Team USA women aim for eighth consecutive gold amid tighter competition

PARIS — In a modest gym north of Paris, U.S. team coach Cheryl Reeve pondered what gave her team the upper hand at the Olympics. “Depth,” she mused. “No, size. 1A, 1B.”

Reeve’s assessment isn’t far off the mark. With three players over 6 feet 4 inches tall and several guards around 6 feet 1 inch, 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.’s reserves. It’s a scenario where bench players like the WNBA All-Stars can easily fill in for starters, keeping up relentless pressure on their opponents.

Additionally, Team USA features the two best players in the world, A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart, veteran Olympian Diana Taurasi, and four members of the back-to-back WNBA champion Las Vegas Aces, including Wilson. This blend of talent and experience underscores their dominance, even before considering the team’s legendary legacy.

The U.S. women’s basketball team is unrivaled in Olympic history, having won gold in their last seven consecutive games. Since their last Olympic loss in 1992, they have rarely faced tough odds, with only three single-digit wins in their last seven Olympics. For most of the team, the idea of ​​not winning gold is foreign; only three players were alive the last time Team USA was defeated in an Olympic game.

However, Reeve is keenly aware of the challenges that come with the team’s depth and frequent rotation of players. Unlike other countries with stable rosters, the U.S. team sees significant changes every four years. This Olympic roster had never fully assembled for a training camp until June and had only had two practices before their All-Star appearance earlier this month. This lack of preparation time has taken a toll on their chemistry, evident in their loss to the WNBA All-Stars.

“Talent alone is not going to win us,” Reeve said. “It’s the chemistry of our talent that’s going to make the difference.” He stressed the importance of building cohesion, a challenge he’s faced head-on since his tenure began in 2022. Reeve’s experience with the Minnesota Lynx, who enjoyed impressive preseason success despite limited training, informs his 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. However, Team USA’s goal is to use every moment on the court to improve their cohesion, thus maximizing their inherent advantages.

With just 13 days to go until their opener against Japan, Team USA is looking to keep their legacy alive by aiming for an eighth consecutive gold medal. While Reeve encourages his team to chart their own path, the ultimate goal remains the same: gold. Big wins. That’s the way Team USA does it, and nothing less will do.