Rio Olympics USA WBB Finalists

[UcMiami]

I think it's bizarre that they only considered people invited to last year's camp. Essentially, they're basing a lot of these decisions for a competition in August of 2016 on the play of these athletes in 2014. Obviously a lot can happen in two years! It seems illogical and unfair. One player that I think deserved a look is Kelsey Bone after her 2015 WNBA season (for which she earned the Most Improved Player award).

They have had a camp in May 2015 at the end of the foreign season (and yes USA monitors all the players playing overseas so not just based on 2014 WNBA results) and they had a European tour at the end of the WNBA season this fall so they selected a team from available players based on WNBA 2015 season. I suspect the team they select after this camp will include a few 'alternates' or will be a few players more than the final 12. And if they have a camp before the WNBA season it will be a few more players than 12.

I am curious if you think someone else has been left out of consideration specifically - I can't think of anyone, but I am not a fanatic WNBA watcher.
Most improved player vs national team player is not synonymous - she is definitely good, but ...

 

[trb123]

I would like to congratulate Parker and Catchings before Vol Nationals do.

Lady Vol players making the Olympic training camp is perhaps no longer a subject of interest in the Vol Nation. Or the news travels slowly there.

 

[CBear01]

The way I see it...

You have to put Stewie on the team. Let's be real...she's the face of basketball probably for some years to come why would you not want her to get into the 2016 games to play with the likes of Bird and Taurasi who probably will be participating in their last olympics...

They need to pass the torch to Stewie. Nuff siad

 

[kat0189]

They have had a camp in May 2015 at the end of the foreign season (and yes USA monitors all the players playing overseas so not just based on 2014 WNBA results) and they had a European tour at the end of the WNBA season this fall so they selected a team from available players based on WNBA 2015 season. I suspect the team they select after this camp will include a few 'alternates' or will be a few players more than the final 12. And if they have a camp before the WNBA season it will be a few more players than 12.

I am curious if you think someone else has been left out of consideration specifically - I can't think of anyone, but I am not a fanatic WNBA watcher.
Most improved player vs national team player is not synonymous - she is definitely good, but ...

In fairness, I just checked Bone's overseas numbers and they're not earth-shattering by any means. Her stats are about the same as Stefanie Dolson's (who plays in the same league in Turkey), while Bone was 15.4 ppg, 6.3 rpg vs. Dolson's 10.5 ppg, 5.6 rpg for the '15 WNBA season.

 

[kat0189]

They have had a camp in May 2015 at the end of the foreign season (and yes USA monitors all the players playing overseas so not just based on 2014 WNBA results) and they had a European tour at the end of the WNBA season this fall so they selected a team from available players based on WNBA 2015 season. I suspect the team they select after this camp will include a few 'alternates' or will be a few players more than the final 12. And if they have a camp before the WNBA season it will be a few more players than 12.

I am curious if you think someone else has been left out of consideration specifically - I can't think of anyone, but I am not a fanatic WNBA watcher.
Most improved player vs national team player is not synonymous - she is definitely good, but ...

I was actually curious about that European tour...I don't remember the selection news for the team or who got cut. I just remember Nneka Ogwumike was not on the team despite making the 2014 National Team and contributing.

 

[kat0189]

Honestly, I think it'll be a pretty predictable final roster (vet-heavy). I think the only unknown is if a young guard is picked and which one.

 

[kat0189]

Probably not making it from previous team McCoughtry

It's funny, because I actually think Geno and McCoughtry have kind of an "odd couple" good rapport, from what I've read. Also, she led the team in scoring for the Euro Tour. I actually bet Geno would pick McCoughtry over Augustus for some reason (but of course it's possible both make it).

 

[Kaizen]

It's funny, because I actually think Geno and McCoughtry have kind of an "odd couple" good rapport, from what I've read. Also, she led the team in scoring for the Euro Tour. I actually bet Geno would pick McCoughtry over Augustus for some reason (but of course it's possible both make it).

Geno does not pick the players. It is the committee who pick the players.

