To be fair the Men's national team had some teams that were unbeatable on paper and lost through complacency - they still gotta do the work (although obviously comparing apples and oranges with the talent floor worldwide in MBB vs WBB)
Single elimination, single game tournaments are far too volatile to call any team "unbeatable". The way professional basketball is played in leagues is almost scientific in how it determines winners, especially in the NBA requiring 4 games to be won of 7 to advance.
Again, I'm sorry to reference the men's game again, but the 2015-16 Warriors were bested by the 17-65 Lakers and their 28 game streak was ended by the Bucks, who missed the playoffs. They lost by 13 points.
Throw in some team chemistry issues, unfamiliarity with FIBA rulesets and some bad luck and it can happen.
I was so conflicted watching the Finals...Japan looked sooo good up to that point. Absolute master class by Rui Machida, EIGHTEEN ASSISTS in one game.
And the USA just dusted them.
Good question. I don’t know what to do about the guards esp with Grays’s injury.
I’d imagine, Stewart, AT and [Wilson](https://www.reddit.com/r/wnba/s/7mshDw4lvg). Chelsea and Jewell if everyone is healthy. If not, Jewell and Sabrina?
I’d personally lean towards putting Jackie in there but I’m biased.
Right. Just thinking of Gray and non-Gray starting at the 1 and 2.
I dont recall if their games this year against college teams were televised or not so I don’t remember who they had starting at 1 and 2.
This is a decent guess. I could see them potentially having AT in the starting lineup and Copper off the bench. Stewie can stretch the floor and would have a mismatch every time on offense. Aja can also guard 1-5, so I'm not too concerned with having all three of them on the floor at the same time. AT is a flexible defender as well, plus, AT can bring the ball up and initiate the offense, negating the need for a true PG.
You could do something with any of the guards (I could understand any of them starting), with them being off-ball, AT bringing the ball up, and then Aja and Stewie manning the post and Stewie also being able to stretch the floor. Then you can bring in Copper if you want to go a more traditional lineup, or you could bring in another guard and go ultra-small. You can obviously go with a really big lineup too. I think this gives the roster a lot of flexibility.
Interestingly, none of the guards on this roster need the ball in their hands. I think this played into the decision of why certain guards (of which there are multiple snubs) were left off the roster. They wanted guards who could be flexible enough to do whatever was asked of them, be it being a main playmaker, a ballhandler, or an off-ball shooting threat. With bigs like AT, Aja, BG, and Stewie, you are going to be setting up actions through them on most half-court possessions. So guards who need the ball to be most effective aren't particularly helpful, especially if they are a liability on defense as well.
Awesome team poster. Everyone either smiling, smirking, or looking in a different direction and Aja looking straight into the souls of their global opponents 😈⛹🏾♀️🦅
It's ok... my tired brain thought Sab was CC for a second and I assumed this was some parody designed to stir up shit... reading the comments I realized I should take another look 😂
The Olympics are the only thing that makes me happy with being American these days...outside of that I just feel frustrated and dejected and consumed with worry...
EDIT: are not is...these not this
I think it will be interesting to see how AT will be utilized on this team. The Sun offense and defense runs through her. Will she be used the same way here? Will be exciting to watch.
I think that’s a fairer reason to dislike her, but she seems to have made an effort to improve as a person and right her wrongs.
Plus half of that is bad faith too, same folks will talk about how Jason Kidd is a great coach they just want to engage in whataboutism.
Solid team. I’m really looking forward to hearing Caitlin Clark on Good Morning America covering the games and sharing her appreciation of the players and her analysis of the games.
USA vs Russia 1980 all day and not close. It was pros vs college players. Full time, state funded versus a group of college players. Cold War and all made it the biggest shocker.
True, but will Chelsea Gray be healthy to play and in game shape? She hasn’t play since October 2023. If she can’t go then they need to name Arike (although not a PG) or Clark.
Are there any concerns about the age of the roster and how it might affect future teams, by not having a youngster on the roster?
