PARIS (France) – The upcoming Women's Olympic Basketball Tournament Paris 2024 will see reigning champions USA trying to hit an incredible new landmark.
If the favorites end up standing on the top of the podium as expected, it means they will have reached double digits and captured a truly staggering 10th Olympic gold medal.
But will it be plain sailing as they look to win their eighth straight title, or are there reasons to be cautious?
The Roster
The absolute star laden nature of this roster can be encapsulated by the fact that every single player has won an Olympic gold medal or the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup title - or in many, cases, both.
It looks like there are three bonafide MVP candidates to lead the way. Forward A'Ja Wilson was brilliant in Sydney at the 2022 Worlds and before this, at Tokyo 2020 too.
Breanna Stewart has been similarly exceptional of course and will probably remain the baller that everyone will be look to first for inspiration and leadership.
Meanwhile Napheesa Collier could be a little more of a dark horse to maybe rise up and post her best ever tournament. Does she have what it takes to be an Olympic MVP? Her influence certainly seems to be soaring at this level so her displays are worth keeping an eye on.
Elsewhere on the roster, Diana Taurasi will appear at her sixth Games, while many people will be looking forward to seeing another veteran in the shape of Brittney Griner back in a USA vest - especially after her well documented off-court journey during these past years.
The Question
Will the 'Group of Death' help or hurt USA?
It's an intriguing one. We've been used to USA starting well, but still having some gears to shift through down the tournament stretch. However, Paris 2024 could be uniquely different.
There's an argument that on paper at least, Japan and Belgium before this draw may have been tipped for the podium. With Germany on the rise as one of the most exciting upcoming nations on the women's basketball map also in there, USA have no option but to start in their highest possible gear. They have three very, very tricky games to open up with.
And, that is not something they have had to for a long time - or perhaps ever. That scenario is usually reserved for the Quarter-Finals onwards.
The Hope
With so much experience of Olympic and FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup success on the roster, the hope will be that this know-how which is woven so tightly through a massively talented group will prove the perfect blend.
Additionally, this is the time when USA will hope that their bench will showcase the depth they have and step in to make an impact if the first choice ballers are misfiring. The likes of Olympic debutante Sabrina Ionescu being a case in point. If she drops buckets to change momentum or even in the clutch itself, it should keep the champs away from any trouble.
The Fear
It only takes one single bad performance during the knockout stages and a potential shock loss could come into focus and in turn, rip up the script that has everyone expecting that 10th Olympic title.
Even the most successful basketball dynasty in the world who are so used to having to deliver near perfection to get the job done will be aware there are no guarantees in sport.
And, even if they did not have their fully stocked roster, there was a need for a buzzer-beater at the FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament back in February against Belgium to get it done. A stark and timely reminder that they just can't let their sky-high standards slip.
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