OT: USWNT - Who's next?

[baggerbob]

Breanna Stewart made the Olympic roster immediately following graduation. Paige very well could do the same.

Stewie had been playing above her age group since she was 15. That includes playing with college kids in the Pan Am games.

 

[bbsamjj]

Something I don't think been's mentioned enough is that the 2021 team was clearly inferior to the 2016 Olympic team, which had:

Bird, DT, Fowles, Charles--all 5 years younger.
Four of the best wings in WNBA history in
MAYA MOORE!!!
EDD!!!
Angel McCoughtry
Tamika Catchings

Augustus, Whalen, Catchings at the end of their careers.
Stewart and Griner at the beginning.

So the fact that the 2021 team didn't look at good as the 2016 team, even with Stewart, Griner, and Wilson all at the top of their games, shouldn't surprise folks. The composition of the team was always post heavy and that was going to change how they played.

 

[BBallF]

Something I don't think been's mentioned enough is that the 2021 team was clearly inferior to the 2016 Olympic team, which had:

Bird, DT, Fowles, Charles--all 5 years younger.
Four of the best wings in WNBA history in
MAYA MOORE!!!
EDD!!!
Angel McCoughtry
Tamika Catchings

Augustus, Whalen, Catchings at the end of their careers.
Stewart and Griner at the beginning.

So the fact that the 2021 team didn't look at good as the 2016 team, even with Stewart, Griner, and Wilson all at the top of their games, shouldn't surprise folks. The composition of the team was always post heavy and that was going to change how they played.

Part of the problem is the change in talent at positions, such as the point and the 3. In other words, the scarcity of players who were natural at those positions.

 

[browns]

From a MN point of view

Souhan: Reeve in charge, Bueckers at guard? U.S. women's hoops likely to improve - StarTribune.com

As a four-time WNBA champion and dedicated member of Team USA, Reeve is a logical choice to maintain the USA's dominance, and there are two more Minnesota-based words that bolster this premise:

Paige Bueckers.

Imagine Bueckers, entering her prime, running an offense including Stewart, Wilson and some of the young WNBA stars. With her flair and command of the game, Bueckers will be an international superstar.

Imagine this lineup: Bueckers, Stewart, Wilson, Griner and ... just about anyone. Maybe Sabrina Ionescu. Maybe a phenom we don't know about yet. Maybe Lynx star Napheesa Collier, the youngest player on the current U.S. Olympic roster.

Paige Bueckers, the former Hopkins star now at UConn, could be the point guard for the 2024 Olympians.

Reeve might want Lynx center Sylvia Fowles on that team, to try for her fifth gold medal. Collier makes sense because of her versatility and size. But Reeve will be picking from a treasure chest.

The 2024 team will likely be better than the 2021 team, and the 2021 team coasted to gold.

The committee picks the team not Reeve

 

[Carnac]

Seems to me there are few obvious candidates among existing WNBA players. either they are old enough that age could be a factor in three years, or they have not yet dominated in the league. Someone will probably emerge and become a clear choice, but the door is open for some current college players like Paige. Off hand I could see Boston, H. Jones , Brink and Clark as possibilities if current WNBA players don't stand out.

Sue said that the torch was passed to her and Dee 20 years ago. They have run their portion of the race, and are now passing the torch to those coming behind them. Fear not friends, there will more than enough super star and all star players ready willing and able to take the baton and carry on the legacy this team has established.

The USA will be well represented at the Paris games in 2024. Anyone here think team USA won’t be the “heavy” favorite to win gold in Paris? There are 144 players in the WNBA. I think the selection committee can sort out and pick the best 12 to send to Paris. They’ve done it for the last seven Olympics. Why should they falter now?

The first players I’d look at would be the 12 members of the WNBA All-Star team that beat the national team in an exhibition game in July. If they were good enough to beat them, they’re good enough to join them.

 

[MooseJaw]

Paige Bueckers will be ready in 2024

If healthy Paige is already ready.

 

[Vowelguy]

If healthy Paige is already ready.

uh no, shes not. the Olympics are a very very very different ball o wax
Diana, as college grad in 2004, got 0 starts and shot 37%.

