Olympic Team Announced

[bballnut90]

If Candace Parker makes a bad pass, she won't even get back past half court on defense because she's too busy sulking. So I wouldn't hold her up as a paragon of "consistent drive".

EDD has had back problems since at least the 2014 playoffs. In the Eastern Finals against Indiana that year, her back was so bad that she was rendered a decoy. She would come out of the game and immediately lie down and get stretched out by a trainer. But she played anyway.

What is she supposed to do? Go out there now when she's not fully recovered from back surgery and play horribly to prove she's really hurt? I don't remember anyone questioning Taurasi's love of the game when a back injury kept her out of all but 6 games of the 2019 season.

She's injury prone, that's all. No need to delve into the realm of amateur psychology.

We've debated this before, agree to disagree.

 

[southofnorth]

Why? Dee and Sue are still among the best at their positions in the world, never mind the country. It's not that it's an unpopular opinion, it's like saying "Stewie already made a few teams. She should give someone else a chance". The people who are on the team are either among the best at their positions in the USA, and/or such consummate team players that make everyone around them better that they HAD to be on the team.

Some of the new blood found its' way onto the team in people like Atkins, Collier, Diggins, Grey, and on the 3x3, all 4 players of Dolson, Samuelson, Gray, and Plum.

Sue and Dee are not only among the best still at their positions, but both are likely starters for Team USA. Not that you mentioned Catch, but Tamika Catching was probably the last person to make the team, in that year probably beating out Parker, and she was the last person off the bench on the 12 player team. That won't be the case with Sue and Dee.


She wasn't in the pool this time around. I agree she will likely be next year for the 2022 World Championships. I will be very curious if the start including Paige and Caitlyn Clark in the pool as early as next year. I know they like to include college players

As a total side note, I was never a fan of Skyler, but I happened to catch an interview with her after a recent game and came away impressed. Much more of a team player than I thought (mentality wise) and really high B.B.I.Q. Very aware of what the team was doing/needed, and also had some spot on comments regarding what has changed since Dee's injury.

Can you imagine a team with Ionescu, Paige, AND Clark? Plus the established USAWBB talent like Stewie, et al? I get that we want to win, but do we need to obliterate every other team in the world???

 

[TheFarmFan]

 

[Rb335]

When you look at the roster, Atkins is the one who really stands out to me. If you had said she would be on an olympic roster during her days at Texas, I would have confidently wagered my life savings that she wouldn't. Great growth in her game since getting to the W, and cool to see her rewarded.

I get the anti Connecticut sentiment found on social media/the web. I can't see any way Charles and Stewart didn't make the team, based on their current WNBA seasons. Same with Sue, who has looked like the best PG, despite her age. The wing is the thinnest position in the W, and Collier is as good of a choice as anyone. I do think the Taurasi selection is mainly loyalty based. She hasn't looked amazing this season, and is injured. So if anyone was to be omitted, it should have been her. But the olympics in three years will feature a very different roster than what we've been seeing.

Way too early to tell, but it could be as drastic as this, seeing a huge youth movement for the next generation.

Ionescu/Diggins Smith/ Bueckers
Loyd/Clark
Delle-Donne/Collier/Howard
Stewart/Wilson
Griner/Boston

For now, I will sit back and enjoy watching our huskies compete in both 5x5 and 3x3. Cool that Samuelson and collier will experience the olympics together.

 

[Mlb0814]

Should be announced this week. Hard to see USA BB making a change, unless someone is injured between now and Tokyo.

Lots of backlash today about Nneka Ogwumike being left off the team and Sue and Diana being included. I’m hoping Katie Lou is not a casualty of that fall out, taking her off the team and replacing her with a non UConn player. Lou’s worked hard and deserves to go and compete with the rest of the 3x3 team.

 

[hoopsfan22]

Does Dawn not get any of the criticism over the make up of the team? I remember how much blame Geno got when he was coach, and he's still getting it. Should we limit each university to one player on the team to keep the peace?

 

[CBus13]

Not accurate regarding Tiff Hayes. She played for Azerbaijan once in a non-FIBA event. Dual citizenship does not preclude Tiff from playing for Team USA. In fact, she has participated in Team USA camps.

So she just hasn't made an official Team USA National Team yet? Only exhibitions? I assumed since she hadn't made a team it was because of her participation in the Euros for Azerbaijan? thanks for the clarification.

 

[UConnCat]

wooooo ... there's an epic twitter thread from a ND alum and she went off on the selections, past teams, etc. It almost burned my laptop screen ....

Embarrassing. Fortunately few know who she is much less care what she says.

