WASHINGTON, May 23 (Xinhua) -- Eight WNBA stars, including former University of Connecticut teammates Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi, are among the first eight members of the 2006 USA Women's World Championship team, it was announced Tuesday by the USA Basketball Executive Committee.

Joining Bird, who stars for the WNBA's Seattle Storm, and Taurasi (Phoenix Mercury) in the core group are three-time Olympic gold medallists Lisa Leslie (Los Angeles Sparks) and Sheryl Swoopes (Houston Comets), two-time Olympic gold medallist Katie Smith (Detroit Shock), 2000 Olympic gold medallist DeLisha Milton-Jones (Washington Mystics), Tamika Catchings (Indiana Fever) and Tina Thompson (Houston Comets).

"This is a tremendous group of core players, with extensive experience in bringing home the gold," Anne Donovan, head coach of the USA team and the Seattle Storm, said. "With this group, I know we are assured of going to battle in the World Championship with our best and most proven veterans. I am confident that these experienced Olympians will set the pace for yet another gold."

The U.S. women will defend their World Championship title at the 15th FIBA World Championship, September 12-23 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Behind the play of 2002 FIBA World Championship MVP Leslie, as well as Bird, Catchings, Milton-Jones, Smith and Swoopes, the United States captured the 2002 gold medal. Team USA also won the 1998 World Championship crown. Enditem