USA Team announced on NBC Today show

[meyers7]

They interviewed Geno and then introduced the team.
EDD, Stewart, Charles, Moore, Fowles, Whelan, Captains Bird and Catchings all were on TV with Geno.

McCoughtrey, DT, Augustus, Griner overseas.

That's 12. Now it's official.

 

[HuskyNan]

Here's a link to the video. Sue and Catch are team captains.

Meet the ‘unbelievable women’ of the 2016 US Women’s Basketball Team

 

[JordyG]

Yes, now the Sh--Storm is official. I for one will sorely miss seeing Parker represent this country at the Olympics. However, the team will also miss the lack of depth and youth in the backcourt.

 

[Sonny44]

They interviewed Geno and then introduced the team.
EDD, Stewart, Charles, Moore, Fowles, Whelan, Captains Bird and Catchings all were on TV with Geno.

McCoughtrey, DT, Augustus, Griner overseas.

That's 12. Now it's official.

Only five from UCONN? That's not fair.

 

[Kaizen]

 

[vtcwbuff]

Average age 29.3. Is this the oldest US olympic team ever?

 

[EricLA]

I would say it's the most experienced Olympic team ever. Congrats to all the ladies who earned a spot. They have a wonderful and magic journey ahead of them. I'm very excited to see this team in action!

 

[bags27]

Yes, now the Sh--Storm is official. .

That storm will probably be localized among a few boards and fan bases, because, alas, most sports fans don't follow women's BB, and all will be forgiven and forgotten if they win a gold medal.

 

[JoePgh]

I am quite surprised at the inclusion of Fowles (especially), Catchings, and Bird and the exclusion of younger players such as Parker, Nneka Ogwumike, and Odyssey Sims.

Other than Breanna, there is not much "seed corn" on this roster for the 2020 Olympics.

 

[Aluminny69]

That storm will probably be localized among a few boards and fan bases, because, alas, most sports fans don't follow women's BB, and all will be forgiven and forgotten if they win a gold medal.

Yes, but what if, God forbid, they don't win the gold medal? That would be quite a blemish on Geno's illustrious career. Even Geno has said that is his biggest nightmare. I can't even imagine the second guessing.

 

[Aluminny69]

I have a question. What if one (or more) of these 12 players is injured, and can't compete in the Olympics. I know it depends on who gets hurt, but can they replace that player at this point? Is there a point at which they can't replace a player?

A related question: Would they invite Parker as a replacement player? Would she accept?

 

[bags27]

Yes, but what if, God forbid, they don't win the gold medal? That would be quite a blemish on Geno's illustrious career. Even Geno has said that is his biggest nightmare. I can't even imagine the second guessing.

U.S. Men's Team has FOUR times failed to win the gold (it may have only been 3: I think my quick research is sloppy), but I get: 1972, 1980, 1988, and 2004. Who remembers who coached them? Okay, 04 was Popovich. What a blemish on his career!

Few would remember. What they will remember is that Geno is the most successful college coach of all time....

 

[Aluminny69]

U.S. Men's Team has FOUR times failed to win the gold (it may have only been 3: I think my quick research is sloppy), but I get: 1972, 1980, 1988, and 2004. Who remembers who coached them? Okay, 04 was Popovich. What a blemish on his career!

Few would remember.

Perhaps you are not old enough to remember the infamous 1972 game, the first loss. Hall of Fame legend Hank Iba was the coach.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

I know it depends on who gets hurt, but can they replace that player at this point? Is there a point at which they can't replace a player?

Yes. Yes (once the games begin...which I believe is 3 days after the opening ceremony).

 

[bags27]

Perhaps you are not old enough to remember the infamous 1972 game, the first loss. Hall of Fame legend Hank Iba was the coach.
[/QUOTE}

Sure I remember it and I think that we all still believe that Hank Iba was one of the very, very greatest coaches (along with Clair Bee, the greatest of the "earlier generation" coaches). No shame to him for the loss, which clearly wasn't his fault.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Other than Breanna, there is not much "seed corn" on this roster for the 2020 Olympics

There will be 3 years of international play to bring along the "seed corn", though I'd choose another nickname for the Newbies myself.

Some players mentioned in these threads about who is on and off have had zero or extremely limited international competition. On the other had, Stewie played on 4 or 5 USA teams and the national team, just to name one example. In Geno's interviews over the last couple of years he has mentioned how difficult this year's selection process would be, and how from the Selection Committee's point of view and his own, you don't lightly cast aside people who have won the USA 1, 2, 3 Gold Metals in favor of "new blood."

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Who selected Macaulay Culkin to the team!

Glad that old lady Whalen made the team. She's a baller!

 

[cordarone]

U.S. Men's Team has FOUR times failed to win the gold (it may have only been 3: I think my quick research is sloppy), but I get: 1972, 1980, 1988, and 2004. Who remembers who coached them? Okay, 04 was Popovich. What a blemish on his career!

The 04 men's head coach was Larry Brown. Pop was an assistant, along with Roy 'No Fraud on My Tar Heels' Williams. Nobody remembers the assistants.
Brown, well, has quite a few other blemishes on that resume aside from coaching the US team with the most ever losses in an Olympic tournament. The latest being that NCAA ban this year...

 

[jcoton56]

I am not gonna 2nd guess em one bit, just gonna root like crazy and enjoy watching these gals hoop it up!

 

[RockyMTblue2]

U.S. Olympic Team Announced

Why I have to do all the heavy lifting I have no idea!

Player reactions:

QUOTES: U.S. Olympic Team Announced

 

[Bayareahusky]

Parker undoubtedly is a great player..... but who am I to second guess Geno and staff?

The sarcastic side of me wants to ask..... if we constantly hear that GA wins nobly because he gets all the best players, why wouldn't he want to put the best players on the team?

 

[RockyMTblue2]

DT's comments on making the team:

Diana Taurasi (Phoenix Mercury / Connecticut / Chino, CA)
What does it mean for you to be not only named to your fourth Olympic team, but to have another opportunity to play for Geno Auriemma and alongside Sue Bird?
It's an amazing honor. I love playing USA basketball, especially when I get to do it with two people that I have so much respect for.

Who did you look to for advice in as a rookie in 2004?
I learned from watching and listening to the older guys get it done. The way they approached each moment is what I learned the most from them.

What are you most looking forward to in Rio?
The competition.

I guess she had a limo waiting?

From quotes article above. Compare and contrast EDD! or Tina or Catch or.... "Domination".

 

[RockyMTblue2]

nobly

It is easy to be noble in victory, but so few are these days. Geno has it down pat, because he is a generous soul. Just thought I'd take your typo and run with it.

Here is an interesting ESPN article from when Geno was first appointed as head coach of USA team with some remarks about selecting CT players.

Auriemma to lead UConn, U.S. simultaneously

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Smiley Face.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Nice Video Conference from the announcement of Geno as Coach in 2009:

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