The United States women’s basketball team is a historical bastion of success on the hardwood.
The USA women are the reigning gold medalists and have yet to miss out on gold in the last six Olympic games.
This rendition of the team is absent a few big names like Candace Parker and Elena Delle Donne, but basketball talent runs deep in this country, and the group assembled has its fair share of walking buckets.
The hoopers playing in Tokyo are a combination of fresh faces of the WNBA, experienced vets, and a few basketball legends.
Team USA suffered back-to-back exhibition losses against the WNBA All-Star team and the Australian Opals but bounced back against Nigeria in a 93-62 win.
Despite the hiccups in friendly play, Team USA has everything it takes to win the gold in 2021.
Names to Watch + Link to Full Roster
Sue Bird #6 | Guard 5’9 | Seattle Storm
Sue Bird is a few wins in Tokyo from increasing her international legacy and earning a fifth-straight Olympic gold medal.
Bird has been a steady and productive presence since joining WNBA from the University of Connecticut in 2002.
The Seattle Storm floor general is the most experienced player on the roster and looks to use her sharpshooting to add to her 142-6 record in a USA uniform.
Note: Bird and USA baseball player Eddy Alvarez are the flagbearers for team USA.
A’ja Wilson #9 | Forward 6’5 | Las Vegas Aces
A’ja Wilson is one of the few figures in American sports to have a statue at their alma mater.
Wilson’s image is immortal in bronze, and her stellar play at the University of South Carolina earned her that honor. In Tokyo, however, gold is the goal.
Wilson is a talented player who has her fingerprints on every game she plays.
The Las Vegas Aces forward has a 47-0 record in a team USA uniform.
The 2020 WNBA MVP brings her deadly mid-range game to Tokyo, and her scoring and defense will determine if the U.S is going to win gold.
Breanna Stewart #10 | Forward 6’4 | Seattle Storm
Breanna Stewart—along with A’ja Wilson—will anchor this USA team.
The Seattle Storm two-time WNBA Finals MVP scores all over the court, and her combination with Wilson creates a highly-talented frontcourt unmatched by most countries in the Olympic pool.
Dawn Staley | Coach | University of South Carolina
Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer, three-time Olympic gold medalist, and 2004 flag bearer Dawn Staley is making her mark in international basketball as a coach this time around.
Staley turned the University of South Carolina women’s basketball team into a powerhouse in her current tenure.
Her NCAA national championship win in 2017, and consistent standard of excellence confirm that she’s the right person to command this U.S team.
Group Round Schedule
Tuesday, July 27: vs. Nigeria, at 12:40 a.m. EST
Friday, July 30: vs. Japan at 12:40 a.m. EST
Monday, Aug. 2: vs. France at 12:40 a.m. EST
District of Buckets 