The post USA Olympic Gold: Where It Started! appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.
]]>Nobody would have guessed back in high school Steph Curry would thrill the world by making four incredible 3-pointers in the final 2:43 of the Gold Medal game to close out the victory in dramatic fashion. Curry finished with 24 points and went 17-of-27 from 3-point range in Team USA’s final two victories.
The
performance by Curry sealed his legacy as the best range shooter of all-time and as one of the game’s all-time greats. Nobody would have predicted a performance and career like the one Curry has had even from an all-time great high school player, but certainly not from the Golden State Warriors superstar.Nobody.
Before the Gold Medal game, we talked about what could be done to help the developmental process of USA Basketball as it relates to choosing Olympians and branding future stars and now that USA has won gold, we take a look at where each of the 13 players started from. All 13 players (Kawhi Leonard was selected but unable play) were certainly not elite high school players or All-Americans and each has a unique path to professional and Olympic success.
Below is a break down of Team USA's roster by our first and lasting impressions of them during their time in high school. Behind each impression is an important lesson that we still apply and use when evaluating up-and-coming players today. We will apply these lessons in the years to come as well.
Bam Adebayo, High Point Christian Academy (High Point, N.C.) 2016
Always worked so hard every time we evaluated him and had a terrific senior campaign to finish No. 7 in the HOOP SCOOP’s final rankings for 2016. He is a great example of knowing your role and maximizing it to carve out a terrific career.
Devin Booker, Moss Point (Miss.) 2014
The son of a CBA player who was highly regarded in college (Missouri’s Melvin Booker), Devin got great insight from his father on how not to rely on athleticism and to be a complete player using both his mind and physical attributes. Booker had a McDonald’s All-American talent level, but what struck us was how under control and poised he was as a high school prospect. This from our Mississippi correspondent Lavel Johnson: “He had the look of a high major prospect after seeing him the first game of his tenth grade year. I had alot of people mad around here because I said he I felt he had a higher ceiling than Malik Newman."
Stephen Curry, Charlotte Christian (Charlotte, N.C.) 2006
We saw Curry at the 2005 NBPA Top 100 Camp and he was there as a "legacy pick” as the son of a former NBA player. He wasn’t an elite prospect and even his father’s alma mater (Virginia Tech where Dell Curry played) didn’t have a scholarship to give him coming out of high school. Would the Hokies have loved him as a preferred walk-on? Sure. But Davidson turned out to be a great fit, he got physically stronger and better and most importantly, he went where he got the opportunity to play right away. In this era of NIL, playing right away is even a bigger factor for incoming freshmen. Back that it was perhaps not as important, but Curry used the scholarship snub it as motivation and kept honing his craft to become an all-time great. Curry’s story goes to show that development never stops and proves the point how the stars of USA Basketball’s youth programs won’t necessarily be the stars on the big Olympic stage.
Anthony Davis, Perspectives Charter (Chicago) 2011
Similar to Steph Curry, Davis was an ultimate late bloomer, but his blossom occurred while he was still in high school and not after he accepted a scholarship offer. For Davis, a growth spurt of 7-8 inches over a two-year period fueled his rise at a small charter school in the Chicago Public League. Prior to spring 2010, few outside of Chicago knew who Davis was, but by the first session of Nike EYBL at Boo Williams Sports Complex in Virginia for Meanstreets, Davis' name was quickly spreading across the country. He went from national obscurity in March 2010 to "he's a Top 5 national prospect" at the Bill Hensley Memorial Run-n-Slam All-Star Classic in Indiana in early May and ended as the best long term prospect in the class. He is now part of the NBA’s Top 75 all-time player list.
Kevin Durant, Montrose Christian (Rockville, Md.) 2006
One of the NBA’s all-time greatest scorers is a terrific example of hindsight. A great example of making bold statements after the fact. It was easy to say Portland royally screwed up by drafting Greg Oden before KD as the No. 1 pick in the 2007 NBA Draft. In reality, in real time and without the benefit of hindsight, Oden was a terrific prospect. It was a close call to keep the big man as the No. 1 player in the national class of 2006, but the HOOP SCOOP’s Clark Francis pointed out then at the end of the 2006 cycle that Durant had a chance to be an all-time great because of his work ethic and desire to be great. We questioned that logic just a bit at that time; we knew Durant was going to be a fine player, but Francis ended up being right. Durant has the necessary size and athleticism, but it was his work ethic that put him over the top. You can’t always measure or define work ethic is what he take from Durant’s remarkable career.
