OT: 2028 Olympic team coach: Sue picks who?

[oldude]

Based on this criteria, would Smesko be considered as a potential AC?

He certainly should be under consideration.

 

[NycUcWbbFan]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought USA Basketball using NCAA players during qualifying tournaments was to help get younger players familiar with international play. Is the concern that this doesn't provide enough opportunities for these players to do so?

That’s true. Lack of international experience is not the key culprit in favoring older (prior Olympics team) players. It is the lack of practice time for the Olympic pool.

The (prior) selection committees always gravitate toward the “prior existing chemistry” emergency criteria because of the lack of practice time. The selected players must somehow decongest from the ongoing WNBA season and then go 0-100 for the Olympics.

This emergency criteria naturally favors older players, or player combos from the same WNBA teams, who are currently performing well in the WNBA season.

 

[baggerbob]

That’s true. Lack of international experience is not the key culprit in favoring older (prior Olympics team) players. It is the lack of practice time for the Olympic pool.

The (prior) selection committees always gravitate toward the “prior existing chemistry” emergency criteria because of the lack of practice time. The selected players must somehow decongest from the ongoing WNBA season and then go 0-100 for the Olympics.

This emergency criteria naturally favors older players, or player combos from the same WNBA teams, who are currently performing well in the WNBA season.

Whomever the players are on the next World
Fiba championship team, probably at least 10 of the 12 spots will be the same.

 

[NycUcWbbFan]

Whomever the players are on the next World
Fiba championship team, probably at least 10 of the 12 spots will be the same.

I think the current system for qualifying for the Olympics in 5x5 basketball is AmeriCup => World Cup => Olympics.

The U.S. fields different teams with some overlap (the biggest overlap, less than 10 of 12 (see link below for 2022 and 2024), is between the World Cup and the Olympics). The 2025 AmeriCup team was headlined by Mikayla Blakes who won MVP. Kara Lawson was the coach.

The full lists of U.S. national team rosters (AmeriCup, World Cup, Olympics) are here.

 

[triaddukefan]

This is cool for Lawson, but in the meantime Lawson needs to focus on getting the Duke women to start putting boots to arses beginning in early In November. 😤😤😤😤

 

[triaddukefan]

 

[bballnut90]

A Thomas was 3rd in MVP voting this year. Why write her off so quickly.

And BG continues to have a unique skill no one else has -- she's 6'8". You don't want to show up at the Olympics with only a 6'5 center and be at a big disadvantage because an opponent has an unstoppable a 6'8 or 6'9 one. Not that height trumps everything, but I could see her being kept around longer than another player past her prime.

Thomas will be 36 by the next Olympics. Her style of play requires her to be ball dominant to be effective offensively, she has no range outside of 12-15 feet as a 6-2 point forward. It works for her well in the WNBA because the entire offense is build around her, but that wont be the case if Clark/Bueckers are in the lineup in 2028. She also wasn't particularly effective in 2024, I don't see that improving in 2028.

Griner shouldn't be in consideration if this past season is any indication. She'll be almost 38 and has been declining for a while. She isn't the defensive presence she just was despite having the physical attributes. I'd much rather see A'ja Wilson manning the center spot and have a younger player like Aliyah Boston, Cameron Brink and Angel Reese come in off the bench.

Also in regards to the part about opposing teams having 6'8 or 6'9 players, who else is out there aside from Zhang Ziyu (7'3) of China that's 6'6+ and a potential problem for the US?

 

[Vowelguy]

Surprised no one has mentioned that Sue & Kara go waaaay back -- I believe they were on an AAU or similar-type team.

 

[Ladeeeeda]

Surprised no one has mentioned that Sue & Kara go waaaay back -- I believe they were on an AAU or similar-type team.

They played against each other in aau as far back as 10 and 11:yrs old. The '08 Olympics was the only time they were on the same team.

 

[Vowelguy]

Also in regards to the part about opposing teams having 6'8 or 6'9 players, who else is out there aside from Zhang Ziyu (7'3) of China that's 6'6+ and a potential problem for the US?

Zhang now listed as 7'5. I feel like the team is going to want to have the option of a big body to bang with her.

 

[fomalhaut]

The last time that happened it was Stewie in 2016. Geno was the coach, and while he didn’t actually select the team, he was vilified by the Candace Parker crowd for leaving her off the team.

If I'm not remembering wrong, Candace Parker herself was part of the crowd vilifying Geno, despite the fact that Parker wasn't even the best player on her WNBA team by that time.

 

[fomalhaut]

OD, I usually agree with all of your posts, but I disagree that the Olympic roster spots should be given to younger players to develop for the future. The Olympics is not developmental league.

Sarah won't need any developing by that time. She'll be so good they won't be able to keep her off the team.

 

[cancontent]

If I'm not remembering wrong, Candace Parker herself was part of the crowd vilifying Geno, despite the fact that Parker wasn't even the best player on her WNBA team by that time.

Not initially in 2016. She was more diplomatic then. Her true feelings about what happened came out years later.

