Eastern Michigan Athletics
Tavelyn James to Play for US Women's Pan Am Games Team
9/27/2011 1:05:00 PM | Women's Basketball
Senior guard will compete Oct. 21-25 in Guadalajara, Mexico
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) — Eastern Michigan University senior guard Tavelyn James (Detroit, Mich.-Mumford) has earned a spot on the roster of the USA women's basketball team that will participate in the 2011 Pan American Games, Oct. 21-25, in Guadalajara, Mexico.
James becomes not only the first EMU player to compete in the event, but also the first student-athlete from a Mid-American Conference institution to be selected for the team's roster.
"I am honored and excited to represent the USA team, EMU and the MAC," said James. "I am looking forward to playing with players from across the country and learn new things from the Team USA coaching staff. The experience will provide a new prospective for me and I am looking forward to becoming a better and more well rounded player."
"This is such a tremendous honor for Tavelyn and our program, as well as for the MAC," said EMU Head Women's Basketball Coach AnnMarie Gilbert. "I have always believed that she would one day be invited to play for USA Basketball. She is, in my opinion, one of the best and fastest small guards in the country. The opportunity for Tavelyn to represent the United States and to compete with and against some of the nation's top players will be a rewarding and unforgettable experience for her. She has worked extremely hard and is so deserving of this special honor."
Besides James, the official 12-member USA roster includes: Breanna Stewart (Cicero-North Syracuse H.S.-North Syracuse, N.Y.), a high school senior who helped the USA to a gold medal and earned a spot on the five-person all-tournament team at the 2011 FIBA U19 World Championship this past July; alongside NCAA student-athletes Shante Evans (Hofstra); Christine Flores (Missouri); Emilie Johnson (UC Santa Barbara); Marissa Kastanek (North Carolina State); Kevi Luper (Oral Roberts); Valencia McFarland (Mississippi); Katelan Redmon (Gonzaga); Kayla Standish (Gonzaga); April Sykes (Rutgers); and Avery Warley (Liberty). The player selections were made by the USA Basketball Women's National Team Committee.
The USA, which will look to defend its 2007 Pan American Games gold medal, will be led by an experienced trio of accomplished coaches, including USA Head Coach Ceal Barry alongside assistant coaches Jennifer Gillom and Debbie Ryan.
The U.S. squad will open training camp on Oct. 15 with an evening practice in Houston, Texas, followed by two practices, Oct. 16 and 17, and a morning session, Oct. 18. The team will depart for Guadalajara and the 2011 Pan American Games on Oct. 18, and will have a practice Oct. 19 and 20 before the competition starts on Oct. 21.
The 2011 USA Women's Pan American Games Team includes seven players who are set to graduate from college in 2012, three members of the junior class who will graduate in 2013, and one college sophomore. Stewart has one year of high school remaining before she is expected to head to the University of Connecticut in the fall of 2012, where she has verbally committed to attend.
The draw for the 2011 Pan American Games women's basketball competition took place on June 27, and the U.S. women will play in preliminary round Group A, along with Argentina, Mexico and Puerto Rico, while Brazil, Canada, Colombia and Jamaica comprise Group B. Preliminary round play for the women's basketball competition runs Oct. 21, 22 and 23, with the semifinals on Oct. 24, and the finals on Oct. 25.
The Pan American Games are a multi-sport competition held every four years (2011, 2015, etc.) in the year preceding the Olympics. Organized by the Pan American Sports Organization (PASO), the Games are open to men and women representing countries from North, South and Central America and the Caribbean.
Overall, the USA women in Pan American Games competitions have won seven of 14 gold medals, as well as four silver and two bronze medals, compiling a 72-12 overall record.
Former players of note that have competed in the Pan American Games include: Jennifer Azzi (1991); Cynthia Cooper (1987); Anne Donovan (1983 and 1987); Teresa Edwards (1987 and 1991); Pat Head Summitt (1975); Nancy Lieberman (1975 and 1979); Janel McCarville (2003); Katrina McClain (1987 and 1991); Carla McGhee (1995); Ann Meyers (1975 and 1979); Cheryl Miller (1983); Dawn Staley (1995); and Sheryl Swoopes (1995).