Anthony Edwards, Holy Spirit Prep (Atlanta, Ga.) 2019
Ant Man has always been a great soundbite and a great prospect. It was evident right away within the first half of his first game at the 2018 Pangos All-American Camp that he was the best prospect there and had a chance to be a terrific NBA player. He eventually re-classed to the 2019 class and went on to be the first pick of the 2020 NBA Draft. Will he be the leader of the 2028 US Olympic team?
Joel Embiid, The Rock School (Gainesville, Fla.) 2013
The big man was discovered at the 2011 Basketball Without Borders (BWB) event in South Africa and was guided to attend Montverde Academy in Florida for the 2011-12 high school season. He didn’t play much meaningful minutes for the No. 9 team in the FAB 50 that lost in overtime to Findlay Prep in the Chipotle Nationals (then NHSI) title game. Embiid made the decision to leave Montverde and he blossomed into a second team All-American Elite team choice as a senior. Had Embiid been part of the American high school and grassroots system earlier, he might of earned even more honors and been ranked higher than No. 6 by ESPN and No. 13 by 247Sports.com. Who know what happens if he never attends the BWB event or leaves MVA to get more guaranteed playing time at The Rock School. Since Embiid developed into a NBA MVP, his story speaks to the global expansion of the game and how making a sound decision on what high school to attend is paramount.
Tyrese Haliburton, Oshkosh North (Oshkosh, Wis.) 2018
We first saw this combo guard at the 2015 Pangos All-Midwest Frosh/Soph Camp. He was a good prospect, but not considered one of the better performers at the event. The camp for rising ninth and tenth-graders was dominated by names such as Tyler Herro, Talen Horton-Tucker, Patrick McCaffery and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl. At the end of the day, Haliburton wasn’t chosen for either one of the camp’s All-Star Games. What is an oversight? Perhaps, but the lessons here is one camp setting is never the end-all to a final evaluation, players don’t have to be discouraged by how scouts feel in a camp setting if they are getting better and what players take from a camp. Haliburton later thanked camp director Dinos Trigonis for the motivation in not selecting him, as he used that motivation to keep betting better and now is a two-time NBA All-Star and Olympic Gold Medalist.
Jrue Holiday, Campbell Hall (North Hollywood, Calif.) 2008
He came from an athletic family, and looked like a future big timer right away in his high school career. What he did was get better every season and developed into the Gatorade National Player of the Year and a top three national recruit. What Holiday possessed was probably the best body control of any guard we have evaluated in the last 30 years. He fits his role perfectly on winning teams and may be a shoo-in for the NBA Hall of Fame one day.
LeBron James, St. Vincent-St Mary (Akron, Ohio) 2003
James has become exactly what we thought in real time; an all-time great. It was evident right from the beginning as he was a great youth player on the national AAU level and our national freshman of the year. James’ public image has take some slight dings in his time with the Lakers, but he’s been a terrific ambassador and a great role model for over 20 years.
Kawhi Leonard, ML King (Riverside, Calif.) 2009
He was a part-time starter as a sophomore at Canyon Springs (Moreno Valley, Calif.), but by halfway through his senior year it was clear he was the best player in California and a top 15 national prospect. It was too late to make him a McDonald’s All-American and too late from some of the big-time schools that wanted to get in on him late, as he stayed loyal to the San Diego State staff. Not making an early judgement on a prospect is the lesson here. Players do get better.
Jayson Tatum, Chaminade (St. Louis, Mo.) 2016
HOOP SCOOP ranked him No. 4 in the national class and he was third in the Mr. Basketball USA voting behind honoree Lonzo Ball and Josh Jackson. He was a steady prospect and we thought he would have been the wiser choice for the Lakers at No. 2 in the 2017 NBA Draft. Los Angeles went for the hometown star from UCLA and Celtics fans couldn’t be happier.