 

[UConnCat]

So she just hasn't made an official Team USA National Team yet? Only exhibitions? I assumed since she hadn't made a team it was because of her participation in the Euros for Azerbaijan? thanks for the clarification.

Correct. If she weren't eligible to make the team there would be no point to USA Basketball including her in the pool.

 

[UConnCat]

Does Dawn not get any of the criticism over the make up of the team? I remember how much blame Geno got when he was coach, and he's still getting it. Should we limit each university to one player on the team to keep the peace?

When Geno was the coach it was the coach who picked the team. Now that Dawn is the coach it's the special advisor (Geno) who picks the team.

 

[UConnCat]

 

[Plebe]

If Candace Parker makes a bad pass, she won't even get back past half court on defense because she's too busy sulking. So I wouldn't hold her up as a paragon of "consistent drive".

 

[Plebe]

For old(er) guys like me, the wing (3) was a small forward. Now that teams are going to more three-guard sets, it could be the taller guard, who can hit the boards, drive, help out inside. I think Jewell Loyd is actually the wing/off-guard (3-2) combo on this team. (Atkins is 5'8").

I would have sworn that Atkins was at least 5'10. At 5'8 she is more suited to the 2 for sure.

This is weird. USA Basketball and the Mystics have her listed at 5-8, but UT always had her at 5-11. And then we have a FIBA site that lists her as 5-1 ... hmmm.

Ariel Atkins - Women's Basketball - University of Texas Athletics

Ariel Atkins (23) Guard - VIDEOS CAREER STATISTICS [PDF ] | CAREER GAME-BY-GAME [PDF ] AWARDS & HONORS • AP Honorable Mention All-America [2018] • WBCA Honor...

texassports.com

Ariel Atkins

www.usab.com

Ariel ATKINS at the EuroCup Women 2018-19 - FIBA.basketball

A couple years ago I stood a few feet from her at an autograph signing at the Frank Erwin Center, and she is right around my height (5-11). IMO there is no way she is 5-8 unless she was somehow wearing high heels without my noticing.

 

[Reypl21]

Bird has 100% earned her spot back, but DT's spot is more in the air(just because of the injury). I think its good that they will have really good forwards and Centers behind them, because neither have been that great defensively this year. DT specifically, who has two really god defenders behind her.

This is a solid roster. Like others have said, I think Atkins is the only surprise and Nneka is the biggest omission. But I am not a committee person so I'm not going any further with that. Go USA! I'm excited for Napheesa, she deserves to be on this team. Along with Diggins-Smith and Loyd!

 

[Orangutan]

This is weird. USA Basketball and the Mystics have her listed at 5-8, but UT always had her at 5-11. And then we have a FIBA site that lists her as 5-1 ... hmmm.

Ariel Atkins - Women's Basketball - University of Texas Athletics

Ariel Atkins (23) Guard - VIDEOS CAREER STATISTICS [PDF ] | CAREER GAME-BY-GAME [PDF ] AWARDS & HONORS • AP Honorable Mention All-America [2018] • WBCA Honor...

texassports.com

Ariel Atkins

www.usab.com

Ariel ATKINS at the EuroCup Women 2018-19 - FIBA.basketball

A couple years ago I stood a few feet from her at an autograph signing at the Frank Erwin Center, and she is right around my height (5-11). IMO there is no way she is 5-8 unless she was somehow wearing high heels without my noticing.

I just looked at some Mystics team photos and determined that she is slightly taller than Toliver and slightly shorter than Cloud.

Toliver is listed at 5'7 and Cloud at 5'9 so 5'8 seems right for Atkins.

Plays taller, though. Or at least that's my story

 

[KnightBridgeAZ]

No one should be questioning Bird.

The only reason to question DT would be the injury and in the one or two games I saw on TV (at least one pre-injury) I really didn't think she looked as good as previous years. But one of her characteristics has been to be her best at the biggest moments, so . . . Assuming she can play, as I do, she deserves the opportunity and I expect her to be a starter and a team leader.

 

[cardfan]

I love Nneka and hoped she'd make the team for a multitude of reasons, but understand why she didn't. She didn't play well last season, is currently injured and isn't at the same level she was in 2016. Collier as of the last year or so has shown to be a better player and Charles is having a great season so I dont have a problem with them getting spots over Nneka. Her getting snubbed doesn't compared to Parker getting snubbed in 2016, apples and oranges.

You couldn't be more wrong. Nneka was robbed. She had grade 2 knee spain on June 2 and was expected to miss 4-6 weeks. The first game isn't until July 30th so plenty of time. Nneka's stats and experience stand alone, including her 5 yrs experience on the national team. She should be on the team. . If Amy Tucker and Kate Paye tweeted their disgust, something is off, way off.

