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Message: [QUOTE="EricLA, post: 2865312, member: 26"] First, let me start by saying how proud I am of Team USA and the players who took the time and energy required to commit to the US National Team for the less glamorous World Championship (World Cup). I thought the entire TEAM played well together, [U]especially[/U] given the incredibly shortened time frame for the US National players to gel and develop chemistry. Dawn did herself proud. Stewie, Sue, Dee, Brit, Tina were all exceptional doing what they do best. I was surprised pleased that Loyd and Clarendon looked better than I thought they would. I think Nneka and A'ja played really well leading up to the medal rounds (especially A'ja), but both had limited production in the final 2 games (in fact Wilson scored only 2 points in about 16 total minutes over the last 2 games). I thought Plum struggled (or looked "uncomfortable") more than I thought she would (I thought she was really good leading up to the World Cup). EDD did what she could given she was still injured (KUDOS to her for being there for team USA - puts to shame the others who chose not to make it because they were tired or banged up). And Tuck did what was asked of her. At this point I'd say it's nearly impossible to know what will happen for the Olympics. I'm betting numerous players will suddenly be more available for 2020 Tokyo. I have no doubt at all that the committee will take into consideration who was there and who chose not to be. Carol Callan went out of her way a bit ago to talk about loyalty, commitment, etc. as being a huge deciding factor when the committee chooses who will represent Team USA (Maya Moore and Sylvia Fowles specifically - I lean heavily towards the committee giving her a pass this time since she's given so much to Team USA in the past). I don't know that Plum will be the heir apparent to Sue (it's a possibility). I think a fully healthy Jefferson could push her for that honor, and so could a more experienced Ionescu. IMHO if they all stay healthy and don't retire, Sue, Dee, Brit, Tina, Stewie, EDD and Wilson are all locks. Probably Moore and Fowles as well. After that, I think it's really up in the air. I think we have to allow for some of the seniors coming out this year (Collier, Samuelson, Ogunbowale, and maybe Brown/McCowan - are they both Team USA eligible?) as well as juniors who will just have graduated (Ionescu, Danger, Cox, Durr etc). as well as Loyd, Deshields, Nneka, Williams, and then see how the folks who stayed home are viewed by the Committee. I love Tuck, but think this is as far as she goes for Team USA... And Clarendon was solid, but same for her as Tuck IMHO. And given the committee passed over Deshields and Williams for Collier and Tuck means to me that it will be hard for them to make it as one of the last 3 in. If there are 8-9 locks, the ones I have mentioned, then that leaves 3-4 spots and the competition will be fierce. IMHO, Hayes, Diggins, McBride, Ogwumike (Chiney), and any of the others who declined to try out, (and have no Senior USA National Team experience), may well have "decided" themselves off future teams. I have no idea if any of them had legit injury excuses as I've not heard about it... Time will tell for sure!!! [/QUOTE]

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