Derrick White, Legend (Parker, Col.) 2012
He was lightly recruited out of high school and was an honorable mention all-state choice. We don’t recall him off hand at any major grassroots events or being in consideration for any of our honors based teams. Not only was he not in consideration for any All-American honors, but he wasn’t even in the rather large pool of players considered. There are tons of players that aspire to play at the next level, but only one NAIA school (Johnson & Wales University in Denver) took a serious look at White and even then it was a non-scholarship institution. White got a break when its head coach, Jeff Culver, took a job at Colorado–Colorado Springs, a D2 program, and offered him a stipend to attend. The non-scholarship player got a shot and what Culver did know was White was likely to keep growing and fill out and that’s exactly what happened. White keep growing even as his high school career was finishing, and he became an immediate freshman D2 starter. He eventually became UCCS’s all-time leading scorer and transferred to Colorado for his final season of eligibility. White is another clear example of why accurately projecting where a player will end up down the line is so vital to the recruiting process and needing only one coach to believe in you and give you a shot is reality. White got that one shot and had that one coach and took full advantage.
Ronnie Flores is the national Grassroots editor of www.ebooksnet.com. He can be reached at?[email protected]. Don't forget to follow him on Twitter:?@RonMFlores
The post USA Olympic Gold: Where It Started! appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.
]]>The post Team USA: The Big Miss appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.
]]>As Team USA goes for its fifth straight men's basketball Olympic Gold Medal on August 10 (3:30 pm ET, NBC) against host France, we wanted to put into perspective what the Olympics has meant to American basketball development over the years.
To give it some perspective, Team USA was 143-6 all-time entering Olympic competition at this year's games, including the 5-3 "disaster" of 2004 when America took the Bronze medal. Overall, there is no big problem. Everyone always says the world has caught up to the U.S.A., but in reality, they still have a plenty ways to go.
Serbia led 76-63 with 10 minutes remaining in this year's semifinal contest vs. the USA with arguably the best player in the world on its team (Nikola Joki?) and still fell, 95-91. When Team USA had to get it done, it defended and played team ball. It wasn't all that surprising it made that comeback. It's how it got to this point that raises questions and/or doubts about the quality and usefulness of the American Olympic process.
There is no denying that the decision to use NBA players starting with the 1992 Olympics in Spain and coaching clinics around the world featuring some of the brightest minds over the last half century is the reason the world is so much better at the game we love. The Dream Team gave the world the motivation and our coaches gave the world the know how to get better at the game. Without that 1992 Dream Team, there perhaps is no Joki? today, or maybe a player of his caliber wouldn't have developed for another 50 years or so.
Many folks feel the development across the world has come at the expense of development here in the United States, but at the highest level, that development is curtailed.
There are two things that made the Dream Team work in 1992. tThe timing of its announcement and Team USA's 82-76 loss to the Soviet Union in the 1988 semifinals. If the late John Thompson and his group of college players (alongside David Robinson, who hadn't yet played pro ball but was the No. 1 pick of the 1987 NBA Draft) had won Gold in Seoul, South Korea, who knows if we are even having this discussion now. USA and the rest of the world was ready to see what would happen with NBA players and there was no better group than the guys on that 1992 Dream Team to make it a success. Perhaps it wouldn't have worked as well in 1988 or in 1996. Timing is very important and people forget the go-to players on this year's US Olympic team, LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Steph Curry, are significantly older than anyone on the 1992 Dream Team, which had the make and feel of a veteran national team.
Lost in the Dream Team's greatness is the lack of a tryout process. And there hasn't been one since.
Yes, USA Basketball has done a fine job at the youth level and are dominant in the 19U-16U age groups. But those players who dominate the younger levels are not necessarily the ones who dominate at the senior levels. Development happens at various stages for aspiring players and what the Olympic team is missing is a tryout process.
Having a tryout process would eliminate some of the issues that come with clashing NBA egos on a team and would help with chemistry. Now, NBA stars probably don't want to be part of the tryout process, as they don't want to give up the leverages they have worked at for years to attain as the world's best, but the positives would outweigh any backlash.
The positives of a tryout process are many. It would create an atmosphere of fairness, it would help foster a team culture (instead of a group of star players), and most importantly, would be great evaluation for NBA personnel, not to mention college and grassroots scouts for the younger players. It would also create what recent Olympic teams are missing: the ability for role players to increase their worldwide profile and young players to enjoy a marketing platform that would help the world know more about the up-and-coming and future pro stars. With the current state of college basketball and the NBA's reliance on players to enter the league who have been out of high school for less than a year, there are limited ?opportunities to market players to the point where they have built brand value and a faithful following prior to the draft. This would help in that area tremendously and be a win for everyone involved in the process.
