The Meeks

March 24, 2002

Tamika Catchings and Tamecka Dixon are some funny ladies. Let's not even bring in Chamique Holdsclaw.

The first week of the 2002 USA Basketball Women's Senior National Team had both Meeks in the house competing for a spot on the team, which will play in September in China.

Sure, both players had great practices and impressed coach Van Chancellor.

But off the court, these ladies are more amazing.

Since her mom will move to Houston soon, Catchings spent time with her learning Houston. She also went to celebrate a birthday of one of the USA Basketball personnel.

Dixon found her way to Rice University to watch the Texas Southern Relays. On Saturday, she invited Shannon Johnson to go with her.

Catchings took the time to converse with many people on the sidelines.

Dixon did the same.

And when they talked to each other, it was obvious the Meek connection was something no one else in the gym would understand.

"I don't know Mika that well," Dixon said. "I've been learning how laid back she is. That's real cool. I'm really subdued. She's laid back, too."

Catchings said: "That is crazy (having two Tamecka's). It's like back in Tennessee."

We already said we were not going there, Catch!

The players do enjoy learning more about each other and finding what they all have in common. Basketball still remains the focus, though.

"It's fun," Catchings said. "Couple of years ago, these were the players we'd see and say, 'Man, I can't wait til I get to that point.' Here we are."

And both still "meek" about it all.

Niki will be covering the 2002 Women's Final Four  (March 29 and 31) in San Antonio and providing stories from the big event.  Check back here for her articles.

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