Stewie, as college grad in 2016, played 11 mpg.

 

[Fairfield Fan]

I believe this was the last olympics for Taurasi, Bird, Fowles, and Charles. I don't think Atkins or SDS showed enough to be included again. Collier also didn't show much, but if she improves I could see her returning for Paris.

So you basically have six/seven spots for newcomers. In my opinion, Wilson, Stewart, Griner, Loyd, and Gray are the most likely to be in Paris. There will definitely be an influx of young talent, as it's time to build a new generation of core player. I would expect to see both Ionescu and Paige, and likely Clark. The next generation of wings and posts is not yet clear in my mind.

I would also point out that Skylar Diggins-Smith did not win herself any automatic return to the roster for 2024. Digging-Smith only managed 6.5 minutes per game, and scored just 1.6 ppg. And she'll be 34 next time round, which also militates against her inclusion when there are excellent younger alternatives available: Paige, Clark, and Ionescu. Nor did Ariel Atkins help herself to another spot on the roster.

Don't think Tina Charles will return, based not least on the fact that she'll be 35 years old next time. D and Sue will not return.

Will Napheesa make the roster? Really surprised that she was a non-factor in this games.

Gray was superb, and was one of the four factors that won the Gold. The others being the all-time classic frontline of Breanna, Britney, and A'ja. No one else really stood out.

But next time, the tournament could be very rough. With a potentially very young backcourt playing against seasoned pros from Europe and the Japanese league, and with an aging front court trio, it won't be any easier than this year.

And won't the Ogwumike sisters be playing for Nigeria? And Ogunbowale? Isn't she a dual citizen as well? If they team up, will Nigeria be the team most likely to challenge the U.S.?

 

[MooseJaw]

uh no, shes not. the Olympics are a very very very different ball o wax
Diana, as college grad in 2004, got 0 starts and shot 37%.

Stewie, as college grad in 2016, played 11 mpg.

So we disagree, therefore I challenge you to a duel. The only fair way to judge who's right, after all there is no way to see this play out on the court. You pick the weapons and I'll chose the time and place. Good luck to you Mr. V

 

[Fairfield Fan]

SJF, I agree 110% about Arike making or NOT making the NT!
The committee (who-ever that may be) wants players that are willing & able to sacrifice everything for the good of the program!
Arike doesn't fit that mold.

Isn't Arike eligible for the Nigerian team? Have I got that mixed up?

 

[baggerbob]

I would also point out that Skylar Diggins-Smith did not win herself any automatic return to the roster for 2024. Digging-Smith only managed 6.5 minutes per game, and scored just 1.6 ppg. And she'll be 34 next time round, which also militates against her inclusion when there are excellent younger alternatives available: Paige, Clark, and Ionescu. Nor did Ariel Atkins help herself to another spot on the roster.

Don't think Tina Charles will return, based not least on the fact that she'll be 35 years old next time. D and Sue will not return.

Will Napheesa make the roster? Really surprised that she was a non-factor in this games.

Gray was superb, and was one of the four factors that won the Gold. The others being the all-time classic frontline of Breanna, Britney, and A'ja. No one else really stood out.

But next time, the tournament could be very rough. With a potentially very young backcourt playing against seasoned pros from Europe and the Japanese league, and with an aging front court trio, it won't be any easier than this year.

And won't the Ogwumike sisters be playing for Nigeria? And Ogunbowale? Isn't she a dual citizen as well? If they team up, will Nigeria be the team most likely to challenge the U.S.?

Aging frontcourt, A'ja will be 28, Stewie 29, Griner 33, EDD will be 34, and missed 2 years. At least 2 of those players won 't have reached their best years.

 

[D J B]

So we disagree, therefore I challenge you to a duel. The only fair way to judge who's right, after all there is no way to see this play out on the court. You pick the weapons and I'll chose the time and place. Good luck to you Mr. V

Ooooh. The proverbial face slap with an empty glove. Also, if he chooses the weapon, you choose the number of paces.

 

[MooseJaw]

Ooooh. The proverbial face slap with an empty glove. Also, if he chooses the weapon, you choose the number of paces.