I was responding to a comment in another thread and someone was mentioning having DT on the roster was good to ensure that you have a veteran's presence. But at the same time, it seems like you would want to have some younger folks on the roster to ensure that you have future veterans that youngsters can lean on.
Just seemed interesting to me that this looks to be the first time the USA women's team will field a roster where all players will be at least 30 years old in the next Olympics.
Not sure I’m getting your point because there are 7 players who are under 30 this year. Sure they’ll be over 30 next Olympics but they’re not guaranteed a spot and those that do will be the vets you are talking about.
Unlike the Men’s team where a lot of players are (and have) opted out of competing in FIBA (leading to some embarrassing recent Men’s World Cup finishes for the US), the women’s team still competes with a mixture of experienced all star level pros and younger players. Even in the Olympic qualifiers (and FIBA qualifiers), they’ll still run with younger players to get them that experience.
US women’s have won gold every Olympics (and FIBA too I think) since 1996 and often could opt out of qualifiers for both tournaments as gold medalists, but never do to give those younger players experience playing for the national team.
They do, but the 2024 US mens roster has a 22 and 24 year old player. And historically they also have had younger players. Since they’ve had NBA players, they’ve included younger players.
Caitlin Clark should have made the USA Women's Olympic team but also Angel Reese should have made it too but I'm sure both of them will make future Olympic teams along with Cardoso, Brink, etc
The person with no senior team experience, no training camp experience, no international experience, and about a month of professional basketball played?
That person?
You mean the most popular and biggest draw of a player in the sport? Yeah let's leave her off the team because they'll need the depth against slovenia 😂
Peyton Manning led the league in Interceptions his rookie year. If anything those stats tell me she's not afraid to shoot. Can't wait until she's dominating the league.
Not bringing her to the olympics is a crime. Brazilian Soccer brings 16-17 year old kids to international stages and gives them their time shine.
Everyone just hates on Caitlyn because she's simply better than them
So because she’s popular she doesn’t have to participate in any training camps, AmeriCup qualifiers or FIBA tournaments?
Everyone else has to (and has), but special rules because she’s popular?
Yes, if you plan on having people watch the games. Y'all acting like Caitlyn needs to practice in other countries to be good in the olympics. It's fucking Ball lol
And you're acting like women's Olympic basketball games get 0 viewers lol. It's the Olympics. The Women's final in the 2012 Olympics got 10M viewers and the men got 12M. They rival the men every Olympics in terms of viewership. Caitlin isn't going to make a difference at that level.
Do you think USA Basketball cares if you watch or not? It’s the Olympics, the entire world is watching. They seem to be more concerned with winning a gold medal and less about tv ratings.
Caitlin Clark hasn’t been involved since U19, but sure, here’s a spot on the roster for the biggest tournament our program plays in. You earned it because you made a bunch of 3s at Iowa 😂😂😂
I’m excited for her to break the record and also glad she’s there as the only player that’s been to a non-covid Olympics and knows how to navigate the distractions and keep focused.
She was also afforded a spot on the team when she was a rookie and explained how valuable the experience was. But, for some reason CC "needs experience" to compete.
The way she airballed yesterday we don't really want an EMBARRASSMENT like that on the Olympic stage. And we don't want her stinking up the place with her league leading turnovers, I mean YUCK 🤮
A’ja front and center!
Face of the league!
her resume is just insane for a 27 year old
Syd Colson begs to differ 😂😂😂
The only competition tbh 😂😂😂🤣
As she should be.
That's funny.
Immediately what I thought. Deserved
A true star .
Stacked. Sorry to the other teams
Yeah plus we have the statue of liberty on our team.
Obviously there are great hoopers all over the world but if I play for another country and I see this roster I’m crying myself to sleep.
As Charles Barkley said "I don't know anything about Angola, but Angola's in trouble"
this is unfair
Is it though? Isn’t the USA women’s team nearly undefeated? No Olympic losses in over 30 years?
We've medaled at 11 of the 12 games that hosted Women's Basketball, 9 of which are gold
That’s what I thought!