The tryout should include non-NBA players and elite high school players, if the selection committee deems them worthy. Only a few might be worthy every four years, but after watching Cooper Flagg (last season's Mr. Basketball USA and now a Duke freshman) doing what he did against Team USA at a scrimmage, it would be meaningful to have that type of atmosphere in a formal tryout setting. Even for the players who didn't make the team, it would be a tremendous evaluation and marketing opportunity.
As NBA agent and marketing veteran Nate Jones points out, the Olympics are one of the few events left in terms of media platforms, where the masses still watch the game at one time. For an up-and-coming star to be siting on the bench or contributing in a way that is not the norm for a max contract NBA player, it would not only be a great opportunity, it would enhance the team and set a great example of what a team should be on on the world stage.
For anyone who attended an Olympic tryout prior to the formation of the Dream Team, it was more than an excellent evaluation tool. For Frank Burlison, a McDonald's All-American voters since the game's inception in 1977, the 1984 Olympic tryouts was one of the best settings and best basketball he ever evaluated. This coming from a person who has attended endless summer games since the 1970s to NBA Finals games featuring Michael Jordan. Even players who were cut from that '84 Olympic tryout, such as future NBA Hall of Famers John Stockton and Charles Barkley, got tremendous milage out of the experience.
Now, the 1984 team led by Jordan was one of the best teams of all-time that didn't feature NBA players. As the late Bobby Knight told the world before they could understand or were ready to hear from a coaching perspective, Jordan was that special of a talent and the team around him, which included Patrick Ewing and specialists such as sharp-shooter Steve Alford, was strong. It was evident when Thompson was putting his team together for 1988, it wasn't going to be as strong as the team in 1984. The tryout roster was not near the talent level of four years prior. Some felt Thompson was playing favorites when his incoming high school recruit Alonzo Mourning (the 1988 Mr. Basketball USA pick) was one of the last Olympic cuts. In reality, however, his talent level warranted a serious look despite just graduating from high school.
That brings us to our next two points. One, the talent level across the high school and grassroots landscape is not close to equal year over year. This is hardly ever never pointed out or analyzed by national scouts. Two, it wasn't the end of the world that Team USA lost an Olympic game. There is no secret the high school classes that made up the 1984 team were clearly stronger than the high school classes that created the talent poll for the 1988 team. The Class of 1985 is considered weak overall and it took a major hit when forward Ben Wilson of Siemon (Chicago, Ill.), was murdered just as his senior season was about to tip off in the fall of 1984. Perhaps as a graduated college senior, he could have helped Thompson and Team USA win gold.
We'll never know.
After the 1988 team lost in the semifinals in a competitive game to Arvydas Sabonis and the Soviet Union, the 1992 Dream Team's performance felt like a series of exhibition games. Still to this day, the Dream Team proved the point. Also, for a U.S. Olympic team, there is no shame in losing if the players are giving it their all like the 1988 team did. The novelty of the NBA players in FIBA events wore off fast. By the 1994 World Championships, in fact, they were more criticized than praised. The young team had talents such as Shawn Kemp and Derrick Coleman that were framed by the media as malcontents more often than great champions.
Heading into 1992, Team USA was 85-2, including the infamous 1972 Gold Medal loss to the Soviet Union. Since then, Team USA has only lost in the medal round once with a young team in 2004 that was void of great chemistry and leadership. Those issues were resolved by the 2008 Redeem Team led by the late Kobe Bryant, but perhaps those issues wouldn't have been there had the circumstances of making the team been different and accepted over the years.
The 2004 losses certainly wouldn't be looked at the same if the team wasn't handpicked by influential individuals and had a more open tryout process. For now, the process only favors NBA elites instead of being used as the ultimate developmental setting for our country's players.
Ronnie Flores is the national Grassroots editor of www.ebooksnet.com. He can be reached at?[email protected]. Don't forget to follow him on Twitter:?@RonMFlores
The post Team USA: The Big Miss appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.
]]>The post 2024 USA Women's 3x3 Olympic roster is set: ?Brink, Burdick, Howard, Van Lith appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.