 

[Huskies Rule]

Geno does not pick the players. It is the committee who pick the players.

Officially, you're correct, K. But if you think for one second that the selection committee says "Here's the team we picked for you team, Geno. Now go and win the gold," without any input from the coach who is tasked with winning, who knows the players better than anyone, and who understands which players generate the kind of team chemistry needed, so essential to winning in Rio...well, I have to disagree.

It isn't only about picking the 12 greatest basketball players in America. Incredible talent required, yes, but it's also about selecting and putting together those players who are willing and able to play the type of game Geno will demand of them. USA Basketball wants to put together the best team in the world, and they'll surely need to heed Geno. Can you ever imagine Geno passively accepting a list of players foisted upon him? Nahhh.

Geno will input his 2 cents on the selections, however discrete, and you can be sure he'll be heard, loud and clear.

 

[ucdt3]

2016
PG Sue Bird, Lindsay Whalen, Courtney Vandersloot, Briann January, Danielle Robinson
G Diana Taurasi, Angel McCoughtry, Skylar Diggins, Seimone Augustus, Odyssey Sims
W Maya Moore, Tamika Catchings, Elena Delle Donne, Kayla McBride, Jewell Loyd
F Candace Parker, Tina Charles, Nneka Ogwumike, Breanna Stewart, Candice Dupree
P Brittney Griner, Sylvia Fowles, Jantel Lavendar, Chiney Ogwumike, Stefanie Dolson

When all players are healthy and considering their age, this is my current depth chart based on past experience and success strictly with USAB SNT with some fudging to usual positions because in international play these players sometimes have played out of natural position in order to make these squads.

Players in red is the squad I would take if I was submitting a roster as USAB Olympic Committee. I'm taking my glue vets (Bird, Taurasi and Catchings), my current stars (Moore, McCoughtry, Parker and Charles) and my young guns/future stars (Diggins, Delle Donne, Ogwumike, Griner and Stewart). It's really hard leaving Whalen, Augustus AND Fowles off this roster, but someone's got to come off and they're the old vets who had their chance but now it's time to bring along our future because we already have TOO much vet. Now obviously if Bird or DT or Catch are out due to injury then those 3 are the first alternate choices based on position (1st alternate Whalen for Bird/Catch; 3rd alternate Augustus for DT/Catch and 2nd alternate Fowles for Catch).

 

[JavaMan]

2016
PG Sue Bird, Lindsay Whalen, Courtney Vandersloot, Briann January, Danielle Robinson
G Diana Taurasi, Angel McCoughtry, Skylar Diggins, Seimone Augustus, Odyssey Sims
W Maya Moore, Tamika Catchings, Elena Delle Donne, Kayla McBride, Jewell Loyd
F Candace Parker, Tina Charles, Nneka Ogwumike, Breanna Stewart, Candice Dupree
P Brittney Griner, Sylvia Fowles, Jantel Lavendar, Chiney Ogwumike, Stefanie Dolson

Really tough choices. I like your reds! Personally, I would make one change, I'd swap Augustus for Diggins. But, I like what you've done here.

 

[easttexastrash]

After watching the WNBA last season my money is on January to be included. Her performance in the playoffs was incredibly good, both on offense and defense. She is my pick for the last guard position. It will be very close between her and Sloot. Sims turns the ball over too much and Diggins is too offensive minded and I think Geno wants someone who will accept the role of putting the team first, and I think January best fits that description.

I think that as long as Geno is the coach that Bird is on the team. He probably trusts her more than any other player, except maybe DT. As long as she can dribble and run up and down the court she will be on the team.

 

[bballnut90]

Geno is coaching...there's no way Stewart is left off of the team.

 

[Huskies Rule]

Geno is coaching...there's no way Stewart is left off of the team.

There's NO WAY Stewie is "left off the team." And it's NOT because "Geno is coaching" but because she absolutely deserves to make that team.

 

[warbler1055]

Geno does not pick the players. It is the committee who pick the players.

Too funny. Geno actually said this. But it's only an illusion. Geno really does pick the players despite what the official line is!!!

