Inexperienced US team growing up at worlds

OSTRAVA, Czech Republic (AP) - Despite a wealth of talent on the U.S. women's basketball roster, only three players have world championship experience.

Sue Bird, Diana Taurasi, and Tamika Catchings are the only players who have competed at past worlds. The veterans see it as their responsibility to bring along the young roster.

Sylvia Fowles and Swin Cash have played in major international events such as the Olympics. Cash was part of the 2004 team and Fowles in 2008. Still, that schedule is different from worlds because there is a day off between games.

That leaves over half the roster without any major international experience.

After a day off Sunday, the U.S. will open the second round Monday against Canada.