]]>The 2024 3x3 Olympic roster will feature Cameron Brink, Cierra Burdick, Rhyne Howard, and Hailey Van Lith.
USA Basketball has announced it's starting 2024 Women's National 3x3 team. Headlined by Cameron Brink, the roster will include Rhyne Howard, Hailey Van Lith, and Cierra Burdick. Selected by the committee, the Olympic Games will take place in Paris. And what a complete, dominant, and versatile roster this will be.
One year ago, Brink, Van Lith, and Burdick led USA to a gold medal in the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup. With a combination of veteran and youthful leadership, the chemistry will only improve. For Van Lith and Burdick, they've shared the court since the 2022 World Cup.
And watching the player's reactions to their calling was a deeply emotional experience on social media.
Brink, 22, was selected second overall by the Los Angeles Sparks in the 2024 WNBA Draft. A four-year player out of Stanford, Brink is averaging 8.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.1 steals in her rookie year. Known for her defensive prowess, Brink has certainly not disappointed at the pro level. Second in the WNBA in total blocks (21), No. 22 leads all rookies in that category and ranks third in rebounds among rookies. Brink is one of the most elite rim protectors in the league, leading the pack in defensive rebounds per game. Averaging 2.6 blocks per game, Brink's defense will be critical, especially in a 3x3 type play.
Scoring a career-high 21 points against the Fever last week, the Stanford alum was named the 2023 3x3 FIBA World Cup MVP after leading her team to a Gold Medal. Additionally, she was a member of the 2018 FIBA U17 and 2019 U19 Women's World Cup teams. In bringing dexterity on the offensive end, Brink is a floor spacer who can not only shoot beyond the perimeter but post-up opponents as well. The x-factor will be her ability of grab the offensive boards.
Jennifer Rizzotti, President of the Connecticut Sun, is set to coach the 2024 USA 3x3 Women's Basketball team. This week, Rizzotti expressed her excitement in a press release:
“I say this all the time but there is no greater privilege than to represent the USA at the Olympics,” said Rizzotti. “We understand that challenge in front of us as we face tremendous talent and experienced 3x3 teams. I am confident this roster gives us what we need to compete for another gold medal with experience, versatility and a commitment to USA Basketball excellence. I cannot wait to get started.”
USA Women's advance to the @fiba3x3 World Cup Final after defeating China in semifinal play. The ladies will compete against the winner of France vs Australia. #3x3WC @usab3x3 pic.twitter.com/MizZxyrvQh
— www.ebooksnet.com (@Ballislife) June 4, 2023
For Van Lith, it's been a wavering year for the guard. Having spent her first three years with Louisville, the Washington native took her talents to Baton Rouge to chase a National Championship under coach Kim Mulkey. Unfortunately, the LSU Tigers fell short of that goal against Iowa in the Elite 8, and Van Lith experienced playing a position outside her comfort zone. Surrounded by Angel Reese, Aneesah Morrow, Flau'jae Johnson, Mikaylah Williams, Van Lith took on a less prominent role.
Now, with one year left of eligibility, Van Lith officially declared her transfer to TCU for her final collegiate season. A remarkable scorer, the guard averaged 19.7 points per game, which ranked her no. 24 in the nation in 2022-2023 with Louisville. Named All-ACC player at Lousiville, Van-Lith has a total of five gold medals between 5-on-5 and 3x3 games. Suitable for 3x3, Van Lith has the ability to score in a multitude of ways.
Howard, selected No. 1 overall in the 2022 WNBA is now in her third season with the Atlanta Dream. One of the more dominant guards in the league, Howards been a two-way force, and will leave opponents checking their ankles. A two-time All-Star, the 6 foot 2 guard is just 24 years old. Having taken place in training camp earlier this year, the Dream guard shined in Belgium. Out of the entire roster, Howard has the most versatility, both on the offensive and defensive side of the ball. Howard is coming off a double-double, and five-steal performance, against the Chicago Sky on Saturday.
This block felt PERSONAL!!!
