I have to say that I agree. USA basketball obviously helps these players develop but so much wear and tear on a body is not a good thing. When do those players rest? I was initially upset that BG wasn't in the Olympics but I think that the time off the court was good for her body. The time on the cement in the parking garage was NOT.
Playing for USA basketball at any level in any competition is an incredible honor for these women, and not something they should give up unless they have personal reasons to do so. Injuries happen. They happen in competitions whether they are school year, USA basketball, or pick-up games during the summer. And they happen off the court as well. These are very competitive women, and the intensity in pick-up games is likely just as intense as during the real games - and with no coaches around and no trainers, kids are likely to play longer and ignore bumps that would get them a temporary seat on the bench in a game. The results may not matter, but friendly rivalry between teammates can matter more than playing in a 40 point blow-out which represents half of the college season for the elite teams.
I am not saying that the pro players do not have an issue - they really do play year around, year after year, for economic reasons, and that is detrimental. For high school and college players, I think they have a more reasonable schedule.
And again - injuries can happen doing anything and at any moment. The chance to represent your country does not come around that often.
