I can get better. But I am getting there.

FIBA: Suzy, you played at the 2004 Olympics in Athens that won the silver medal. What is different about this team from the one four years ago?

Batkovic: We lost a few of our veterans so the team is different but I think to me, it is a little bit younger than it was back then. We have high energy and that is really good.

FIBA: Everyone in Team Australia appears comfortable with everyone putting your national team as favorites to win gold at the Olympics. Do you believe that is the case?

Batkovic: I think for me it's definitely one of our best teams. The chemistry we have with one another, we are a tight bunch. It is probably one of the hardest teams I've been in so it's a really good feeling, fingers crossed that everything goes well.

FIBA: Are you looking forward to the opening ceremony in Beijing?

Batkovic: Unfortunately, we are not attending the opening ceremony as we have a game the next day at nine o'clock in the morning. We also missed the opening ceremony in Athens for the same reason. It is too much on the legs and we need to be rested for our first game.

FIBA