— Ballislife Womens Basketball (@ballislifewbb_) July 2, 2023@cameronbrink22 @FIBA3x3 pic.twitter.com/uvyTAUsAPS
No stranger to USA Basketball, Burdick has been part of USA Women's Basketball since 2009. The former Tennessee Lady Vol played 56 professional games played in the WNBA, as a member of the six teams. A mix of veteran leadership and skills, Burdick has won three gold medals throughout her illustrious USA Olympic career. With extensive experience in 3x3 basketball, Burdick was a member of the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup team, and a gold medalist in 2014.
According the USA Basketball, different than 5-on-5,?3x3 is played on a half-court with a 10-minute game clock and 12-second shot clock. Play is continuous, as teams "clear" the ball behind the 2-point line following a made basket, defensive rebound or steal. The first team to score 21 points via 1-point field goals or 2-pointers behind the arc is victorious; or if time expires then the team leading wins. It also helps, she has a longstanding relationship with coach Jen Rizzotti.
The 3x3 made its Olympic debut at the Tokyo Games back in 2021. An exciting yet challenging style of basketball, Rizzotti and company will make their Paris debut in late July, early August.
Stay tuned for more WNBA-related articles.?Click here
Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter, Content Creator and Social Media Manager for Ballislife Bets.?She has a focus on the Women's Basketball and the NBA. Sara Jane currently resides in Connecticut/NYC area with her Cat and Dog. SJ has her undergraduate degree from the?University?of Connecticut in Economics, with a minor in business administration.
Tweets by ballislifewbb_The post 2024 USA Women's 3x3 Olympic roster is set: ?Brink, Burdick, Howard, Van Lith appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.
]]>The post Jrue Holiday, Devin Booker poised for spots on 2024 Paris olympic basketball roster appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.
]]>
Jrue Holiday is anticipated to be a part of the 2024 Olympic team following his pivotal role as a player during the Tokyo Olympics. Due to the Covid 19 Pandemic, the official Tokyo games were held in 2021.
The USA Men's Basketball team is aiming for redemption following a disappointing 4th place in the FIBA World Cup. Despite being ranked no.1 by FIBA globally, the team suffered defeats against Germany and Canada. Shams Charania, an NBA insider for The Athletic, reports that Jrue Holiday and Devin Booker are anticipated to be among the 12 core members of the forthcoming Olympic team.
Holiday, 33 was traded from the Milwaukee Bucks to the Boston Celtics in a surprising move following the Damian Lillard trade. Renowned as one of the premier two-way players in basketball, Holiday excels as an elite perimeter defender and has been integral to the Celtics' success this season.
Across 53 games, the guard has maintained averages of 13 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.8 assists. Impressively, Holiday ranks 9th overall in three-point shooting with a 44.3 percent success rate, having made 108 shots from beyond the arc this season. Notably, he leads the NBA with an outstanding 63% accuracy rate from corner threes.
With 15 years of experience in the NBA and a championship title under his belt, Holiday has established himself as a seasoned veteran. He was a key figure in the 2020 Olympic team, contributing significantly to their gold medal triumph in Tokyo. Throughout the six matchups, spanning the group phase, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and finals, Holiday maintained averages of 11.9 points, 3.8 assists, 1.7 steals, and 4.8 rebounds.
Jrue Holiday played a pivotal role on the Tokyo Gold Medal-winning roster
JRUE HOLIDAY
— www.ebooksnet.com (@Ballislife) August 7, 2021
One of the most valuable players on the Bucks & Team USA pic.twitter.com/Kyoz1bV0Yl
His shooting prowess was evident, with a commendable 48.8% accuracy from the floor, with 55% of his shots being two-pointers. This impressive performance solidified his status as an Olympic gold medalist. A vital part of the 2020 squad, Holiday excelled as a reliable contributor on offense and defense, making crucial defensive stops during matchups.
Amongst a roster brimming with stars, Holiday stood out by finishing third in both scoring and rebounds, while also leading in assists. Hypothetically, if Boston were to embark on a serious championship pursuit and reach the Finals, Holiday would seamlessly transition into Olympic preparation and practice immediately thereafter.
With his exceptional playmaking skills and basketball IQ, Holiday is among the first players to commit to the 2024 Paris USA Olympic team.
Devin Booker and Jrue Holiday were both core members of the Tokyo USA Olympic team
Devin Booker is a problem #ballislife pic.twitter.com/DAIwqtljs5
— www.ebooksnet.com (@Ballislife) July 28, 2018
Although the USA men's basketball roster is not finalized, Devin Booker seems to be the second player committed to participating in the Olympics, as reported by The Athletic.
