Ready to enter her final year of eligibility with the NCAA's Utah Utes, Humboldt's Paige Crozon recently got in some more international playing experience.

Crozon suited up for the Canadian Women's Development team, as they took to the hardwood in Prague, Czech Republic for an exhibition tournament.

Following a nine day training camp that included tryouts as well as team practices, Crozon and her Canadian comrades jetted to Europe.

"It was to develop skills because we could be the next wave of players to make the senior team when some of the girls retire," she said.

The team would play five games in Prague - three against the hosts with two of them against the senior team and one against the Under-20 roster. They also faced off against Japan and Slovakia.

In the opener, they edged the Czechs 72-66 before falling 81-49 to the Japanese team that will participate in the Rio Games in August.

Their second win was by a 71-28 margin over Slovakia. In the final two games, the Canadians fell 75-70 in the re-match against the Czechs. They also dropped a 56-45 decision to the Czech U20's.

Being able to go up against players who will play in the Olympics is something that Crozon enjoyed.

"The international game is a little bit different than players in the NCAA. They have quicker speed. It was good to see what improvements I need to make in order to make it to the next level," Crozon explained.

"I think that was my biggest takeaway from the overall experience, is that I know the things I need to work on to take me to the senior national team level."

Crozon has donned the Canadian red and white many times in her young career, including the Junior World Championships, Pan-Am Games and 3x3 World Championship.

She is also familiar with Utah red, and as she gets set for her senior season, Crozon is coming off a career year, in which she earned Pac-12 Honourable Mentions for her play.

"We have a new coaching staff and they put me in a position to succeed, and it was a good year overall," said Crozon on her season which saw her average 13.1 points per game.

Perhaps four years away from seeing Humboldt add yet another Olympian, Crozon concluded that is what she is working towards.

"That's one of my biggest goals to look forward to."


You can hear more from Crozon below.