We will both need a second taking applications from fellow BYers.

 

[Matty722]

It will certainly be interesting to see how the pool and roster play out. There are a lot of players who can be put into the conversation. My thoughts below:
In my opinion, there are clearly some locks from this Olympic team (assuming they are healthy) for both WC22 and O24 - Stewie, A’ja, Griner, and Loyd.
High probability (at this point - things can easily change) - Gray, Collier.
Charles, Fowels, Diggins, and Atkins are question marks. Fowels will be 38 in 2024 and Charles will be 35.
Diggins and Atkins are possible - many have said definitely no on both, but I personally would take them over players like Courtney Williams, The Mitchells, Copper, DeShields, Canada, etc.
Beyond that, it really is a tossup. While I do not like Arike at all, it would be shocking if she doesn’t make the team (unless she plays for Nigeria). While she’s never had the best attitude or team mentality, she can score from anywhere and anytime.
Guards are something that will need to be worked out sooner rather than later. I would take Plum over Diggins, but like Alisha Gray, she may want to stay on the 3x3 team.
Ionescu, if healthy, would also be hard to see off the roster.
So, you could see the future backcourt (as of now) be like this Loyd, Ionescu, Arike.
Obviously this is a UConn board and I am biased, but Paige should be on the 2024 Olympic team. She is the best option at PG for USAB in the future. I noticed some say she will not be on the 2024 team, but USA has taken players fresh out of college to the Olympics before - Dee, Parker, Fowels, Stewie. With no candidate being the clear choice for PG at this point, Paige has a good chance.
Other younger players to keep an eye on for the future - Haley Jones, Boston, Brink, Van Lith, Clark, Azzi, Betts. In no way am I saying they’ll be on the 2024 team, but I would imagine they’ll be in future USA team pools beyond 2024.

 

[D J B]

We will both need a second taking applications from fellow BYers.

This whole dueling thing is actually rather complicated, while still being very simple. I have attached the Code Duello, from 1777, below.

Please note rule 25, regarding seconds disagreeing and deciding to duel it out themselves. With players from the BY involved it could get a little bloody since "at the same time and at right angles with their principals" is how that would be played. Not quite sure if the seconds get to have their own seconds, but I could envision a 360 circle with BYers spaced around evenly. The forum is sometimes bloody enough as is, but played out on a foggy field at 7am underneath a few towering oaks would provide fodder for many years of discussion. It would certainly clear the air for a little while. Cell phones required for video.

Code Duello

 

[Heytherego]

I don’t understand how people are saying Paige definitely shouldn’t be on the 24 team. As a freshman she was NPOY, A FRESHMAN!!! People are acting as if she isn’t going to get better in the next 3 years. She’s already regarded as the best player in college, I can not even imagine what 3 more years under Geno will do to her development. I definitely see her, at minimum, being invited to the camp with a good chance of making the team.

 

[SJF]

Not a fan of Arike by any means ( talented but too much of an attitude) but, I think she would be much better at the point than Skylar

No one else will touch the ball if she was running point!

 

[Skeets]

Ooooh. The proverbial face slap with an empty glove. Also, if he chooses the weapon, you choose the number of paces.

I got $2 bucks on Mr. Moose.

 

[RSHERMVIKES]

I remember Angel McCoughtry modifying her personality and "game" around the 2012 & 2016 Olympics to fit in with Geno's coaching because she would do anything to be coached by him! She respects him so much, and Geno loved coaching Angel for being a true "team player"! They are still very close friends!

 

[RSHERMVIKES]

You never know how players will mesh on the national team - Angel McCoughtry has never had a great rep as a 'team player' but she (and Geno) found a niche for her skills and she played really well for two cycles.

I think that is the beauty of Geno's coach on the USA team - finding and defining roles specific to the player's talent and the team's needs for all 12 players. Something that I don't think was well executed for this Olympic team. Whalen and Bird were completely different point guards and yet both were able to run a equally effective team in the same games.

