Yesterday I picked the 12 NBA players I think should make the Olympic men's basketball roster. Today, it's time to give the women their equal share. The women's Olympic roster always has an interesting dynamic because the WNBA takes a month off in the middle of its season so that its players can play for their national teams. That's why I expect to see many of the usual suspects in London.
For starters, Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi are no-doubt-about-it selections. They played together at UConn, play together in Russia during the WNBA's off-season, and have been teammates on the national team pretty much that entire time. Bird is the best point guard in the WNBA, and Taurasi is one of the best pure scorers in women's basketball. They both won Olympic gold in Athens and Beijing. In London, they'll go for number three.
UConn is obviously a women's basketball powerhouse. It shouldn't be a surprise, then, that Bird and Taurasi aren't the only Huskies in the mix. In fact, I've got five. Maya Moore's about as obvious as Bird and Taurasi. Without a doubt, she's the best player in the game. After back-to-back national titles, a 90-game winning streak and three national Player of the Year awards at UConn, she only won WNBA Rookie of the Year honors while leading the Minnesota Lynx to their first championship last season. With Lisa Leslie retired and Bird and Taurasi playing in perhaps their last Olympics, Moore will be the face of the national team for the next 10 years.
The other two UConn players were also part of the winning streak. Tina Charles is perhaps one of the most underrated dominant players I've ever seen. It's not really her fault. She was always overshadowed by Maya Moore, but UConn doesn't go on that winning streak without her controlling the paint. Charles was the No. 1 pick in the WNBA Draft in 2010, then won Rookie of the Year honors with the Connecticut Sun. Another Connecticut Husky and Connecticut Sun who should be on the team is Renee Montgomery. Her playing time would probably be limited as the third point guard, but Geno Auriemma loves Montgomery. I can't see him not including her on the Olympic team.
Now that the UConn contingent is complete, it's time to move on to the group from Tennessee. I've got two Lady Vols on the team. Both should also be obvious. Tamika Catchings is another national team staple. She was a starter at both the 2008 Olympics and 2010 World Championships. No chance she's not in London. Ditto about Candace Parker. We haven't heard much from the girl CP3 lately (mainly because she was busy having a baby), but if she's healthy, her status as one of the best all-around players in women's basketball makes Parker a lock for her second Olympic team.
Seven down, five to go. Sylvia Fowles graduated to "best post player" status with the retirement of Lisa Leslie. Charles started over her at the 2010 World Championships, but it really doesn't make a difference which one starts. They're far-and-away the two best centers in the WNBA. Fowles is so athletic it's scary. Angel McCoughtry should be another lock. She kind of just exploded onto the scene when she led Louisville to the National Championship Game. She's since taken the Atlanta Dream to the WNBA Finals in each of the last two seasons. Cappie Pondexter was a reserve on the 2008 Olympic team, and she could be a valuable contributor off the bench again in London. Ditto for Candice Wiggins, who's surprisingly never been on the Senior National Team at a major tournament. If it were up to me, that would change.
The last spot is a little tougher. I'm tempted to say Swin Cash will be in the mix, but I don't think she brings anything to the table that's above and beyond some of the other candidates. If she were to make the team, it would be easy to think Geno was just picking favorites from UConn. Looking at the 27-player preliminary list, I've narrowed it down to three. And it's really just a matter of preference. You could take Lindsay Whalen and have an extra guard. I wouldn't, though, Whalen would be the fourth point guard on the roster, and that's too many. So, now we're left with Candice Dupree and Brittany Griner. Dupree's 6'2 and she can play both forward and center. Plus, she has the international experience. Dupree started five games at the 2010 World Championships. Then there's Griner. She's still only a junior at Baylor, but there's no denying that she's a unique talent. Would it be worthwhile to take her to London for the experience, even though she wouldn't get that much playing time? After all, along with Maya Moore, Griner's going to be a stalwart for the national team for years to come. I like the idea of taking Griner for the experience, but Dupree already has that experience, is much more seasoned in the international game, and is a little more versatile. That's why I'm taking her with the 12th spot.
So, here's the rundown:
Guards-Sue Bird (Storm), Renee Montgomery (Sun), Cappie Pondexter (Liberty), Diana Taurasi (Mercury), Candice Wiggins (Lynx)
Forwards-Tamika Catchings (Fever), Candace Dupree (Mercury), Angel McCoughtry (Dream), Maya Moore (Lynx), Candace Parker (Sparks)
Centers-Tina Charles (Sun), Sylvia Fowles (Sky)
As for the starters, Bird, Taurasi and Catchings are definites. I'll go with Fowles over Charles at center and Angel McCoughtry at the other forward, although it wouldn't surprise me to see any of those four start.
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