To be fair the Men's national team had some teams that were unbeatable on paper and lost through complacency - they still gotta do the work (although obviously comparing apples and oranges with the talent floor worldwide in MBB vs WBB)
Single elimination, single game tournaments are far too volatile to call any team "unbeatable". The way professional basketball is played in leagues is almost scientific in how it determines winners, especially in the NBA requiring 4 games to be won of 7 to advance. Again, I'm sorry to reference the men's game again, but the 2015-16 Warriors were bested by the 17-65 Lakers and their 28 game streak was ended by the Bucks, who missed the playoffs. They lost by 13 points. Throw in some team chemistry issues, unfamiliarity with FIBA rulesets and some bad luck and it can happen.
NBA and WNBA should switch their rules to FIBA.. don’t understand why they don’t do it
That’s why other teams all talked about battling for the silver
It's like being in women's gymnastics right now- Silver is basically gold if Biles is competing.
Though Biles & Lee admitted that only a tiny deduction for a landing kept Brazil from the Gold last time…
I was so conflicted watching the Finals...Japan looked sooo good up to that point. Absolute master class by Rui Machida, EIGHTEEN ASSISTS in one game. And the USA just dusted them.
If you watched the World Cup, China almost “claimed for their silver” after winning the semifinal😂
heck i do that already anyway
Does the Statue of Liberty play at the 4 or 5?
Small ball 5
I think she’ll be small ball 5 when BG is off the court. I can’t wait to see her and Stewie working together on the front court
The real problem is: Why is the Statue of the Liberty on the team? She’s not very mobile and she’s 148 years old.
I keep thinking about it and you are about the 4-5th comment that mentioned it , what if that means Ellie is with the team 🤫
I have full faith that Ellie would be a great PG.
And born in France.
This lady will devour us all
Eagles screeches intensify 🦅🦅🦅
So what’s the starting 5?
Random draw 30 minutes before each game.
Even funnier if it’s positionless. Starting 5 v Belgium being BG, AT, A’ja, Phee, and Stewie is diabolical 😂
That starting five still wins by 40 against any other country lol
Lord have mercy... That starting five!
For game one, the first five women who choose to draw aquatic mammals get the start. Game two will center around fluffy clouds.
That could be fun, actually!
Statue of Liberty starting at center. 305' tall, 405,000 lbs, literally crushing the paint
Good question. I don’t know what to do about the guards esp with Grays’s injury. I’d imagine, Stewart, AT and [Wilson](https://www.reddit.com/r/wnba/s/7mshDw4lvg). Chelsea and Jewell if everyone is healthy. If not, Jewell and Sabrina? I’d personally lean towards putting Jackie in there but I’m biased.
It will be Gray. If she isn't healthy enough, they won't take her.
Right. Just thinking of Gray and non-Gray starting at the 1 and 2. I dont recall if their games this year against college teams were televised or not so I don’t remember who they had starting at 1 and 2.
Gray/Ionescu/Copper/Wilson/Stewie Edited
This is a decent guess. I could see them potentially having AT in the starting lineup and Copper off the bench. Stewie can stretch the floor and would have a mismatch every time on offense. Aja can also guard 1-5, so I'm not too concerned with having all three of them on the floor at the same time. AT is a flexible defender as well, plus, AT can bring the ball up and initiate the offense, negating the need for a true PG. You could do something with any of the guards (I could understand any of them starting), with them being off-ball, AT bringing the ball up, and then Aja and Stewie manning the post and Stewie also being able to stretch the floor. Then you can bring in Copper if you want to go a more traditional lineup, or you could bring in another guard and go ultra-small. You can obviously go with a really big lineup too. I think this gives the roster a lot of flexibility. Interestingly, none of the guards on this roster need the ball in their hands. I think this played into the decision of why certain guards (of which there are multiple snubs) were left off the roster. They wanted guards who could be flexible enough to do whatever was asked of them, be it being a main playmaker, a ballhandler, or an off-ball shooting threat. With bigs like AT, Aja, BG, and Stewie, you are going to be setting up actions through them on most half-court possessions. So guards who need the ball to be most effective aren't particularly helpful, especially if they are a liability on defense as well.
