Olympics Women's Basketball, Expected Outcomes and Surprises

[donalddoowop]

Would Stef Dolson or Lou Samuelson have helped? Isn't Jen Rizzotti the coach?

I don't know.

 

[cancontent]

Would Stef Dolson or Lou Samuelson have helped? Isn't Jen Rizzotti the coach?

Maybe, but based on the qualification rules, it wasn't likely going to happen. The options were limited per this article from Her Hoops Stats that broke down the situation when Brink's injury occurred.

Breaking Down USA Basketball's 3x3 Options: How to replace Cameron Brink

After an unfortunate injury, Team USA needs a replacement for the Olympic 3x3 tournament. We explain the rules that limit the choices, and detail potential names.

herhoopstats.substack.com

 

[JellyBean]

Would Stef Dolson or Lou Samuelson have helped? Isn't Jen Rizzotti the coach?

To be honest, I doubt Stef or Lou would be of any help. I think Team USA will figure things out and pick up a medal. They got this.

 

[JellyBean]

It'd have been preferable to have another UConn alum graciously and gracefully bowing out by not accepting a spot on the team...

I have zero issue with a certain UConn alum accepting a roster spot. I have not looked at a minutes breakdown or anything but I would be happy if she cool if her not getting a lot of starting minutes. Heck for all I know, she could be getting just as many minutes as some of the other players. It just appears like she is on the floor a lot more than some of the other players

 

[nwhoopfan]

Heck for all I know, she could be getting just as many minutes as some of the other players. It just appears like she is on the floor a lot more than some of the other players

Looks like Ionescu is leading the guards in minutes played, starters Gray and Taurasi are 2nd and 3rd. The two starters have been the least productive players. They've scored a combined 4 points in 2 games. Gray did have 13 assists in the first game. Taurasi has 1 assist total. I don't know why she's getting any playing time.

 

[DEpup]

Watching the Olympics confirms why Nika thinks she never fouls. International play is a bit more wrestling match than basketball sometimes in my opinion. FIBA obviously doesn't buy into freedom of movement.

Gabby has been the most dynamic player not wearing a USA jersey IMO. It's so awesome to see how she has built her guard skills as a pro to add on to everything else she had at UConn.

 

[Blond D.]

I don't know what kind of a pool the USA had to choose from but IMO Howard is not a great choice for a 3 on 3 player. She just wants to shoot and not do the little things like Dolson did to make the team better.

I agree 100%. They all 4 seem slow and their defense is crap. No one switches on a pick and roll and the other teams offenses get between their defenders and the basket way too easy.

 

[PacoSwede]

Looks like Ionescu is leading the guards in minutes played, starters Gray and Taurasi are 2nd and 3rd. The two starters have been the least productive players. They've scored a combined 4 points in 2 games. Gray did have 13 assists in the first game. Taurasi has 1 assist total. I don't know why she's getting any playing time.

think it might because of her leadership????? believe it or not, that's needed a bunch.

 

[nwhoopfan]

think it might because of her leadership????? believe it or not, that's needed a bunch.

I knew somebody was gonna say that. Everybody on this team is a veteran who has won at every level of basketball they've played. I think Taurasi's leadership is overstated. They sure didn't need it in the last FIBA World Cup, that team looked awesome.

 

[BlueSkyGLW]

I knew somebody was gonna say that. Everybody on this team is a veteran who has won at every level of basketball they've played. I think Taurasi's leadership is overstated. They sure didn't need it in the last FIBA World Cup, that team looked awesome.

They sure don't look that awesome now. Are you suggesting that her inclusion is at fault, then?

7 guards, some expected to play different roles than they usually play in the WNBA because of the roster composition.....all because the selection committee believed in their ability to adjust and play multiple positions to go with their experience in International competition.

Maybe Steve Kerr and his coachers are right in how they are managing their roster for each game, which is much like the way Chuck Daly did with the Dream Team (changing the starting lineup depending on the opponent - only Michael Jordan was a constant). He is getting a lot of flack but from this perspective, he is doing it right.

Cheryl Reeve does not have this same option - she has to believe much of what the Selection Committee believed when they made the choices. Or, at least find a way to make it work. The players, as they are for their positions, are not inflexible but given the limited time to practice, it these group games that is serving as a way to learn the redefined roles for some of them.