In his ninth season, all with the Phoenix Suns, Devin Booker is averaging 27.5 points, a career-high 7.0 assists, and 4.6 rebounds. With Bradley Beal sidelined for much of the season, Booker has assumed additional responsibilities alongside Kevin Durant. He's shooting a career-high 49.6 percent from the field and 37.1 percent from beyond the arc.
Appearing in 48 games this season, Booker has been a cornerstone of the Suns team, which currently holds the No. 5 seed in the Western Conference with a record of 34-24. Known for his elite mid-range jumpers, Booker has been a core member in the team's resurgence over the last couple of years. Similar to Holiday, Booker was a member of the 2020 Tokyo USA Olympic team and is a gold medalist.
Participating in all six games of the 2020 Olympics, Booker ranked 5th in points with 9.3 per game. Additionally, the guard finished second on the team in steals per game (1.5) and averaged 20.6 minutes per game. Booker is a seasoned veteran known for his exceptional versatility and elite scoring ability on the offensive end of the court.
Team USA is the reigning four-time Olympic gold medalist in men’s basketball
The USA Men's Basketball team boasts an unblemished record in the Olympics over the past 16 years. During this remarkable streak, the team has secured gold medals in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, 2012 London Olympics, 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, and 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
As training camp commences in July, emerging news will reveal the members of the 12-man roster for Team USA. Taking into account factors such as health and prior commitments, Team USA initially released a list of 41 players who could serve as replacements if needed.
As the 2024 Paris Olympics are scheduled to kick off in late July, the USA Men's National Team will be under the guidance of Warriors head coach Steve Kerr.
Additional details regarding both the Men's and Women's Olympic teams will be disseminated as the event draws nearer.
RELATED: USA WOMEN'S NATIONAL BASKETBALL TEAM HOLDS MINI CAMP IN BROOKLYN
Stay tuned for more related articles.?Click here
Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter, Content Creator and Social Media Manager for Ballislife Bets.?She has a focus on the NBA, WNBA, NCAA Basketball, and the NFL. Sara Jane currently resides in Connecticut/NYC area with her Cat and Dog. SJ has her undergraduate degree from the?University?of Connecticut in Economics, with a minor in business administration.
Tweets by BallislifeThe post Jrue Holiday, Devin Booker poised for spots on 2024 Paris olympic basketball roster appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.
]]>The post 2024 Olympics: Team USA narrows down the 12-player roster for FIBA qualifying tournament appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.
]]>
BROOKLYN-- Following a three day training camp at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, the USA Women's National Basketball announced their 12-player roster for the FIBA qualifying tournament. With the lineup set, the USA team will compete in the tournament on Feb. 8-11, in Antwerp, Belgium.
Already qualified in the 2024 Paris Olympics, USA will compete against Belgium, Nigeria, and Senegal. The first matchup vs. Belgium will take place on Feb. 8 at 2:45 p.m. ET. USA will face Nigeria on Feb. 9, starting at 12:15 p.m. ET.
Over the weekend, the 18-roster mini camp roster included the following athletes: Allisha Gray, Aliyah Boston, Alyssa Thomas, Ariel Atkins, Arike Ogunbowale, A'ja Wilson, Betnijah Laney, Breanna Stewart, Brittney Griner, Chelsea Gray, Diana Taurasi, Jackie Young, Jewell Loyd, Kahleah Copper, Kelsey Plum, Napheesa Collier, Rhyne Howard, and Sabrina Ionescu.
Throughout training camp, all players were divided into two teams, one sporting grey jerseys, and the other, red scrimmage vests. In the intense practice, the athletes were seen competing 5 vs. 5 against male basketball players, and each other. In attendance was WNBA Commissioner, Cathy Engelbert, Chicago Sky head coach Teresa?Weatherspoon, among several high-profile coaches and general managers.
So much talent here. Love the defensive matchup with Betnijah Laney on Jackie Young. Great screen by Aliyah Boston and defense by A’ja Wilson.
— Sara Jane Gamelli (@SaraJGamelli) February 3, 2024
Alyssa Thomas doing what she does best-rebounding & getting the ball out. Kelsey Plum finds her in transition at @usabasketball camp pic.twitter.com/17Tyhmhl74
After the 5 vs. 5 scrimmage matchups, the players were seen working on their shots in individual and group settings.
