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PARIS — In a modest gym north of Paris, U.S. team coach Cheryl Reeve pondered what gives her squad the upper hand in the Olympics. “Depth,” she mused. “No, dimension. 1A, 1B.”
Reeve’s assessment isn’t far off. With three players over 6-foot-4 and numerous guards around 6-foot-1, Team USA boasts a significant height and length advantage over most opponents. Their depth is equally formidable; while other nations might field competitive starting lineups, few can match the talent of the U.S. reserves. It’s a scenario where bench players like WNBA All-Stars can seamlessly replace the starters, maintaining relentless pressure on opponents.
Moreover, Team USA features the world’s top two players, A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart, the seasoned Olympian Diana Taurasi, and four members of the back-to-back WNBA champions, the Las Vegas Aces, including Wilson. This blend of talent and experience underscores their dominance, even before considering the team’s storied legacy.
The U.S. women’s basketball team is unrivaled in Olympic history, securing gold in the last seven consecutive games. Since their last Olympic loss in 1992, they’ve rarely faced close calls, with only three single-digit victories in the past seven Olympics. For most of the team, the idea of not winning gold is foreign; only three players were even alive the last time Team USA fell short in an Olympic match.
However, Reeve is acutely aware of the challenges that come with the team’s depth and frequent player rotations. Unlike other countries with stable rosters, the U.S. team sees significant changes every four years. This Olympic roster had never fully come together for a training camp until June, and had only two practices before their All-Star Game appearance earlier this month. This lack of preparation time has impacted their chemistry, evident in their loss to the WNBA All-Stars.
“Talent alone won’t secure our victory,” said Reeve. “It’s the chemistry of our talent that will make the difference.” She emphasized the importance of building cohesion, a challenge she has tackled head-on since her tenure began in 2022. Reeve’s experience with the Minnesota Lynx, who achieved impressive preseason success despite limited practice, informs her approach with Team USA.
As they prepare to face Japan, Belgium, and Germany in their group, Reeve acknowledges that these teams have players with more collective experience. Yet, Team USA’s objective is to leverage every moment on the court to enhance their cohesion, thereby maximizing their inherent advantages.
With only 13 days until their opener against Japan, Team USA aims to uphold their legacy, striving for an eighth consecutive gold medal. While Reeve encourages her team to forge their own path, the ultimate goal remains unchanged: gold. Big wins. This is the Team USA way, and nothing less will suffice.
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