This happens with US squads because of the amount of talent that is available. Look at the 2024 squad and the choice to have Taurasi on the team. That didn't go over well with more than just Clark fans.

Someone is always going to have something to gripe about. Horrible problem to have. 😉

 

[Gael]

I felt bad for DT. That was not the way the GOAT should end her tremendous Olympic career. There were a number of younger players who I would have preferred to see on the roster.

I didn't see it that way at all, and felt proud for DT. Selecting her for the 2024 Olympic team allowed her to achieve the unprecedented honor of becoming the only basketball player, male or female, ever to win gold medals in six different Olympics, a record that may never be broken.

She also became only the third athlete in all of Olympic sports history to win gold medals in six different Olympics, along with fencer Aladár Gerevich and kayaker Birgit Fischer. (Equestrian Isabell Werth is alone with golds in seven Olympics in a combination of individual and team dressage.)

I celebrate the fact that USAB had the such respect for the GOAT that they gave her the opportunity to cap her tremendous career with these olympian Olympic honors, instead of simply selecting some youngster to sit on the bench.

 

[oldude]

I didn't see it that way at all, and felt proud for DT. Selecting her for the 2024 Olympic team allowed her to achieve the unprecedented honor of becoming the only basketball player, male or female, ever to win gold medals in six different Olympics, a record that may never be broken.

She also became only the third athlete in all of Olympic sports history to win gold medals in six different Olympics, along with fencer Aladár Gerevich and kayaker Birgit Fischer. (Equestrian Isabell Werth is alone with golds in seven Olympics in a combination of individual and team dressage.)

I celebrate the fact that USAB had the such respect for the GOAT that they gave her the opportunity to cap her tremendous career with these olympian Olympic honors, instead of simply selecting some youngster to sit on the bench.

That’s all fine. But my position is that you send your best team to compete in the Olympics. DT had a leg injury leading up to the Olympics, making her questionable at best. She played fewer minutes than anyone including only 6 minutes in the semifinal win over Australia with no points or assists and she did not play in the championship game against France, a 1 point US win.

DT is the GOAT, but the Olympics is not a place to hand out “participation medals.” As the world starts to catch up with the US in WBB, it’s important for the US to continue to develop the pipeline of players to compete in international competitions. CC or another younger player would have been a better selection imo.

Contrast that decision to include DT in 2024 with the recent group of youngsters selected by Sue for the US development camp including Reese, Brink, Paige, Watkins, etc. Also contrast that decision with the one that selected Stewie, just out of college, for the 2016 Olympics in Rio over veteran Candace Parker. Parker forever blamed Geno, the team’s HC, even though he was not responsible for the final team selection.

 

[ucmiami2]

USA teams have always demanded special commitment from their players and in return have shown commitment in return. The Olympics is the glamour event, the WC while equal in competition is the poor sister in terms of glory and exposure, especially in basketball. The women's basketball NT committee has taken special note of those healthy players who do not make themselves available for WC competitions when selecting the next Olympic team. (Cappie Poindexter, anyone?)

And the NT has had two standards for the last two spots on a roster - one is a new young player deemed a likely future NT star for 'blooding' purposes, and the other is for an older player, perhaps past her prime, who has been a stalwart for the USA teams in all competitions dating back to age specific teams. These two spots are not necessarily filled on every team in this manner, and occasionally neither is filled because there is no one that fits the criteria, in which case they are filled in the same competitive manner as the other 10.

Lobo, Catchings, Parker, and Moore are examples of the first, Catching, Sue, DT are examples of the second.

 

[darkstar1]

I agree with almost everything you said. I’m expecting Stewie (with A’ja and maybe Phee) to be the team’s leaders. International play isn’t for the weak/less experienced, e.g. France almost stealing that Gold medal game.

However, to your point, players I don’t expect to see back in ‘28 includes: BG, Jewell Loyd, Chelsea Gray, Kahleah Copper, Alyssa Thomas and the retired Diana. I’m on the fence about Kelsey Plum.

Young stars whom I expect to take their places: Aliyah Boston, Paige, Caitlin, Juju, Angel Reese and possibly Sarah.

Maybe Phee? Unless something unexpected happens, it’s Phee, Aja and Stewie and then add 9 players.

 

[baggerbob]

Maybe Phee? Unless something unexpected happens, it’s Phee, Aja and Stewie and then add 9 players.

As long as Phee, Stewie, and AJ are playing closely to their present standards that is your first 3 and Starting front court. Phee , Stewie, and AJ can defend multiple positions, Stewie and Phee at least 4 of 5, and AJ 3of 5.

