LONDON (AP) — U.S. coach Hugh McCutcheon paid quite the tribute to Destinee Hooker while talking about her path to volleyball stardom. McCutcheon says Hooker's story "sounds like Michael Jordan getting cut as a sophomore, right?" but "since 2010 I don't think she's been off the court." Hooker was a last-minute cut from the Beijing Games squad. But instead of pouting over the slight, Hooker emulated NBA great Jordan — who was cut from his high school basketball team — by returning more determined. She had a team-high 24 points as the United States advanced to the gold-medal match with a victory over South Korea on Thursday. The 24-year-old Hooker broke into tears recounting her past struggles of having to live up to expectations brought by comparisons to sister Marshevet, who competed in athletics at Beijing.
Coach mentions Jordan while praising v-ball star
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USA's Destinee Hooker (19) reacts after scoring a point against South Korea during a women's volleyball semifinal match at the 2012 Summer Olympics Thursday, Aug. 9, 2012, in London. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
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USA's Destinee Hooker (19) goes high over South Korea's Kim Hee-jin (19) for a point during a women's volleyball semifinal match at the 2012 Summer Olympics Thursday, Aug. 9, 2012, in London. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
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United States' Destinee Hooker prepares to serve during a women's semifinal volleyball match against South Korea at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Thursday, Aug. 9, 2012, in London. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
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USA's Destinee Hooker (19) reacts as her team defeats South Korea 3-0 during a women's volleyball semifinal match at the 2012 Summer Olympics Thursday, Aug. 9, 2012, in London. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
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USA's Destinee Hooker (19) goes up for a smash in front of South Korea's Han Song-yi (12) during a women's volleyball semifinal match at the 2012 Summer Olympics Thursday, Aug. 9, 2012, in London. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
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