It was Maya Moore's choice not to go to Russia

Tell me how many college kids, even those remarkably grounded, would choose a week of classes over the chance to go to Russia for a week with great friends and two of her all-time favorite coaches?

Any guesses?

Yep, right. UConn's Maya Moore.

Monday evening, a 13-player contingent chosen by USA Basketball will leave for Russia for a three-game exhibition series.

All things being equal, the chances were great that Moore, the national player of the year as a college sophomore, would have been one of the baker's dozen. She's played well this week at American University, impressing Geno Auriemma and all involved.

But Moore said Sunday she was the one who decided that it was probably best, at this point, to keep her eye on the bigger prize - her college degree. It was Maya who decided she shouldn't go to Russia.

It was a tough decision to make, but every now and then you need to make decisions like that," Moore said Sundsy. "I had to make the best decision I could for my current situation [in school] and I knew I was already going to be in Washington for a week. I was able to work that out with my professors.
"It wasn't easy. I love basketball. I love USA Basketball. But going would have been too much for me to handle right now. I want to be out there. But I will support them from back in school. When I get another chance, I'll hopefully be able to work it out, schedule things better. I'll go back to Storrs Monday afternoon and be back in class on Tuesday."