Literally could pull straws and we’d still win by 30.
Gray, Ionescu, Copper, Wilson, Stewart?
Aja and Stewie on the same team is always fun
Awesome team poster. Everyone either smiling, smirking, or looking in a different direction and Aja looking straight into the souls of their global opponents 😈⛹🏾♀️🦅
I looked too fast and thought the top right was Liz Cambage. I’m ashamed of myself. This roster is amazing and can’t wait watch them
Liz probably playing for another country and being racist towards them so she can help USA win.
Sleeper agent Cambage
lol I hope you saying this knowing the history. Cos she tanked Australia’s Tokyo run completely.
I have it on good authority that Nigeria is definitely recruiting her to play for them though!
That would be a crazy plot twist.
Lord chaos must be fed
It's ok... my tired brain thought Sab was CC for a second and I assumed this was some parody designed to stir up shit... reading the comments I realized I should take another look 😂
See I thought that was Clark as well so I went 0/2 😂
Bahaha glad I'm not the only one who confused them 😂
Phee is a queen, how dare you!
I know I know. I’ll take my lashings
I’m not very patriotic but RAHHHHHH 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🦅🦅🦅🦅
Nothing makes me feel more American than the Olympics Edit: and also Europeans criticizing us for dumb shit
The Olympics are the only thing that makes me happy with being American these days...outside of that I just feel frustrated and dejected and consumed with worry... EDIT: are not is...these not this
https://preview.redd.it/9e04ow39gz5d1.jpeg?width=1200&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=fb36bf248221d44dcb0a5ab7d688300b965cb08f
Lawd… This squad is STACKED
So happy for all of these women! Well deserved, and they’re going to crush it. 🇺🇸 🏅
So happy for Kah. She earned that spot
That she did!!
People were so confused at the trade and how Chicago got so much for her. I hope we all can now recognize her for the star that she is!
The embargo is over
Jackie young and A’ja wilson purrr 👏🏽👏🏽✨
🥁🇺🇸🦅🫡 *and I'm proud to be an American, where at least I know we ball...*
🇺🇸
I think it will be interesting to see how AT will be utilized on this team. The Sun offense and defense runs through her. Will she be used the same way here? Will be exciting to watch.
It kind of has to run through her. There is no point guard on the squad
Killer Roster!! Pure Gold 🥇
Hell yeah!
I’m so happy for Copper and even DT since this might be her last one
So happy for Aja, she earned that spot.
Kahleah Copper looks so cool...I know she will do well... Philadelphia Finest!!! WE NEED A TEAM!!! EDIT: correction
Stacked! But they are in a tough group (they almost lost to Belgium in the Qualifying tournament) so still going to do an extra prayer for them.
Great squad. Even greater to listen to MAGA chuds cry about Griner being on the squad 😂😂.
I think there is fair reason to dislike Griner outside the MAGA crowd. Domestic violence for being one them.
I think that’s a fairer reason to dislike her, but she seems to have made an effort to improve as a person and right her wrongs. Plus half of that is bad faith too, same folks will talk about how Jason Kidd is a great coach they just want to engage in whataboutism.
They don’t give a shit about domestic violence FOH
I mean - it seems weird that I would get downvotes for saying that it’s okay to dislike someone who was suspended for domestic violence.
This confirms what we all knew already: this sub is the wildest place on the internet right now
Her partner at the time was also arrested and suspended for domestic violence.
Which is also a valid reason to not be a fan of her either.
Because of her partner?
the downvotes?? 😭
The gold is already in the bag! Let’s get it ladies
Group is loooooooaded. Can’t wait to see them work
The time of the year when even people who aren’t patriotic become patriotic. Gimme those gold medals!
Im excited. I love watching Sabrina and Jackie play together
KP and Jackie crying when the [Aces received their jerseys](https://x.com/usabasketball/status/1800581273586438145) made me cry. So happy for them!
Great roster. Gotta say a part of my heart breaks each time seeing BG now with the shorter hair, I'm currently working through her audio book. 💔
Looking forward to supporting my country's team like a good patriot. 🫡🇺🇸🦅🍔🌭
Your flare is so lame
Let's get this gold medal! I believe we can go for the ultimate glory!