A two-time All-Mid-American Conference first-team selection, James led the Eagles in points (17.4 per game), field goals made (227), three-pointers made (74) and free throw percentage (77.6) in 2010-11. The Detroit native finished among the conference leaders in scoring, free throw percentage, three-point field goals made and steals.
A starter in 36 games last season, and in 97 since coming to Eastern Michigan, James scored in double figures 33 times in 2010-11, including 14 contests with 20-or-more points. The 2010-11 preseason All-MAC honoree has rewritten the EMU and Mid-American Conference record books in her three years at EMU. She became just the fourth player in school history to surpass 1,500 points in a career, joining Laurie Byrd (1,899), Ryan Coleman (1,793) and Nikki Knapp (1,511) in the exclusive club with 1,616.
Additionally, James became just the 21st player in MAC history and the second Eastern Michigan player to cross the 200 career three-pointers mark with a pair of treys against Western Michigan, March 2. With seven three-pointers attempted at Akron, Jan. 22, she became the EMU career leader in three-point field goals attempted. James has tossed up 691 three-pointers, making 227 of those shots. Given James' current pace, she will shatter the Mid-American Conference standard for three-pointers attempted.
In helping the Eagles overcome a 15-point deficit versus Miami, March 5, James set the EMU single-game standard for free throws made in a contest. The Detroit native was 15-of-16 from the charity stripe to surpass the previous mark of 14 makes that was accomplished by both Colleen Russell (2-12-08) and Cassie Schrock (12-23-10). James finished the game with a season-best 36 points.
USA Basketball
Based in Colorado Springs, Colo., USA Basketball is a nonprofit organization and the national governing body for men's and women's basketball in the United States. As the recognized governing body for basketball in the United States by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and the United States Olympic Committee (USOC), USA Basketball is responsible for the selection, training and fielding of USA teams that compete in FIBA sponsored international basketball competitions, as well as for some national competitions.
Since 2008, USA Basketball men's and women's teams have compiled a sterling 134-6 win-loss record in FIBA or FIBA Americas competitions. USA teams are the current men's and women's champions of the Olympics and the FIBA World Championships; FIBA women's U19 world champions; the men's and women's title holders for the FIBA U17 World Championships; and the men's and women's U18 and U16 FIBA Americas champions. USA Basketball currently ranks No. 1 in all five of FIBA's world ranking categories, including combined, men's, women's, boys and girls.
2011 USA Basketball Women's Pan American Games Team Schedule
Date Time Event Location
Oct. 15 Evening Practice Houston, Texas
Oct. 16 Morning/Evening Practice Houston, Texas
Oct. 17 Morning/Evening Practice Houston, Texas
Oct. 18 Morning Practice Houston, Texas
Oct. 19 TBD Practice Guadalajara, Mexico
Oct. 20 TBD Practice Guadalajara, Mexico
Oct. 21-25 2011 Pan American Games Women's Basketball Competition
2011 USA Basketball Women's Pan American Games Team Roster
Name Pos. Ht. Grad. Year School Hometown
Tavelyn James G 5-7 2012 Eastern Michigan Detroit, Mich.
Shante Evans F 6-0 2013 Hofstra West Chester, Pa.
Christine Flores F 6-3 2012 Missouri San Antonio, Texas
Emilie Johnson G 5-6 2012 UC Santa Barbara Loomis, Calif.
Marissa Kastanek G 5-9 2013 NC State Lincoln, Neb.
Kevi Luper G 5-10 2013 Oral Roberts Adair, Okla.
Valencia McFarland G 5-4 2014 Mississippi Edwards, Miss.
Katelan Redmon G/F 6-1 2012 Gonzaga Spokane, Wash.
Kayla Standish F 6-2 2012 Gonzaga Ellensburg, Wash
Breanna Stewart F/C 6-7 2012 Cicero N. H.S. North Syracuse, N.Y.