 

[Orangutan]

After watching the WNBA last season my money is on January to be included. Her performance in the playoffs was incredibly good, both on offense and defense. She is my pick for the last guard position. It will be very close between her and Sloot. Sims turns the ball over too much and Diggins is too offensive minded and I think Geno wants someone who will accept the role of putting the team first, and I think January best fits that description.

I think that as long as Geno is the coach that Bird is on the team. He probably trusts her more than any other player, except maybe DT. As long as she can dribble and run up and down the court she will be on the team.

Per 36 minutes last year, Sloot had more steals, more assists, more points, and fewer turnovers than January. January did shoot it a little bit better last year but Vandersloot is a better shooter for her career (though not from 3). Obviously, I'm biased as a Sky fan but I have seen them play both live and televised many times and you can't convince me that January is better than Sloot.

 

[bballnut90]

There's NO WAY Stewie is "left off the team." And it's NOT because "Geno is coaching" but because she absolutely deserves to make that team.

That may end up being true, it remains to be seen how she performs against pros and better competition. She struggled in the world championships two years ago and while I think she'll adjust fine as a pro, I don't think she has proven that she deserves to make the team over some other experienced pros who have excelled in the W, overseas, and with team USA. After this summer, that might not be the case.

For all the talk of "Geno doesn't decide the team," in 2012 both Swin Cash and Asjha Jones were named to the Olympic roster despite there being far more deserving non-UCONN players who were left off of the roster.

Regardless of all of this, I think there is little doubt that whatever roster is assembled, Team USA should cruise to gold once again.

 

[Orangutan]

There's NO WAY Stewie is "left off the team." And it's NOT because "Geno is coaching" but because she absolutely deserves to make that team.

At center, I would take Griner, Fowles, and Charles (who can also play PF). At PF, I would take EDD (can also play SF, but I think this is her best position) and Parker for sure. So between those two spots you already have 5 players, which is probably all you want.

Realistically, Fowles gets left out and/or EDD is counted as an SF, which opens up another PF spot. Then, Stewart would have to beat out Dupree and both Ogwumikes. I think Stewart is better than Chiney. Not sure about Dupree and Nneka. She will surpass them in time but they have much more experience against elite competition.

 

[HoopsFan21]

Take Stewie and Diggins for the last two spots.

 

[UConnCat]

For all the talk of "Geno doesn't decide the team," in 2012 both Swin Cash and Asjha Jones were named to the Olympic roster despite there being far more deserving non-UCONN players who were left off of the roster.

Regardless of all of this, I think there is little doubt that whatever roster is assembled, Team USA should cruise to gold once again.

I don't remember USA cruising past Australia in the semifinals in London. I remember a game in which USA trailed at halftime, had no answer for Cambage in the first half and had a couple of superstars who wanted no part of the physical Opals. That game was won in the 2nd half by veteran players who've been in those pressure situations before and know what it takes to win. A fatigued Cambage also helped.

As for Cash and Jones, most certainly their relationship with Geno mattered. They know what he wanted and he trusted them. I'd also point out that Cash and Jones filled out the 11th and 12 roster spots where you want veterans who know their role, won't complain about playing time and have the maturity to deliver at a big moment in a big game. Asjha Jones did just that in the second half of the Australia game when, again, a superstar or two weren't interested in matching Australia's toughness.

 

[Huskies Rule]

That may end up being true, it remains to be seen how she performs against pros and better competition. She struggled in the world championships two years ago and while I think she'll adjust fine as a pro, I don't think she has proven that she deserves to make the team over some other experienced pros who have excelled in the W, overseas, and with team USA. After this summer, that might not be the case.

For all the talk of "Geno doesn't decide the team," in 2012 both Swin Cash and Asjha Jones were named to the Olympic roster despite there being far more deserving non-UCONN players who were left off of the roster.

Regardless of all of this, I think there is little doubt that whatever roster is assembled, Team USA should cruise to gold once again.