 

[Cuango]

Kara has always been a class act and I wish her all the best. As for locks on the team itself, I would agree that CC, A’ja, Phee, and Paige are mortal locks. I would put Stewie, Alyssa T. our own S. Strong, and JuJu (depending on her full recovery from her knee injury) as likely locks as well. After that I think perhaps R. Howard, K. Plum, K. Mitchell, S. Citron, S. Sabally, S. Ionescue, J. Young, Kiki Iriafen, A. Gray, R. Jackson and perhaps, Boston. Then you have a few potentials in Brink, A. Stevens, and D. Hamby and, depending on her play this season, perhaps Azzi as well. As for Reese, I think the jury is still out big-time on her both in terms of play, and more importantly, on whether she can be a team player and not a distraction. Kara has shown herself to be a coach who is not likely to put up with a whole lot of extracurricular drama from any player. Jmo, of course!

Judging from her recent play in Unrivaled and the obvious body makeover she has done, I think Boston (assuming she maintains this new, aggressive persona) will be near the top in terms of desirability for this team!

 

[uconnfan68]

It's very tough to make the Olympics right out of college. Unless there's a clear gap in the lineup and it matches her position, I'd be skeptical.

For ordinary players. Sarah is generational. She's already better than most of the team.

 

[bballnut90]

That’s all fine. But my position is that you send your best team to compete in the Olympics. DT had a leg injury leading up to the Olympics, making her questionable at best. She played fewer minutes than anyone including only 6 minutes in the semifinal win over Australia with no points or assists and she did not play in the championship game against France, a 1 point US win.

DT is the GOAT, but the Olympics is not a place to hand out “participation medals.” As the world starts to catch up with the US in WBB, it’s important for the US to continue to develop the pipeline of players to compete in international competitions. CC or another younger player would have been a better selection imo.

Contrast that decision to include DT in 2024 with the recent group of youngsters selected by Sue for the US development camp including Reese, Brink, Paige, Watkins, etc. Also contrast that decision with the one that selected Stewie, just out of college, for the 2016 Olympics in Rio over veteran Candace Parker. Parker forever blamed Geno, the team’s HC, even though he was not responsible for the final team selection.

I don't think DT had a good experience in 2024. In the Taurasi documentary she didn't talk about the Olympic experience fondly and mentioned she and her parents were upset she didn't get to play in the gold medal game. I think USA basketball got a little cocky and political when they overlooked better options and settled on DT and an unhealthy Chelsea Gray. It nearly cost them the gold medal. I imagine they'll course correct in 2028 and make sure to field the best team possible rather than play favorites. The rest of the world is improving at a rapid pace.

 

[bballnut90]

USA teams have always demanded special commitment from their players and in return have shown commitment in return. The Olympics is the glamour event, the WC while equal in competition is the poor sister in terms of glory and exposure, especially in basketball. The women's basketball NT committee has taken special note of those healthy players who do not make themselves available for WC competitions when selecting the next Olympic team. (Cappie Poindexter, anyone?)

And the NT has had two standards for the last two spots on a roster - one is a new young player deemed a likely future NT star for 'blooding' purposes, and the other is for an older player, perhaps past her prime, who has been a stalwart for the USA teams in all competitions dating back to age specific teams. These two spots are not necessarily filled on every team in this manner, and occasionally neither is filled because there is no one that fits the criteria, in which case they are filled in the same competitive manner as the other 10.

Lobo, Catchings, Parker, and Moore are examples of the first, Catching, Sue, DT are examples of the second.

I don't think this is accurate:

-Sue Bird was 2nd on the team in minutes in 2021, she wasn't a last spot on the roster pick.


Catchings and Taurasi were both given late roster spots likely out of respect, but that's only 2 examples over 30+ years.




Regarding newbies, the only FIBA/Olympic examples I can find where players were taken to be end of roster spots were Stewart/Sims in 2014. Of your examples cited:

-Candace Parker was the 2nd leading scorer at the 2006 FIBA Worlds and a major contributor in the 2008 Olympics. She definitely wasn't one of the final 2 picks. Same with Fowles who led the team in scoring at the 2008 Olympic games despite being just 22.

-Catchings wasn't a final roster spot in 2002 or 2004. She was 3rd leading scorer in 2002 at FIBA Worlds.

-Maya/Charles made the team in 2010 despite being young but both were big contributors. Neither was a final roster spot.

 

[packwrap]

Kara is an excellent choice. I'm forcing my fingers to put these words together in one sentence: Kara Lawson is my favorite Tennessee player. (There, I did it.)

Biggest factor is Strong set to graduate in May/June '28. That creates same scenario as '24 Clark.

NCAA straight to WNBA season and Olympic break.

Little opportunity for practice with national team.

Logistics and timing may rule out Sarah.

 

[YKCornelius]

Biggest factor is Strong set to graduate in May/June '28. That creates same scenario as '24 Clark.

NCAA straight to WNBA season and Olympic break.

Little opportunity for practice with national team.

Logistics and timing may rule out Sarah.

packwrap, I concur with your analysis, especially the last sentence.

That said, I hope the USA National Team extends an invite to Sarah for as many training camps as feasible in order to get her and future teammates exposed to each other. I would be fine with her attending camps and being cut from the roster up until the time she graduates. Such a scenario might mitigate some of the concerns arising from players' lack of familiarity with Sarah and vice versa.

Food for thought.....