 

[eebmg]

Some UConny Quotes

Collier achieves her dream | Sports | journalinquirer.com


"The fact that just about half the team is UConn players says a lot about the program," Stewart said. It says a lot about what we did when we were at UConn and are now continuing to build on that success as we come onto the professional stage. This is the reason why we went to UConn, to not only be our best when we're in college but continue to be our best as pros, to continue to follow our dreams and reach new goals.

"I'm just going to continue to do what I do best: continue to help our team go for our seventh consecutive gold medal," she said. "I was a baby in my first Olympics. Now coming back five years later, I'm looking forward to continuing to make an impact, help everyone get better and help the people who haven't been there before be their best and enjoy it."


“I feel so honored that USA chose me and that I get to experience this with this team of amazing women,” Collier said during a Zoom call with reporters Monday. “Definitely not expected, but I'm going to try to do everything I can to help the team and soak in as much as I can of this experience."

"I've watched the Olympics since I can remember," Collier said. "So, to think that one day I would be on that team, it's just been a dream. I've been doing USA since 2013, and even before that all I could think about is that making the Olympics is obviously a huge goal. So, to say that I'm here, it's crazy."



“Each one, I feel like it's my first one. That's how I treat it,” Taurasi said of what being named to a fifth Olympic team meant. “I go in there with this naivety of enjoying every single moment, competing in every single game like it's my last one.



“I think when you are heading to an event like the Olympics and you're representing your country's best, it's not hard to be motivated, to want to get there,” Bird said. “That part never changes. I think for athletes, some of the other stuff that goes around that is what makes it a little harder to stay motivated, but I don't think the motivation ever really changes. It hasn't for me.



"It's just an honor," she (Charles) said. "It's a blessing to be able to represent your country in this way of doing something that you love to do, with a passion that you have. More so not for us, but just for the generations that are coming after us."

 

[CL82]

4 US CODE Sec. 8 Paragraph (d)

The flag should not be worn as apparel. (A pet peeve of mine.). Perhaps more importantly, it should never touch the ground which is Paragraph (b).

 

[MSSportsGuy]

I am a little surprised at the selection of Atkins but not because her numbers aren't good. She's been fantastic in the WNBA. I do think Nneka should have been on the team over her even though the positions are different. EDD being left out isn't huge shock given she wouldn't have been ready. DT has earned the right to go out on her terms so if she wants to play and can move she should get the chance. Glad Collier and Loyd are on the team, both have been excellent pros (although there was no doubt from me on that).

I still think the 16 roster should have included at least one young guard because it's obvious this squad is one of transition with 6 first time Olympians. This team is more than talented enough to win the Gold. Hopefully the win streak by the USA keeps going.

 

[HopJim]

I was a little unsure about Diana given her injury, but yeah 5 of 12 sure is impressive.

Reminds me of Larry Bird's last Olympics. Bad back but you still had to pick him. Got to have Diana on team.

 

[CL82]

Reminds me of Larry Bird's last Olympics. Bad back but you still had to pick him. Got to have Diana on team.

It was also Larry Bird’s first Olympics. But I agree his back was pretty dead by then.

I think it is a different deal with Diana since her sternum is probably healed and she’s about to be medically cleared for play. It isn’t an ongoing problem.

 

[cancontent]

I love Nneka and hoped she'd make the team for a multitude of reasons, but understand why she didn't. She didn't play well last season, is currently injured and isn't at the same level she was in 2016. Collier as of the last year or so has shown to be a better player and Charles is having a great season so I dont have a problem with them getting spots over Nneka. Her getting snubbed doesn't compared to Parker getting snubbed in 2016, apples and oranges.

Can anyone provide an answer as to how/why was she left off the team in 2016? She was playing great that year. It's the only year I can understand there possibly where someone could gripe about it.

When you look at the depth of talent in US basketball, there's no way anyone is going to be happy with the team that is selected. There will always be periods of time where the alumni of a specific program will dominate. I don't know how the committee will be able to get around that.

 

[bbsamjj]

Dawn was asked specifically about Nneka (or at least was quoted talking about her in ESPN story). I expect those questions to continue. For a number of reasons, this is very different than Parker in 2016 (when Parker was arguably one of the top 3 players in the world).

I both understand why Nneka was not selected and agree it stinks. I’m a huge fan of Atkins (and she fills a need for the team as a terrific 3 point shooter and perimeter defender), but would have been fine if she’d been passed over for Nneka.

 

[bbsamjj]

Can anyone provide an answer as to how/why was she left off the team in 2016? She was playing great that year. It's the only year I can understand there possibly where someone could gripe about it.

When you look at the depth of talent in US basketball, there's no way anyone is going to be happy with the team that is selected. There will always be periods of time where the alumni of a specific program will dominate. I don't know how the committee will be able to get around that.