As for DT, it is not so much the floor leadership from her that is important now but something akin to a coach and a spiritual leader when they need it - Cooper can attest to this when, is a close game sometime back, the Mercury coach designed a play to take the last-second shot but Diana recommended that Copper take it. It was a move both to recognize Copper's the state of play at the time and directly suggested that the coach broaden her thinking. Ccpper made the shot and praised Diana later. Whether they actually need such a contribution - e.g. to infuse the spirit to be bold when they confront their moment and not shrink from it - that is judged to make up for her diminished physical ability as the reason for her inclusion, it is analogous to an insurance policy.

The apparent superiority of the USA roster can only be fully realized when those who have had to adjust their roles become fully comfortable and instinctive in plaing with their teammates. In theory, they should be continually improving the more games they play....let's hope so.

The rest of the world are improving.....the time when the very short practice period after the team selection will soon be inadequate. Although they will likely manage to win again this time, USA BB should be prepared to modify its approach in the future, perhaps as soon as the next Olympics.

 

[nwhoopfan]

They sure don't look that awesome now. Are you suggesting that her inclusion is at fault, then?

I would probably say the biggest problem is that Chelsea Gray currently isn't anything like the player she used to be.

From what you say about Taurasi, it sounds like she should be part of the coaching staff.

 

[BlueSkyGLW]

I would probably say the biggest problem is that Chelsea Gray currently isn't anything like the player she used to be.

From what you say about Taurasi, it sounds like she should be part of the coaching staff.

Sort of now.....one who is on the floor some of the time. I believe that her role as a player during these early games is not that important, certainly not as much as those playing different roles need to quickly adjust to them. In the elimination games, I would guess that Diana will be more assertive and playing short minutes in these games conserves her energy level. And, it would surprise me if it is all the coach's design,

 

[baggerbob]

think it might because of her leadership????? believe it or not, that's needed a bunch.

Even DT says this is Stewie and A'ja's team now. They are the leaders by example and you watch Stewie and A'ja, they also do the talking. Collier said the same thing, they all defer to those 2.

 

[nwhoopfan]

Even DT says this is Stewie and A'ja's team now. They are the leaders by example and you watch Stewie and A'ja, they also do the talking. Collier said the same thing, they all defer to those 2.

That's kinda what I was getting at. This team has plenty of players who have been leaders. I just don't buy that DT is providing this invaluable ingredient that nobody else can provide.

 

[baggerbob]

That's kinda what I was getting at. This team has plenty of players who have been leaders. I just don't buy that DT is providing this invaluable ingredient that nobody else can provide.

And watching the games unless it's the end of the game one of the 2 is always on the floor. Gray said of Stewie it's great playing with her, I don't have to worry about her getting her fingers on my passes.

 

[PacoSwede]

clearly wilson and stewart are the best players on the court. dt isn't, now.

all on the squad are experienced, outstanding ball players. BUT, dt gives the grease needed for them to work smoothly as a TEAM ... the chemistry.

you know, i'm pretty sure each of them has confidence in her on the court -- they're well aware of her track record (more than some of us, apparently) -- and on the bench and in her confidence in them as a team. she's respected and inspires them (even stewart and wilson, and in the past bird, augustus, mccoughtry, fowles, moore, catchings and the rest).

this is rare when you have an amalgam of such accomplished folks, and it gives the team an edge. dt acts as a yeast that allows others to flourish together.

PLUS, she's still a damn good basketball player who on the court can produce what's needed for victory. she's not entirely over the hill. i'm amazed that some think she shouldn't be on the team. (ooohhhh! i get it. the caitlin clark factor!)

starting? the coach has a reason. it's fine with me if dt doesn't have this honor. she's important to team success, regardless. success is what we all hope for, surely.

 

[cancontent]

Sigh......This is an embarrassing end to Canada's time in this women's basketball tournament, losing 79-70 to Nigeria. Boxscore is deceiving but the 3rd quarter was the team's demise.

The Canada Basketball administration will be doing a lot of soul searching after this. This is the second consecutive Olympics where they didn't make it out of pool play. And after a fourth place finish at Worlds with most of the players on this roster, this wasn't the end result they expected.

Honestly, this roster is better than what was displayed on the court. This is so disappointing and frustrating when you see the talent coming out of this country now.

Congratulations to Nigeria and their tenacity in pool play. They've been disruptive and in sync as a team. Balogun has been very impressive on this roster.