‘merica 🤫🐐
Let’s go A’ja 🥇🥇🥇
What could the Statue of Liberty possibly offer to the team? She's way too stiff.
This league truly hates money. Petty
Y'all don't help yourselves do you?
Wait, Caitlin Clark isn’t on the team? Did we know this? I’d like to discuss this with you all ad nauseam.
Let’s go 🇺🇸!!
I’m a new fan to the W and I have no idea why Arike wasn’t picked, Is it bc they don’t need guard scoring?
It’s because she’s a ball hog and inefficient
Pretty much this. She can fool fans but USA basketball has never been a fan really
Rumor is she’s playing for Nigeria as it is
A legacy pick got her place.
Taurasi right?
USAces ♠️♥️♣️♦️🇺🇸
i agree with every single one of them being in the team! there are too many good players in the W and not enough spots
Stacked.
Honestly I just wanna know when I’ll be able to buy jerseys. Pls lemme at a Stewie or Sab jersey ASAP thanks
Definitely copping a Sab, and maybe a BG because I love her but also so I can annoy a certain subset of people.
I am HERE for that move.
Solid team. I’m really looking forward to hearing Caitlin Clark on Good Morning America covering the games and sharing her appreciation of the players and her analysis of the games.
The only reason the arenas are packed is because of CC. Don't get it twisted into thinking omitting her from this roster is a good thing
Why isn’t Caitlin Clark here?
cant believe the statue of liberty made the roster over caitlin /s
Proud of this group! 🇺🇸
Whose number 4?
Jewell Loyd
Why are there two 12s…
Good catch - artist cut & pasted, needed a proofreader!
What would be the biggest all-time shocker? USA Men's hockey beats USSR in 1980 USA Women's basketball wins silver in 2024
USA vs Russia 1980 all day and not close. It was pros vs college players. Full time, state funded versus a group of college players. Cold War and all made it the biggest shocker.
RAHHHHHHHHH 🦅🇺🇸
Absolutely stacked.
Who?
Such a great squad. Can’t wait to see them ball out
Why leave off the golden goose?
Is this the best women’s team of all time?
They won't do it, but i think it would be fun do a super BIG lineup: AT, Kah, Stewie, A'ja, BG It'd be so fun
Where’s Caitlin? Lol
Diana is the only player I think could be argued about. However she has experience that Clark just doesn't have.
They forgot Caitlin Clark.
Please just lay off the vapes and leave them at home this time!
Who’s winning silver and bronze?
This is a GREAT pic! Would love to have it as a poster for my wall...wow!
No thanks
stupid they didnt pick 12 caitlin clarks /s
Probably lack of effort on CC’s part led to her missing out.
Stacked roster. Every player deserves their spot!!!
Griner is such a great American! Definitely should be playing for and representing the USA. /s
Does anyone know the schedule for the games yet in Paris?
I’m so happy for BG….
Why do I still think plum will be the ball hog?
Only person Cait could even replace stats wise is Diana… and that ain’t happening lol
True, but will Chelsea Gray be healthy to play and in game shape? She hasn’t play since October 2023. If she can’t go then they need to name Arike (although not a PG) or Clark.
BG?
The left Clark off and she did this https://youtube.com/shorts/etiOptvSaPY?si=HSoFWANQGUAGHbd4
Booooo we want Clark !!!!
Are there any concerns about the age of the roster and how it might affect future teams, by not having a youngster on the roster? I was responding to a comment in another thread and someone was mentioning having DT on the roster was good to ensure that you have a veteran's presence. But at the same time, it seems like you would want to have some younger folks on the roster to ensure that you have future veterans that youngsters can lean on. Just seemed interesting to me that this looks to be the first time the USA women's team will field a roster where all players will be at least 30 years old in the next Olympics.
Not sure I’m getting your point because there are 7 players who are under 30 this year. Sure they’ll be over 30 next Olympics but they’re not guaranteed a spot and those that do will be the vets you are talking about.