April Sykes G/F 6-1 2012 Rutgers Starkville, Miss.
Avery Warley C 6-3 2012 Liberty Washington, D.C.
Head Coach: Ceal Barry
Assistant Coach: Jennifer Gillom
Assistant Coach: Debbie Ryan
James becomes not only the first EMU player to compete in the event, but also the first student-athlete from a Mid-American Conference institution to be selected for the team's roster.
"I am honored and excited to represent the USA team, EMU and the MAC," said James. "I am looking forward to playing with players from across the country and learn new things from the Team USA coaching staff. The experience will provide a new prospective for me and I am looking forward to becoming a better and more well rounded player."
"This is such a tremendous honor for Tavelyn and our program, as well as for the MAC," said EMU Head Women's Basketball Coach AnnMarie Gilbert. "I have always believed that she would one day be invited to play for USA Basketball. She is, in my opinion, one of the best and fastest small guards in the country. The opportunity for Tavelyn to represent the United States and to compete with and against some of the nation's top players will be a rewarding and unforgettable experience for her. She has worked extremely hard and is so deserving of this special honor."
Besides James, the official 12-member USA roster includes: Breanna Stewart (Cicero-North Syracuse H.S.-North Syracuse, N.Y.), a high school senior who helped the USA to a gold medal and earned a spot on the five-person all-tournament team at the 2011 FIBA U19 World Championship this past July; alongside NCAA student-athletes Shante Evans (Hofstra); Christine Flores (Missouri); Emilie Johnson (UC Santa Barbara); Marissa Kastanek (North Carolina State); Kevi Luper (Oral Roberts); Valencia McFarland (Mississippi); Katelan Redmon (Gonzaga); Kayla Standish (Gonzaga); April Sykes (Rutgers); and Avery Warley (Liberty). The player selections were made by the USA Basketball Women's National Team Committee.
The USA, which will look to defend its 2007 Pan American Games gold medal, will be led by an experienced trio of accomplished coaches, including USA Head Coach Ceal Barry alongside assistant coaches Jennifer Gillom and Debbie Ryan.
The U.S. squad will open training camp on Oct. 15 with an evening practice in Houston, Texas, followed by two practices, Oct. 16 and 17, and a morning session, Oct. 18. The team will depart for Guadalajara and the 2011 Pan American Games on Oct. 18, and will have a practice Oct. 19 and 20 before the competition starts on Oct. 21.
The 2011 USA Women's Pan American Games Team includes seven players who are set to graduate from college in 2012, three members of the junior class who will graduate in 2013, and one college sophomore. Stewart has one year of high school remaining before she is expected to head to the University of Connecticut in the fall of 2012, where she has verbally committed to attend.
The draw for the 2011 Pan American Games women's basketball competition took place on June 27, and the U.S. women will play in preliminary round Group A, along with Argentina, Mexico and Puerto Rico, while Brazil, Canada, Colombia and Jamaica comprise Group B. Preliminary round play for the women's basketball competition runs Oct. 21, 22 and 23, with the semifinals on Oct. 24, and the finals on Oct. 25.
The Pan American Games are a multi-sport competition held every four years (2011, 2015, etc.) in the year preceding the Olympics. Organized by the Pan American Sports Organization (PASO), the Games are open to men and women representing countries from North, South and Central America and the Caribbean.
Overall, the USA women in Pan American Games competitions have won seven of 14 gold medals, as well as four silver and two bronze medals, compiling a 72-12 overall record.
Former players of note that have competed in the Pan American Games include: Jennifer Azzi (1991); Cynthia Cooper (1987); Anne Donovan (1983 and 1987); Teresa Edwards (1987 and 1991); Pat Head Summitt (1975); Nancy Lieberman (1975 and 1979); Janel McCarville (2003); Katrina McClain (1987 and 1991); Carla McGhee (1995); Ann Meyers (1975 and 1979); Cheryl Miller (1983); Dawn Staley (1995); and Sheryl Swoopes (1995).
