The world might need considerably closed the hole on American basketball in recent times, however make no mistake. The Group USA girls are nonetheless the rightful favorites to win one other gold medal in Paris in mid-August.
How might anybody fairly doubt a crew that includes varied MVPs, All-Stars and elite shooters like A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, Kahleah Copper, Kelsey Plum and Diana Taurasi? The American girls current an unmitigated basketball juggernaut, and it will likely be a large failure for them to fall wanting the highest of the rostrum. Full cease.
Nevertheless, it’s an excellent factor that that is sports activities, and nothing is telegraphed upfront. Whereas Group USA ought to get gold right here, there are a number of nations with stout and deep rosters that may problem the People in France.
Let’s break them down.
1. Group Canada
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The fifth-ranked Canadians (within the FIBA Basketball rankings) don’t have an unofficial All-Star crew of difference-makers galore, however they’re not quick on WNBA-caliber expertise. Removed from it.
Main the way in which is Aaliyah Edwards, the standout rookie ahead with an excellent mix of physicality and talent for the Washington Mystics. There’s additionally Kayla Alexander, a former position participant for varied WNBA groups who most lately received the FIBA Europe SuperCup Ladies’s MVP in 2022. She’s flanked by level guard and former WNBA All-Star Kia Nurse and four-time Olympian Natalie Achonwa.
It’ll most likely be a tall order for Canada to upset the USA, however something can occur in a global setting.
2. Group Australia
Yukihito Taguchi-USA TODAY Sports activities
The Australians are STACKED with all types of former and energetic WNBA gamers. I’m not even remotely exaggerating. And lots of are from the Seattle Storm.
Present Storm middle Ezi Magbegor and sharpshooter Sami Whitcomb are outstanding fixtures for the Australians. There’s additionally former three-time WNBA MVP Lauren Jackson, who’s again to pursue that elusive gold medal after roughly 12 years away from the Olympics.
The Australian roster is rounded out with (takes a breath) — the Phoenix Mercury’s Bec Allen, the Washington Mystics’ Jade Melbourne, the Minnesota Lynx’s Alanna Smith and the Los Angeles Sparks’ Stephanie Talbot. For sure, these girls have already got the chops to compete with the very best of the very best. Overlooking Australia could be a probable mistake.
3. Group France
Yukihito Taguchi-USA TODAY Sports activities
Coming off a bronze medal on the Tokyo Olympics three years in the past, the host French are hungry for some redemption.
Former WNBA participant Gabby Williams is an electrical expertise, one of many extra gifted all-around gamers in the complete subject. The ascendance of items like Iliana Rupert, Marine Fauthoux and Janelle Salaun must also present an excellent complementary enhance to Williams. Rupert, particularly, is a worthwhile middle with measurement who ought to be capable to management the paint for the French.
This can be a balanced French roster with skilled gamers who anticipate to be enjoying for the gold medal in entrance of their house nation’s followers.
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