The NBA Finals date back to 1947 (when they were known as the Basketball Association of America Finals) and the very 1st NCAA tourney was held in 1939. Olympic basketball competition is even older: it debuted as a demonstration event in 1904 and the men’s version became a medal sport in 1936, with the women finally getting their chance to go for the gold in 1976. The United States has dominated Olympic basketball competition from the start: the men have now won 17 gold medals in the 20 tournaments they have participated in during the past 88 years, while the women have won 10 gold medals in the 12 tournaments in which they have competed during the past 48 years. While we have to wait 4 years until the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel will fill the void by interviewing as many prior Olympic players/coaches as possible. We continue our coverage by chatting with Yvonne Anderson about playing for Team Serbia in France and being a great defender.
You were born in Arkansas and went to high school in Missouri: what made you choose Texas for college? There were a bunch of factors but a big part of it was coaching. My father is a coach and Gail Goestenkors came from Duke and is now in the Hall of Fame. I was raised in the South and also wanted to stay in that region.
What made Gail such a great coach, and what was the most important thing that you ever learned from her? She came up during a time when women’s basketball was very different. IQ mattered more, the game was quicker, etc. I can respect someone who knows the game and can give back to kids. She came to the South and gave it her all because it was her passion. You do not hear about her Texas years as much as her time at Duke but she gave a lot back to the game.
You majored in finance and were named to the Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll 5 times: how were you able to balance your work on the court with your work in the classroom? I had a great academic advisor and was well taken care of: I had study hall/tutors if I needed them and time scheduled for those things because it was a priority. I was always had good grades in school and was a “math head” so it came easy to me.
You played 11 games in the WNBA but have spent most of the past decade playing pro basketball overseas: what is the biggest difference between basketball in the US vs. basketball in other countries? I think you saw it more on display at this year’s Olympics then ever before. The investment in basketball in the US is huge but overseas they have built a culture. It is not focused on individuals because everyone is part of a bigger puzzle. I found my role and it takes every piece to have success: it is more team-oriented overseas.
You won a gold medal at EuroBasket 2021 and were named EuroLeague champion last April: what is the key to winning championships? A bit of luck: you need a lot of things to align correctly. In 2021 there were still a lot of restrictions due to COVID. I was on a talented team but we had a little more motivation than everyone else. Last spring we won because everyone played their role and we were primed to win the whole thing. You still need hard work/practice but sometimes it is about being in the right place at the right time.
You were named EuroLeague DPOY last year: what is the key to being a great defender? It is a mix of toughness/respect. I guard my opponents to the max. Kayla McBride was the best shooting guard in EuroLeague and I guarded her during practice. I am 5’6” on a good day but also had to guard Napheesa Collier, who is several inches taller than me. I can adapt quite well so I take great pride in guarding whoever my coach needs me to. It is an honor to have that pressure placed on you.
How excited were you to see Napheesa win her 2nd Olympic gold medal earlier this month? I was happy for her. I had friends on several other teams as well but if my team could not win then I am happy that one of my friends could. I just want to see women competing on the largest stage.
You played for Serbia at the Olympics this summer and made it all the way to the quarterfinals before losing to Australia: what is your favorite memory from your time in France? I was in training camp for 2 months so my summer was LONG! We have been working on this since Tokyo and our goal was to make it back to the Olympics, which was very hard to do. Knowing that we made it to the quarterfinals was huge because it was not easy. We played the best teams in the world and I am grateful for each step of that journey. It is a new generation of Serbian basketball and I got to share it with my friends.
Your alma mater joined the SEC this summer: any thoughts on conference realignment? I do not pay too much attention to college sports anymore. It is becoming a business more and more every day but I hope the Longhorns are successful in the SEC.
Your father Mike played basketball at Tulsa (before becoming coach at UAB/Missouri/Arkansas/St. John’s) and your brother Michael Jr. played basketball at Missouri: who is the best athlete in the family? Me, for sure! I also have a cousin named DeMarre Carroll who played in the NBA for more than a decade…but I think the argument is settled due to my own longevity/success.