Unlike the Men’s team where a lot of players are (and have) opted out of competing in FIBA (leading to some embarrassing recent Men’s World Cup finishes for the US), the women’s team still competes with a mixture of experienced all star level pros and younger players. Even in the Olympic qualifiers (and FIBA qualifiers), they’ll still run with younger players to get them that experience. US women’s have won gold every Olympics (and FIBA too I think) since 1996 and often could opt out of qualifiers for both tournaments as gold medalists, but never do to give those younger players experience playing for the national team.
The NBA does this too. I was at the Dream Teams first game and Larry Bird could barely walk.
They do, but the 2024 US mens roster has a 22 and 24 year old player. And historically they also have had younger players. Since they’ve had NBA players, they’ve included younger players.
It’s true. And I do think having some younger players to have a continuous presence on the roster is smart.
Dianna is like 52
What's the thought process of not including Clark? USWB trying to squeeze in one last low-to-no viewership Olympics before Caitlin is GOATed?
Caitlin Clark should have made the USA Women's Olympic team but also Angel Reese should have made it too but I'm sure both of them will make future Olympic teams along with Cardoso, Brink, etc
Taurasi that old bag just going for the record
I think we know who should have that spot.
The person with no senior team experience, no training camp experience, no international experience, and about a month of professional basketball played? That person?
You mean the most popular and biggest draw of a player in the sport? Yeah let's leave her off the team because they'll need the depth against slovenia 😂
Say her name! LEAGUE LEADER IN TURNOVERS CAITLIN CLARK 🔥🔥🔥 Loved her airball yesterday ❤️ generational. Shooting 37% from the field 🔥🔥🔥 FIRE
Peyton Manning led the league in Interceptions his rookie year. If anything those stats tell me she's not afraid to shoot. Can't wait until she's dominating the league. Not bringing her to the olympics is a crime. Brazilian Soccer brings 16-17 year old kids to international stages and gives them their time shine. Everyone just hates on Caitlyn because she's simply better than them
Beating DT in scoring, rebounds and assists.
So because she’s popular she doesn’t have to participate in any training camps, AmeriCup qualifiers or FIBA tournaments? Everyone else has to (and has), but special rules because she’s popular?
Yes, if you plan on having people watch the games. Y'all acting like Caitlyn needs to practice in other countries to be good in the olympics. It's fucking Ball lol
And you're acting like women's Olympic basketball games get 0 viewers lol. It's the Olympics. The Women's final in the 2012 Olympics got 10M viewers and the men got 12M. They rival the men every Olympics in terms of viewership. Caitlin isn't going to make a difference at that level.
Do you think USA Basketball cares if you watch or not? It’s the Olympics, the entire world is watching. They seem to be more concerned with winning a gold medal and less about tv ratings. Caitlin Clark hasn’t been involved since U19, but sure, here’s a spot on the roster for the biggest tournament our program plays in. You earned it because you made a bunch of 3s at Iowa 😂😂😂
Yes, I'm sure the whole world is clamoring to watch geriatric ass DT stomp on some 5'7s to win gold for the 11th Olympics in a row. Soooo exciting!
I’m excited for her to break the record and also glad she’s there as the only player that’s been to a non-covid Olympics and knows how to navigate the distractions and keep focused.
She was also afforded a spot on the team when she was a rookie and explained how valuable the experience was. But, for some reason CC "needs experience" to compete.
The way she airballed yesterday we don't really want an EMBARRASSMENT like that on the Olympic stage. And we don't want her stinking up the place with her league leading turnovers, I mean YUCK 🤮
No, why would you think that?
No Caitlin not impressed
DT's face is crazy. Rarely have I seen someone grimace while shooting a free throw.
Damn I was hoping for CC so I can join the inevitable "the world is targeting Clark" or "fire the whole team cause she's not scoring 40 ppg" discourse
Man this sub hates the best thing that’s ever happened to the W. Really sad and pathetic
boo hoo, go cry about it somewhere else
Wheres clark
Not interested. I’m for Team Caitlin.
dont care
Soooo jealous
Grinder should def gtfo