It’s a Good Time for Teresa Edwards to Come Home

Teresa Edwards played for a professional team in Italy, one in France, one in Spain, one in Japan. The Japanese team cut her because it needed another Japanese player.

When the women open play at Atlanta next week, it will be Edwards’ first game in front of an American audience since the 1987 Pan-Ams in Indianapolis.

No sentimentalist, she doesn’t get all choked up when someone asks about having to endure overseas, nor will she admit ever giving up hope of an American league. However, teammate Katrina McClain acknowledges few women of their generation thought they’d ever see opportunities like these.

“Honestly, no, I didn’t think this day would ever come,” McClain says. “I figured, well, maybe we’ll have a league, but by the time we have one, I’ll be through playing ball.”

McClain, 30, is about to play in her third Olympics. Edwards is about to become the first American basketball player, man or woman, to play in four. Both are starters, McClain at power forward, Edwards at point guard.

Everyone else has turned over so quickly. Lisa Leslie can remember watching the Olympic team practice in 1988 when she was in 10th grade. Edwards and McClain were both members.

Edwards, who lives in Atlanta, will turn 32 the day of the opening ceremonies.

“For someone who likes to have a simple birthday,” says Edwards, wishing there was less fuss, “it’s a big deal.”

It will be, like it or not.