If they are smart (and they are), Geno and USA Basketball does not want to turn into the NY Yankees of today. They had better be very concerned about the advancing AGE of so many players, before it catches up to them and bites them on the butt.

Just a few years ago, the Yankees were absolutely loaded with hard-to-beat All-Star talent- Jeter, Rodriguez, Teixeira, Sabathia, et al. But the Yankees (via dumb, long term contracts) locked themselves into too many great ball players who soon began showing their age and who were clearly on the downside of their once-great careers. The Yankees did not look ahead to their future, to young, up-and-comers. There was no youth movement, and the Yankees foolishly kept doubling down by acquiring 'great' older players (Ellsbury and Beltran) who were really good, but whose best years were behind them. The results were disastrous for the Yankees.

The USA National Team cannot afford to rest on its laurels, on its amazing achievements, and get complacent, standing Pat (sorry!) with the greats who have been so successful in past Olympics. Time marches ahead, and the young stars of today and the future (Stewart, Ogwumike, Simms, Moriah, et al.) must be served.

 

[UConnCat]

It's funny, because I actually think Geno and McCoughtry have kind of an "odd couple" good rapport, from what I've read. Also, she led the team in scoring for the Euro Tour. I actually bet Geno would pick McCoughtry over Augustus for some reason (but of course it's possible both make it).

I was fortunate to attend the world championships in Istanbul with a few other boneyarders and attended every USA game. Angel did not play very well and there were games in which Geno seemed frustrated with her poor shot selection among other things. He actually pulled her from a couple of games because of her play.

Nneka, on the other hand, was outstanding.

 

[UcMiami]

At center, I would take Griner, Fowles, and Charles (who can also play PF). At PF, I would take EDD (can also play SF, but I think this is her best position) and Parker for sure. So between those two spots you already have 5 players, which is probably all you want.

Realistically, Fowles gets left out and/or EDD is counted as an SF, which opens up another PF spot. Then, Stewart would have to beat out Dupree and both Ogwumikes. I think Stewart is better than Chiney. Not sure about Dupree and Nneka. She will surpass them in time but they have much more experience against elite competition.

I think Stewart is considered as much a SF as a PF with her mid-range and distance shooting. She is a hybrid like EDD and Parker who has developed that aspect of her game to a degree.
And yes, I think Uconn players do get an advantageous look by the committee over those who have not played for Geno because they already have an deep knowledge of his system, and practice time is so short. Swin made that team I think in the middle of a resurgence in her career - hadn't she just been MVP of the all-star game? Asjha made the team as a replacement for an injured player (Fowles?) and because of her versatility to fill multiple roles as the 12 man.

 

[UcMiami]

If they are smart (and they are), Geno and USA Basketball does not want to turn into the NY Yankees of today. They had better be very concerned about the advancing AGE of so many players, before it catches up to them and bites them on the butt.

Just a few years ago, the Yankees were absolutely loaded with hard-to-beat All-Star talent- Jeter, Rodriguez, Teixeira, Sabathia, et al. But the Yankees (via dumb, long term contracts) locked themselves into too many great ball players who soon began showing their age and who were clearly on the downside of their once-great careers. The Yankees did not look ahead to their future, to young, up-and-comers. There was no youth movement, and the Yankees foolishly kept doubling down by acquiring 'great' older players (Ellsbury and Beltran) who were really good, but whose best years were behind them. The results were disastrous for the Yankees.

The USA National Team cannot afford to rest on its laurels, on its amazing achievements, and get complacent, standing Pat (sorry!) with the greats who have been so successful in past Olympics. Time marches ahead, and the young stars of today and the future (Stewart, Ogwumike, Simms, Moriah, et al.) must be served.

I think you are right to some degree, but ... I think they really want to win Olympic golds and are not as concerned about the WCs - they do look at the team in four year cycles and see the WC as the stepping stone toward the next Olympics - they change coaches after the Olympics on new four year contracts. I think they probably treat the player choices in a similar way. I think they also want to maintain 'loyalty' because it is a two way street, and they don't want players deciding they'll take a three week holiday instead of trying out for the team.