Canada vs Nigeria - Group Phase - Women's Olympic Basketball Tournament Paris 2024 | FIBA Basketball

Canada vs Nigeria - Browse boxscore, game information & live stats, team rosters, photos and video highlights

www.fiba.basketball

 

[JellyBean]

Sigh......This is an embarrassing end to Canada's time in this women's basketball tournament, losing 79-70 to Nigeria. Boxscore is deceiving but the 3rd quarter was the team's demise.

The Canada Basketball administration will be doing a lot of soul searching after this. This is the second consecutive Olympics where they didn't make it out of pool play. And after a fourth place finish at Worlds with most of the players on this roster, this wasn't the end result they expected.

Honestly, this roster is better than what was displayed on the court. This is so disappointing and frustrating when you see the talent coming out of this country now.

Congratulations to Nigeria and their tenacity in pool play. They've been disruptive and in sync as a team. Balogun has been very impressive on this roster.

Canada vs Nigeria - Group Phase - Women's Olympic Basketball Tournament Paris 2024 | FIBA Basketball

Canada vs Nigeria - Browse boxscore, game information & live stats, team rosters, photos and video highlights

www.fiba.basketball

Yeah. This was a surprising result for Canada. Hats off to Nigeria for a great run and game but when we, fans of basketball, see Team Canada, especially on the women's side for basketball, we were expecting a huge rise for Team Canada. Definitely surprising results for Team Canada.

 

[BullDawg]

Rocky start for team USA against Germany.

 

[nwhoopfan]

2 players changed the momentum for USA. First Thomas, then Plum. KP was the last player to enter the game, as soon as she came in US grabbed the lead and then kept building on it. Hmm, she must've been supplying some leadership and chemistry or something.

 

[maple]

Stewie (and A’Ja) holding it down.

 

[The deacon]

clearly wilson and stewart are the best players on the court. dt isn't, now.

all on the squad are experienced, outstanding ball players. BUT, dt gives the grease needed for them to work smoothly as a TEAM ... the chemistry.

you know, i'm pretty sure each of them has confidence in her on the court -- they're well aware of her track record (more than some of us, apparently) -- and on the bench and in her confidence in them as a team. she's respected and inspires them (even stewart and wilson, and in the past bird, augustus, mccoughtry, fowles, moore, catchings and the rest).

this is rare when you have an amalgam of such accomplished folks, and it gives the team an edge. dt acts as a yeast that allows others to flourish together.

PLUS, she's still a damn good basketball player who on the court can produce what's needed for victory. she's not entirely over the hill. i'm amazed that some think she shouldn't be on the team. (ooohhhh! i get it. the caitlin clark factor!)

starting? the coach has a reason. it's fine with me if dt doesn't have this honor. she's important to team success, regardless. success is what we all hope for, surely.

2 players changed the momentum for USA. First Thomas, then Plum. KP was the last player to enter the game, as soon as she came in US grabbed the lead and then kept building on it. Hmm, she must've been supplying some leadership and chemistry or something.

It's not the Clark factor, PacoSwede, nor is it that I don't have immense respect for DT's past accomplishments.

It's just that, as long as Reeve is stubborn about playing DT, especially as a starter, the USA is doing its best to create a new Olympics event: 4 on 5!

Do you watch her on the court? She just doesn't belong with the others. So what that she's averaging 16 ppg in the W this season. She doesn't measure up any more as an Olympian. You seriously believe watching DT on the court (or likely even on the sidelines) is inspiring her teammates?

If the USA goes on to win the gold medal, which it should, somewhere along the way, Diana will throw a good pass, perhaps hit a couple of threes. I'll cheer for her then, as I do now, but the USA will win the gold in spite of DT, certainly not because of her.

 

[nwhoopfan]

Jackie Young took over the 2nd half.

I know I'm biased, but the team was better when Plum was on the floor. She came in midway thru Q2 and they went from behind to up 11. She came in early in Q3 and they went from up 8 to up 23. Her stats were modest, but the pace was better, the ball movement was better, they were getting better shots with her on the floor. She has to get some credit for that.

Gray and Tauarasi benched for the 2nd half. Could we see a change in the starting lineup next game?

 

[baggerbob]

Jackie Young took over the 2nd half.

I know I'm biased, but the team was better when Plum was on the floor. She came in midway thru Q2 and they went from behind to up 11. She came in early in Q3 and they went from up 8 to up 23. Her stats were modest, but the pace was better, the ball movement was better, they were getting better shots with her on the floor. She has to get some credit for that.

