I had trouble logging in for a few days, so I'm late to the party. Ok, maybe it's not a party.
I'll preface this by saying what some of you know. I'm not a big fan of Candace. But I respect her game and am shocked and puzzled by this. I think she is one of the top players in the world, with Diana, Maya, and Elena (EDD having replaced Catch in the past 1-2 years). I thought Candace was arguably the best player in the WNBA last year, with her improved passing. Had she played as effectively for the full season, instead of sitting out the first half, she might well have been the MVP.
My first reaction was that the Zika virus might have been an issue. Some female athletes have dropped out of the games, and Candace is the only U.S. player with a child, I believe. I thought she may be pregnant or may want to be pregnant soon. The virus appears not to be a factor.
Some relatively minor negatives on Candace: She has yet to win a championship in the WNBA. She's won 2 MVP awards, but no championship. In London in 2012, Candace starred in the gold medal game against France. The style of play in that game fit her. However, in the semi-finals, where I sat behind the Aussie basket for the first half, she was unable to slow down Liz Cambage. I think even Sylvia had trouble. In the second half, Liz may have been gassed, but a confirmation of Asjha Jones and Tina Charles kept Liz away from the basket. If not for AJ, we might have been in the bronze medal game instead.
It's obvious that the team we believe was selected is both old and big. But the only player I would have left off was Angel. She was effective in 2012, but out of control in 2014. She must have convinced the committee that she would play under control. When she does, she is fabulous. Though some of the players are long in the tooth, I don't think anyone was quite ready to replace Sue, Lindsay, or Catch. Or if so, the replacements were not fully healthy.
In terms of Stewie, two things are needed on the team: 3-point shooting and versatility. I would argue that, while not the most experienced, Stewie is the most versatile player among the 12. She can play at least 3 positions. The Stewie of 2016 is not the Stewie of 2014. She is much stronger, smarter, and more experienced. I think she was a good choice in terms of focusing on both the present and the future.
As Cat noted, this is the 2014 team from Turkey with 3 changes: EDD, Fowles, and Catch in lieu of Sims, Dupree, and Nneka. Though Candace and Nneka played well, I think this is a net improvement. Nneka was NOT the best player in Turkey. Maya won the MOP, and both Griner and Tina were outstanding. That said, I'd still like to have Nneka on the team. For the Sylvia detractors, keep in mind that she was the WNBA Finals MOP. Sylvia still has game.
I'm looking forward to the explanation from USA Basketball. I'm reminded, though, of the goal of picking not the 12 best players, but the 12 players that compose the best team. Candace is clearly in the first group. I thought she was in the second as well, but USA Basketball appeared to disagree.
Maybe I'm naive, but I don't think there's a conspiracy. Part of the reason I'm not a fan of Candace is that I think she's a "me first" type of player. The fact that she apparently leaked at least part of the list of selectees confirms my opinion.
I agree that there is and may continue to be a sh__storm, but let's try to remain calm and rational. I disagree with the decision on the surface, but I want to hear more.
But I don't think I have.
