Amaré, along with Suns teammate Shawn Marion, will be representing the USA. Terrence Vaccaro/NBAE

In your first season, you surpass all expectations of the ninth pick and win the Rookie of the Year award.

In your second season, you come within a few dozen boards of having a 20-10 season.

So, heading into your third season, what do you do for an encore? You travel overseas to represent your country in the Olympics as a 21-year-old, naturally.

Hard-working forward Amaré Stoudemire is currently in Florida getting ready for the U.S. squad's pre-Olympic tour, but he checked in for a LIVE CHAT on NBA.com at 12:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday. See what Amaré said about how he's getting ready for his big trip to Greece, whether he can top the Vince Carter dunk from the last Olympics and much more:

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Lelia, New York: Hi Amaré. I wanted to know what was your reaction when you found out that you were chosen to play for USA Olympic team?

Amaré Stoudemire: I was extremely excited about the opportunity. The main goal is to bring the Olympic gold home, and I'm proud to be a part of the team trying to do that.

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Eric (Hampton, Va.): What skills or attributes can you bring to the Olympic team that no one can?

Amaré Stoudemire: I think just my quickness at the power forward position. I have that combination of quickness and power.

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Corey (Tempe): Amare, I was curious on how well the chemistry is comming along with the team. It must not be easy for an entire team of leaders and superstars to play together and make it work. Do you feel like the team is meshing together well? Thanks

Amaré Stoudemire: I think we are meshing very well. We have so many great players but we are all committed to doing what we need to do to win.

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Anthony (Phoenix): Learning anything new playing next to Duncan?

Amaré Stoudemire: Yes I have. I learn something new ever time I step on the court. Playing with Tim, you get a chance to learn lots of things. He's a great veteran who has won championships, so I can definitely learn from him.

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Abby, Canada: Hey Amaré! I just wanted to know if it helps to have your teammate Matrix with you?

Amare Stoudemire: That's a lot of fun. Me and Shawn are great friends on and off the court. We are the best 3-4 duo in the league and playing on this team is terrific.

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Eden Prairie: What is the hardest team you think your going to play in the summer olympics?

Amaré Stoudemire: Probably Lithiuania. They are very aggressive and very fast.

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John (phx): Hey Amaré, good luck! Do you think you can top the Vince dunk over the 7-footer from the last Olympics?

Amaré Stoudemire: Ha-ha (Laughing). That might be the greatest dunk of all time and it will be tough to top, but I'll try.

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Nelson (Bronx, N.Y.): How is it like playing with and being around your former teamate Stephon Marbury again? And what do you think is the differnce between this team and the team of two years ago?

Amaré Stoudemire: It's great to play with Steph. The difference between our team and the team two years ago is that we are younger and more athletic.

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Brent Bowers (Tempe): Do you think this Olympic experience will help you improve for the upcoming NBA season? P.S.- You're the best thing that's happened to the Suns since Charles Barkley!

Amaré Stoudemire: No question. Being here with these players and coaches will help me a lot. No question.

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Chris Zacher (Munich, Germany): Hi Amaré, wassup. I am really looking forward to see you in Cologne. Is it difficult to play with the European rules?

Amaré Stoudemire: It's different, but I wouldn't say difficult. We need to make adjustments and pick up on the differences.

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Beau (Australia): How do you prepare differently for an international competition compared to a regular NBA season? Both physically and mentally.

Amaré Stoudemire: It's pretty much the same. You have to know your opponent and get yourself ready to compete with the same. It's the same thing.

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Andrew: With there being Duncan, Boozer and you , all power forwards on the U.S. team, how is the playing time going to work out?

Amaré Stoudemire: We are not concerned about playing time. Whoever starts and gets the most minutes will be supported by the rest of the team. We are a team.

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hodaifa, Chandler, Ariz.: What do think it will take to win the gold?

Amaré Stoudemire: Determination and hard work. That will do it.

Amaré Stoudemire: I want to thank all the fans for logging on and chatting with me, it's been alot of fun. Thanks a lot and I hope to chat with you again in the future.