The team is still full of young stars - it is just the backcourt that is aging, and interestingly enough, there are no young guards that have truly distanced themselves from their peers during the past six years. Everyone has a 'favorite' young guard, but none of them are saying 'I'm the next Bird' or 'I'm the next Taurasi'

 

[blaqtech]

2016
PG Sue Bird, Lindsay Whalen, Courtney Vandersloot, Briann January, Danielle Robinson
G Diana Taurasi, Angel McCoughtry, Skylar Diggins, Seimone Augustus, Odyssey Sims
W Maya Moore, Tamika Catchings, Elena Delle Donne, Kayla McBride, Jewell Loyd
F Candace Parker, Tina Charles, Nneka Ogwumike, Breanna Stewart, Candice Dupree
P Brittney Griner, Sylvia Fowles, Jantel Lavendar, Chiney Ogwumike, Stefanie Dolson

These players you just have to take.
New faces of Women's Basketball. Sex appeal, etc...
Solid players....Insurance policy.
These 10, to me, are locks

The final two spots will come down to individual wants or taste.....
I just don't see them making the team. They probably show a lot of promise for the future but it's not in Rio.

Commander Generals...... do you need one or two? Taurasi fills this role also, so maybe none.

Another Center on Stage...... If you think big is the way to go, take Fowles. I think Griner, Charles and Parker can handle things down low.

This family stays together......good players, above violet group but below orange group. I can't justify putting them on the team. I've got 4 low post players.

Youth movement..... Can actually play with the big girls and hold their own. Can they make an impact? Or just novelty pieces for future promotions. Why do I need them?

Flip a coin.... I like Odyssey Sims more than Diggins and another guard would not be a bad thing. But, I got two vets in Bird and Whalen to choose from also.

Flip a coin Part TWO...... Dupree, Dupree Dupree!!! I really think she should become an Ogwumike. I got McCoughtry, Augustus, Moore and Delle Donne. What's your angle?


If I take Bird ,then I would take :

Sims to be mentored by Bird (Diggins too)
or Stewart( to get mentored by Charles and Parker)

if I take Whalen (there's no mentorship in my mind( Bird's job)), then I go with
Stewart(same as above)
or Fowles.

Sims and Stewart or Sims and Fowles are my last combos

 

[Orangutan]

I think Stewart is considered as much a SF as a PF with her mid-range and distance shooting. She is a hybrid like EDD and Parker who has developed that aspect of her game to a degree.
And yes, I think Uconn players do get an advantageous look by the committee over those who have not played for Geno because they already have an deep knowledge of his system, and practice time is so short. Swin made that team I think in the middle of a resurgence in her career - hadn't she just been MVP of the all-star game? Asjha made the team as a replacement for an injured player (Fowles?) and because of her versatility to fill multiple roles as the 12 man.

Stewart, until this year, hasn't been an elite 3-point shooter, which is something I want from a wing on our Olympic team (34.7% career, 44.9% this year). If that 3-point shooting carries through the whole season at above 40%, I may change my mind. I also think that you want her closer to the basket to make use of her rebounding and shot blocking. But her versatility does get her extra points for sure.

 

[Orangutan]

The team is still full of young stars - it is just the backcourt that is aging, and interestingly enough, there are no young guards that have truly distanced themselves from their peers during the past six years. Everyone has a 'favorite' young guard, but none of them are saying 'I'm the next Bird' or 'I'm the next Taurasi'

Diggins was 1st team All-WNBA and couldn't get a look. Who knows, maybe she was horrible in training camp. But tell that to anybody you know who follows the NBA but not women's basketball. They'll be like, "what? how?" Folks will say the Olympic team is different and the priority is passing from the PGs, but then everyone thinks Vandersloot is a long shot. Sloot led the league in assists per game among guards for the last two years (1st overall in '14 and 2nd only to Parker in '15) . In four years, Sloot will be 30 and they'll say she's too old and she has no international experience.

