June 26, 2007

Rice University women's basketball players Kadie Riverin and Tara Watts have been selected to play for Canada's under-21 women's national team. This team will represent Canada at the FIBA U21 World Championship held June 29 - July 8 in Moscow, Russia.

"We are pleased and proud about Kadie and Tara making the Canadian national team and representing their country at the FIBA U21 World Championship," says Rice head coach Greg Williams. "Playing against some of the best players in the world will help their development and growth as players."

Canada is in Group A with Belgium, China, France, Mali, and Russia. Competing in Group B is Australia, Brazil, Hungary, Japan, Spain, and U.S.A. Riverin, a 5' 8" senior guard from Ottawa, Ontario, is a three-year starter for the Rice Owls. She started all 33 games in 2006-07 and averaged 11 points per game, while leading the team in assists with 143 (4.3 average).

Watts, a 5' 10" sophomore guard from Surrey, British Columbia, appeared in all 33 games and scored 124 points.

Riverin will also participate in the Pan American Games (August 12-19) in Thailand. Watts, also a member of Canada's under-19 team, will compete in the FIBA U19 World Championship in Slovakia (July 26-August 5).

Fans may follow the FIBA World Championship action at: www.russia2007.fiba.com