A two-time All-Mid-American Conference first-team selection, James led the Eagles in points (17.4 per game), field goals made (227), three-pointers made (74) and free throw percentage (77.6) in 2010-11. The Detroit native finished among the conference leaders in scoring, free throw percentage, three-point field goals made and steals.
A starter in 36 games last season, and in 97 since coming to Eastern Michigan, James scored in double figures 33 times in 2010-11, including 14 contests with 20-or-more points. The 2010-11 preseason All-MAC honoree has rewritten the EMU and Mid-American Conference record books in her three years at EMU. She became just the fourth player in school history to surpass 1,500 points in a career, joining Laurie Byrd (1,899), Ryan Coleman (1,793) and Nikki Knapp (1,511) in the exclusive club with 1,616.
Additionally, James became just the 21st player in MAC history and the second Eastern Michigan player to cross the 200 career three-pointers mark with a pair of treys against Western Michigan, March 2. With seven three-pointers attempted at Akron, Jan. 22, she became the EMU career leader in three-point field goals attempted. James has tossed up 691 three-pointers, making 227 of those shots. Given James' current pace, she will shatter the Mid-American Conference standard for three-pointers attempted.
In helping the Eagles overcome a 15-point deficit versus Miami, March 5, James set the EMU single-game standard for free throws made in a contest. The Detroit native was 15-of-16 from the charity stripe to surpass the previous mark of 14 makes that was accomplished by both Colleen Russell (2-12-08) and Cassie Schrock (12-23-10). James finished the game with a season-best 36 points.
USA Basketball
Based in Colorado Springs, Colo., USA Basketball is a nonprofit organization and the national governing body for men's and women's basketball in the United States. As the recognized governing body for basketball in the United States by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and the United States Olympic Committee (USOC), USA Basketball is responsible for the selection, training and fielding of USA teams that compete in FIBA sponsored international basketball competitions, as well as for some national competitions.
Since 2008, USA Basketball men's and women's teams have compiled a sterling 134-6 win-loss record in FIBA or FIBA Americas competitions. USA teams are the current men's and women's champions of the Olympics and the FIBA World Championships; FIBA women's U19 world champions; the men's and women's title holders for the FIBA U17 World Championships; and the men's and women's U18 and U16 FIBA Americas champions. USA Basketball currently ranks No. 1 in all five of FIBA's world ranking categories, including combined, men's, women's, boys and girls.
2011 USA Basketball Women's Pan American Games Team Schedule
Date Time Event Location
Oct. 15 Evening Practice Houston, Texas
Oct. 16 Morning/Evening Practice Houston, Texas
Oct. 17 Morning/Evening Practice Houston, Texas
Oct. 18 Morning Practice Houston, Texas
Oct. 19 TBD Practice Guadalajara, Mexico
Oct. 20 TBD Practice Guadalajara, Mexico
Oct. 21-25 2011 Pan American Games Women's Basketball Competition
2011 USA Basketball Women's Pan American Games Team Roster
Name Pos. Ht. Grad. Year School Hometown
Tavelyn James G 5-7 2012 Eastern Michigan Detroit, Mich.
Shante Evans F 6-0 2013 Hofstra West Chester, Pa.
Christine Flores F 6-3 2012 Missouri San Antonio, Texas
Emilie Johnson G 5-6 2012 UC Santa Barbara Loomis, Calif.
Marissa Kastanek G 5-9 2013 NC State Lincoln, Neb.
Kevi Luper G 5-10 2013 Oral Roberts Adair, Okla.
Valencia McFarland G 5-4 2014 Mississippi Edwards, Miss.
Katelan Redmon G/F 6-1 2012 Gonzaga Spokane, Wash.
Kayla Standish F 6-2 2012 Gonzaga Ellensburg, Wash
Breanna Stewart F/C 6-7 2012 Cicero N. H.S. North Syracuse, N.Y.
April Sykes G/F 6-1 2012 Rutgers Starkville, Miss.
Avery Warley C 6-3 2012 Liberty Washington, D.C.
Head Coach: Ceal Barry
Assistant Coach: Jennifer Gillom
Assistant Coach: Debbie Ryan
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