Gray and Tauarasi benched for the 2nd half. Could we see a change in the starting lineup next game?

Cheryl is too stubborn to make a change unless the players suggest a change, then she might. Unless DT asks to not start she will start. Too bad Sue isn't there to whisper in her ear DT it's time.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Stubborn is one word to use.

 

[MilfordHusky]

UConnCat says it better than I do, but unless you have been to an Olympics or World Cup Finals in a foreign country, you cannot fully understand how difficult and pressure-filled the situation is. In Istanbul, the Turkish fans had whistles, air horns, and other noisemakers. There were 20,000 Turkey fans and only a few Americans. Conversation in the arena was impossible. Dee's experience in both Russia and the WC/Olympics, plus her personality, keeps the Americans from getting rattled. This environment is quantitatively and qualitatively much different than the NCAA or WNBA Finals.

 

[cordarone]

Lauren Jackson has played all of twenty minutes in the tournament. Latest game, a must win against France, she got benched (Opals won btw).
Someone tell coach Brondello she's doing it wrong (leadership, poise, yada, yada, yada...)

 

[BlueSkyGLW]

All points made in defense of DT being on the team are valid......international basketball is quite a bit different from WNBA and NCAA.....I have no doubt that the Selection Committee took that into account: her depth of international experience and her vocal leadership (sort of a security blanket)

Watching them play against Germany finally dawned on me why there players were chosen (with the exception of DT): their defensive potential together as a team and their physical attributes to withstand the physicality of international basketball better. It looks like Coach Reeve has driven that home: defense.

Australia exposed the frontcourt of France - at least, that is the way I see it. Most of the key players of their frontcourt (except Gabby at 3) are young. I guess France did not see any incentive in desperately staying unbeaten.....

Lamenting Canada's performance as a whole....it seems to be a transition of a kind. Japan's too....

Having seen all of the teams now, I don't see anyone seriously challenging the US, although I am not overly impressed by the play of the team so far. But then, the wins of a defensive-minded team are not as spectacular or eye-catching as high-scoring offensive teams.

 

[MilfordHusky]

I think just about everybody on the team has multiple FIBA World Cups under their belt, and quite a few of them have been to multiple Olympics. This narrative of "they need Taurasi because she's the only one who has experienced this" just doesn't hold water.

Previous experience:

Diana 5 Olympics, 4 WC

Stewie 2 Olympics, 3 WC

BG 2 Olympics, 2 WC

A'ja 1 Olympics, 2 WC

Jewell 1 Olympics, 2 WC

Chelsea 1 Olympics, 1 WC

Kelsey 1 Olympics 3x3, 2 WC

Pheesa 1 Olympics

Jackie 1 Olympics 3x3

AT 1 WC

Kahleah 1 WC

Sabrina 1 WC

Other than Diana, that's 6 players with a combined 8 Olympics in 5x5. Many of the rookies are end-of-bench players, who get little playing time and are not expected to deliver buckets or stops in crunch time. BG, Stewie, and A'ja have been major contributors in 1-2 Olympics. That's it. The other players have never played a game like the one they had against Belgium.

 

[The deacon]

Previous experience:

Diana 5 Olympics, 4 WC

Stewie 2 Olympics, 3 WC

BG 2 Olympics, 2 WC

A'ja 1 Olympics, 2 WC

Jewell 1 Olympics, 2 WC

Chelsea 1 Olympics, 1 WC

Kelsey 1 Olympics 3x3, 2 WC

Pheesa 1 Olympics

Jackie 1 Olympics 3x3

AT 1 WC

Kahleah 1 WC

Sabrina 1 WC

Other than Diana, that's 6 players with a combined 8 Olympics in 5x5. Many of the rookies are end-of-bench players, who get little playing time and are not expected to deliver buckets or stops in crunch time. BG, Stewie, and A'ja have been major contributors in 1-2 Olympics. That's it. The other players have never played a game like the one they had against Belgium.

Nice list, Milford Husky, but that just reinforces the point that the team has plenty of experience. Eight of the players other than DT had been to the Olympics, and somehow I don't think AT, Sabrina and Copper are the types to be intimidated by the atmosphere..

As someone noted earlier, why didn't it occur to anyone to have DT as an assistant coach if she brings so much to the team on the sideline? Give her that choice: help with the coaching or go off and do a podcast with Sue. She's earned that choice.

She certainly doesn't bring anything on the court, and we could have had another player who might contribute...