Nneka had had terrific years in the league, but her true breakout was 2016, after team was announced. It was much more controversial at time that Parker was left off.

that team had much fewer traditional posts (just Griner, Charles, Fowles) with EDD and Stewart as stretch 4s (and Catchings who could defend 1-4). There were true wings on that team in Maya and Angel too and Catchings too.

 

[Dillon77]

Morning After Thoughts:

- There is a lot of chatter about whether the injuries/recoveries of Nneka Ogwumike and Diana Taurasi were judged by the same standard. As a former communicator who worked all angles of this professionally, you could've seen this one coming and had a straight answer.
This is what I found (only about Nneka):

“Breaks my heart that Nneka isn’t on this team,” Dawn Staley said, per the San Jose Mercury News. “Having to make a decision today, if we had to make a decision a month from now, I’m sure she’d be healthy. This was one of the things she wanted to do.”

So, what's the case with DT? Like Nneka, she's still not playing (although there is a report she may on Sunday)? Or were there other factors at play, such as team fit, etc?

- Personally, I think if DT is healthy, she's a no-brainer for this team. Her skill set, experience, attitude is nothing short of invaluable. She now is on the same Hoops IQ wavelength with both Bird and Skylar Diggins-Smith, which is another plus.

- Besides (perhaps) her injury, Nneka may have been a victim of multiple bigs in the paint. Still, she's an absolute quality player who has been a willing and able contributor over the years.

- With EDD out, Collier brings some agile length and ability to strike from outside. She also can guard quick forwards, which shouldn't be discounted.

- If the committee pulled directly from the pool (only), I'll bet there was plenty of discussion about the slot that eventually went to Atkins. I could've bought arguments on everyone from Hayes and Copper to Arike (who has reported for duty when called). I'll bet we'll see those names underconsideration the next World Cup in 2022.

- There are six new Olympians on this squad, but not all of them are young. The 2022 WC will give the committee a chance to start giving chances to other young pro's and possibly some collegians.

 

[UConnCat]

Can anyone provide an answer as to how/why was she left off the team in 2016? She was playing great that year. It's the only year I can understand there possibly where someone could gripe about it.

When you look at the depth of talent in US basketball, there's no way anyone is going to be happy with the team that is selected. There will always be periods of time where the alumni of a specific program will dominate. I don't know how the committee will be able to get around that.

I posted elsewhere that I thought Nneka absolutely deserved to be on the 2016 team. She played very well for USA at the 2014 World Cup in Istanbul and was at the top of her game in the WNBA. Why was she left off the 2016 team? My theory is that the Selection Committee didn’t want to leave both Parker and Catchings off the 2016 team and Catchings was taken over Nneka. There were some off-the-record reports that Geno wanted Nneka on the 2016 team.

This time around it’s a little different. Nneka was not as effective at the 2018 World Cup in Tenerife. She has also dealt with injuries the past 2 seasons. Guessing it came down to Nneka vs Napheesa. Tough call.

 

[baggerbob]

We are talking about this moment in time with Olympics in 4 weeks and a bad knee. We don't need someone on the team who will be limited by not having played in over a month. She wouldn't be in basketball shape either. CP stated on TV the other day she isn't in basketball shape, even though she has done extra cardio. She said the only way to get back is to play.
We don't have time for that with Nneka.

 

[cancontent]

I posted elsewhere that I thought Nneka absolutely deserved to be on the 2016 team. She played very well for USA at the 2014 World Cup in Istanbul and was at the top of her game in the WNBA. Why was she left off the 2016? My theory is that the Selection Committee didn’t want to leave both Parker and Catchings off the 2016 team and Catchings was taken over Nneka. There were some off-the-record reports that Geno wanted Nneka on the 2016 team.

This time around it’s a little different. Nneka was not as effective at the 2018 World Cup in Tenerife. She has also dealt with injuries the past 2 seasons. Guessing it came down to Nneka vs Napheesa. Tough call.

Thank you. I thought I was missing something in reading some of the comments.

I don't think it's a little different, it's entirely different. While she has a list of accomplishments that definitely put her into Olympic team consideration, the current situation regarding play and performance takes priority.

Like I was saying to a friend, I don't know who you take off to put Nneka in this time around. Even if all things were equal and she's healthy, it's a deep pool of talent at forward. You wonder why players try to leverage citizenship in other countries to compete. This is the prime example.

 

[Carnac]

If only Maya Moore was playing…

I miss Maya too. The longer she stays away, the less likely she returns. I understand she must do whatever she feels is her calling at this time, whatever it is. We all love and respect Maya too much not to support her where ever life takes her.