Griner's U.S. teammates struggle in her absence

Brittney Griner's absence is weighing on the minds of her USA Basketball teammates, who are trying to fill the void created by her absence as they prepare for the FIBA World Cup.

The Americans are expected to win without the 6-foot-8 Griner, but replacing her spirit and impact on and off the court is a challenge.

Griner starred for the U.S. in the past two Olympics, but she is not with the team in Australia. The 31-year-old centre is in a Russian jail after being sentenced last month to nine years in prison for drug possession.

“I think we're missing the fun-loving person that she was,” U.S. star Breanna Stewart said. “Someone who could bring a group together and was able to hold a conversation with anybody, and that shows how grounded she is.

“The way she cared about people is something you don't see all the time, especially in superstars. We miss her and we hope she'll be home soon.”

It's not just the Americans who are missing Griner in Australia. Kia Nurse, Griner's teammate with the Phoenix Mercury and a member of Team Canada for the World Cup, was brought to tears when discussing Griner this week.

“BG is the best of the best when it comes to human beings,” Nurse said of the eight-time all-star. “It was a lot this season to not have her on the court, to not have her spirit, her energy around ... and the fact that she's not home yet is disheartening.”

U.S. players are keeping Griner in their thoughts by having no one wear her No. 15. For years, the Americans wore jersey numbers 4-15. In the World Cup, they will use 4-14 and No. 16, which Brionna Jones will wear.

“The best way to honour her was to not give her number out,” USA Basketball chief executive Jim Tooley said.