I agree ucMiami! I remember Angel McCoughtry modifying her personality and "game" around the 2012 & 2016 Olympics to fit in with Geno's coaching because she would do anything to be coached by him! She respects him so much, and Geno loved coaching Angel for being a true "team player"! They are still very close friends!

 

[nwhoopfan]

Not gonna wade thru the thread. My thoughts, Stewie, Wilson and Griner are the only players who should be locks for Paris. Maybe Gray. Everybody else should choose to retire, be retired if they don't choose to, or for the younger players who didn't do much in Tokyo, go into the next selection process just like everybody else, without the slightest hint of having their spot reserved since they've been thru it at least once already.

This was supposed to be a transition year for the national team, but most of the new players barely played, so the opportunity was wasted. '24 will be even more of a transition year than this one was.

 

[Jimbo]

Look, I love Paige. I think Paige is the future. If Paige continues on her current trajectory and is healthy in '24, I don't see her being left off the team—other superstars have been Olympic reserves at a similar point in their careers. But, if you're expecting Paige to jump right in and be Team USA's starting PG in her very first Olympics at age 22, imho you are expecting a LOT. I just don't see it.

I'm not sure what the answer is. Assuming Sue and Diana are done, at the moment Loyd and Gray seem like the favorites to take over in the backcourt. If Diggins were the heir apparent, I think we'd have seen more of her in Tokyo. Atkins is younger and may have a better shot; tbh I haven't seen enough of her. I still find myself hoping Ionescu can work her way back into being a factor. Maybe Plum or A. Gray comes over from the 3x3 team.

Also, nobody's yet mentioned the reigning WNBA rookie of the year, who played her share of USA Basketball growing up. Any chance they give Crystal a look?

 

[Hayven]

Let the youth movement begin

 

[Vowelguy]

Let the youth movement begin

Not a surprise. She barely played this time.

 

[Zanzman]

Let the youth movement begin View attachment 69170

Thank you Big Syl

 

[Plebe]

Not a surprise. She barely played this time.

Only Atkins, Diggins and Collier played less.

Everyone else played at least 17 mpg.

Minutes per game in Tokyo:
31.8 Stewart
25.0 Bird
23.7 Wilson
22.2 Griner
19.0 Gray
18.8 Taurasi
18.5 Loyd
17.2 Charles
10.3 Fowles
6.6 Atkins
6.6 Diggins
3.8 Collier

 

[KnightBridgeAZ]

Age is the one thing that can not ultimately be defeated. I assumed without checking that she was next oldest after Bird and Taurasi. Remember her against Rutgers in the 2007 Final Four.

 

[Plebe]

This was supposed to be a transition year for the national team, but most of the new players barely played, so the opportunity was wasted. '24 will be even more of a transition year than this one was.

Not most. Half. Three of the six Olympic rookies (Diggins, Atkins, Collier) played scarcely. Wilson, Gray and Loyd played 18-24 mpg each.

And just because a player plays sparingly doesn't mean it was a waste. Stewie played very little in Beijing, but the experience was valuable and prepared her well to be this year's MVP.

One variable that kept down the minutes of the end-of-bench players this time was the relative closeness of the games. In 2016, Catchings and Stewart were last off the bench, but both still played over 10 mpg. In 2021, three players were under 7 mpg.

 

[nwhoopfan]

Not most. Half. Three of the six Olympic rookies (Diggins, Atkins, Collier) played scarcely. Wilson, Gray and Loyd played 18-24 mpg each.

And just because a player plays sparingly doesn't mean it was a waste. Stewie played very little in Beijing, but the experience was valuable and prepared her well to be this year's MVP.

One variable that kept down the minutes of the end-of-bench players this time was the relative closeness of the games. In 2016, Catchings and Stewart were last off the bench, but both still played over 10 mpg. In 2021, three players were under 7 mpg.

Okay. Loyd's performance left a lot to be desired. 4 of the 6 shouldn't be remotely considered locks to make the next Olympic team, so it still seems like not much was gained to me. Honestly I'd rather see some of the 3X3 players on the 5X5 team than some of the end of the bench first timers return again. I know, apples and oranges, but they couldn't do any less.

 

[Zanzman]

Some or one of the 3x 3 players