bbsamjj
Rutgers Rooter
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We are now likely less than 2mo away from USA Basketball naming its 12 person roster for the 2022 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup (Taking place 9/22-10/1). This is also known as the first version of the "post Bird/Fowles (and maybe Taurasi)" USA women's basketball team, ahead of the 2024 Olympics. Team USA has had a ton of different players in camp over the past year, so it will be a really interesting decision for the committee.
Of the 12 people who were on the 2021 Olympic team, it's possible as many as half the team won't be there: Bird & Fowles (retirement); Griner (unlawful detainment); Collier (recovering from maternity leave); potentially Taurasi and Charles (has not attended a USA camp in 2022; also, the committee might be looking to turn the corner).
The other 6 members of the Olympic team who you could see on the roster:
Among the other folks who could be considered, with Olympic experience:
If I had to make a roster now, based on the dynamics above, here's what I'd guess:
PG: C. Gray/Ionescu
SG: Plum/Loyd/Atkins
SF: EDD/A. Gray
PF: Stewart/A. Thomas
C: Wilson/B. Jones
Last spot would go to Skylar or Hamby. If EDD can't go, I'd want lift up Copper as another SF option.
Of the 12 people who were on the 2021 Olympic team, it's possible as many as half the team won't be there: Bird & Fowles (retirement); Griner (unlawful detainment); Collier (recovering from maternity leave); potentially Taurasi and Charles (has not attended a USA camp in 2022; also, the committee might be looking to turn the corner).
The other 6 members of the Olympic team who you could see on the roster:
- Breanna Stewart (LOCK, if healthy)
- Aja Wilson (LOCK, if healthy)
- Chelsea Gray (close to LOCK, if healthy)
- Jewell Loyd (Close to LOCK, if healthy)
- Ariel Atkins (very good shot at making team)
- Skylar (she has not been to a camp this year, but is still at top of her game, not sure what to make of her interest/prospects)
Among the other folks who could be considered, with Olympic experience:
- Kelsey Plum (was on 3x3 team, having MVP style season, I'd think close to a LOCK)
- EDD (I'd think if healthy, team will want her)
- Alisha Gray (was on 3x3 team, having an excellent season, great on both sides of the ball
- Stefanie Dolson (was on 3x3 team, is having an OK season)
- Jackie Young (was on 3x3 team, having a breakout season, but hasn't been in USA roster pool recently, perhaps due to overseas commitments)
- Dearica Hamby
- Natasha Howard
- Brionna Jones
- Alyssa Thomas
- Kelsey Mitchell
- Sabrina Ionescu
- Kahleah Copper
- Arike
- Kayla McBride
If I had to make a roster now, based on the dynamics above, here's what I'd guess:
PG: C. Gray/Ionescu
SG: Plum/Loyd/Atkins
SF: EDD/A. Gray
PF: Stewart/A. Thomas
C: Wilson/B. Jones
Last spot would go to Skylar or Hamby. If EDD can't go, I'd want lift up Copper as another SF option.
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