Honestly, in my view, it is a clique, plain and simple. Once you are in, you are pretty much in and then the justification becomes circular. "We need Player X for her experience and leadership." Well, Player Y will never gain experience or develop leadership if you don't take her!

 

[CocoHusky]

2016
PG Sue Bird, Lindsay Whalen, Courtney Vandersloot, Briann January, Danielle Robinson
G Diana Taurasi, Angel McCoughtry, Skylar Diggins, Seimone Augustus, Odyssey Sims
W Maya Moore, Tamika Catchings, Elena Delle Donne, Kayla McBride, Jewell Loyd
F Candace Parker, Tina Charles, Nneka Ogwumike, Breanna Stewart, Candice Dupree
P Brittney Griner, Sylvia Fowles, Jantel Lavendar, Chiney Ogwumike, Stefanie Dolson

Don't see Skylar making this team. ACL injury was July. If it takes a full year to fully recover from an ACL she should be good but in reality she needs to be good now to perform well enough to make the team. Don't forget when Skylar was healthy Odyssey was ahead of her.
Don't see Geno going with only 1 pure (slightly aged) PG because he likes his ball pressure- a plus for Odyssey over Whalen
One versatile role/glue players should make the team among Dupree, McBride, Nneka

PG: Sue Bird, Odyssey Sims
SG: Diana Taurasi, Seimone Augustus, Kayla McBride
SF: Maya Moore, Elena Delle Donne, Tamika Catchings
PF: Candace Parker, Breanna Stewart
C: Brittney Griner, Tina Charles

This would set you up nicely with 5 first time & possible future Olympians in (Sims, McBride, EDD, Stewie, & Brittney).
5 likely last time Olympians ( Bird, Tuarasi, Catch, Seimone, & Candace)
2 (Maya & Tina) who will likely be still good enough to make the team in 2020.

 

[Dillon77]

The situation reminds me of the US Women's National Team in soccer with the roster make-up for both the World Cup and the Olympics. The sponsoring organizations respect and like their veterans at these events -- in this case, Rio -- and are looking at them like they're the last go-round for a number of players. In the case of the hoops team, I'm thinking of Catchings, Bird, Whalen and Taurasi.

Contrasted against that thought are Geno's comments that he brought a lot of guards in not just for this team, but for the future. That could be construed as ominous handicapping for Loyd, Vandersloot, McBride (K-Mac) Sims and Diggins, particularly if her recovery from knee surgery isn't quite there. As in "see 'ya once the Olympics are over...."

That said, I'd like to see the best for the team effort be chosen and if that can be a combination of experienced and youth pushing at the door so be it.
Let's just make sure Moore, Parker, Griner and EDD are on it. My only hope for a Domer inclusion, strangely enough, is somewhat counter-intuitive: K-Mac offers strong versatility at the 2-3 axis, is pretty tough underneath and will know/accept her role. (It will probably be for a future teams but one can always hope!)

 

[Dillon77]

Don't see Skylar making this team. ACL injury was July. If it takes a full year to fully recover from an ACL she should be good but in reality she needs to be good now to perform well enough to make the team. Don't forget when Skylar was healthy Odyssey was ahead of her.
Don't see Geno going with only 1 pure (slightly aged) PG because he likes his ball pressure- a plus for Odyssey over Whalen
One versatile role/glue players should make the team among Dupree, McBride, Nneka

PG: Sue Bird, Odyssey Sims
SG: Diana Taurasi, Seimone Augustus, Kayla McBride
SF: Maya Moore, Elena Delle Donne, Tamika Catchings
PF: Candace Parker, Breanna Stewart
C: Brittney Griner, Tina Charles

This would set you up nicely with 5 first time & possible future Olympians in (Sims, McBride, EDD, Stewie, & Brittney).
5 likely last time Olympians ( Bird, Tuarasi, Catch, Seimone, & Candace)
2 (Maya & Tina) who will likely be still good enough to make the team in 2020.

Interesting...I was writing when you posted and came to the same conclusion on both Diggins and McBride. I don't think Sky will be ready yet, like you, and also think K-Mac's versatility will come in handy.