Although all of these players are exceptional athletes, unfortunately six of them were cut before this weekend's qualifying tournament. Noticeably absent is Aces star, A'ja Wilson, who has prior commitments, and Brittney Griner. It seems the rookies are being given a chance to compete in Belgium coming up.
Diana Taurasi is competing for her sixth Olympic gold medal
The 12-roster finalists include five-time Olympic Gold Medalist Diana Taurasi. The UConn legend has spent all 16 years of her WNBA career with the Phoenix Mercury. She received a gold medal in 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, and 2020.
Present at training camp, Taurasi shed light on competing for her country, and the younger generation taking over as the new faces of women's basketball.
The legend herself Diana Taurasi speaks highly of Aliyah Boston at @usabasketball pic.twitter.com/o2QrAujD0U
— Sara Jane Gamelli (@SaraJGamelli) February 3, 2024
"It's always been something that we've taken seriously," Taurasi told the media after practice. "These camps happen for a reason, obviously it's an Olympic year. They are hind in the intensity and pressure, but coach Reeves, she does a good job of making it very simple. You come out here, you play hard, you play for your teammate, you play for your country."
Considering the Olympics are every four years, at age 41, this could very well be Taurasi's last Olympics of her professional career. Even at her age, Taurasi still loves competing at a high level.
"It's no secret, it's ground and pound," said Taurasi. "Everyone is always trying to ask-- you want to do it every single day when you're 40. It hurts a little bit more, it takes a little bit longer, but it's sweeter when the day's over. I still love to compete. I still love to play. "
Rookies are getting a shot this upcoming weekend
Former rookies of the year Aliyah Boston, and Atlanta Dream guard Rhyne Howard, are both finalists for the 12-person roster. Although they have prior USA basketball experience, they will make their senior debuts this weekend in Belgium. Boston, the former No.1 pick in the 2023 WNBA Draft, became the first rookie to start an All-Star game since 2014. Howard, a 2x WNBA All-Star, has blossomed into a star in just two seasons.
"Sweet feet, she's got sweet feet." said Taurasi on Aliyah Boston. "What a great kid. I've spent some time her in the last camp. She's such a brilliant, intelligent, young woman. You don't get to know how good someone is until you pay with them. Aliyah [Boston] is the future of not only the WNBA, but of USA Basketball."
As Taurasi competes for her sixth Olympic gold medal, the Mercury star says it's been fun to play with the younger generation of players, and the game of basketball has evolved over the years. Although she's accustomed to certain levels of comfortability, she's open to achieving the same goal of winning a gold medal despite differences levels of experience.
"It's funny, sometimes experience is an Achilles heel," Taurasi told the media. "You've been through it so many times. You feel like there's a certain way of doing it. Being around these kids not only in USA Basketball, the WNBA, it's a whole new generation of kids. They learn different, they think different, the play different. It's been really fun to see how they go about it, and there's more than one way to skin a cat."
Turning defense
— Ballislife Womens Basketball (@ballislifewbb_) February 3, 2024offense at @usabasketball training camp
Jewell Loyd locking down on defense leads to a smooth dime from Betnijah Laney to Alyssa Thomas!
There 18 finalists that are competing for one of 12 roster spots on the USA Women's Basketball National Team. pic.twitter.com/0su6u2e1Dn
The final 12-person roster for the FIBA qualifying tournament
The other qualifying athletes include Ariel Atkins, Napheesa Collier, Kahleah Copper, Sabrina Ionescu, Jewell Loyd, Kelsey Plum, Breanna Stewart, Alyssa Thomas, and Jackie Young. Seeking their eight consecutive Gold Medal, Atkins, Collier, Loyd, Plum, Stewart, and Young were all participants in the 2020 Olympics. A core part of the 3x3 2020 Olympic team, Plum and Young are once again headed to Paris. Copper and Thomas were both members of the 2022 USA Women's World Cup roster.
As the team heads over seas, Cheryl Reeve, head coach of the Minnesota Lynx, was named the USA Women's Basketball Head Coach for the training camp and qualifying tournaments.
There will be another training camp in April, where the team can make its final roster changes before heading to Paris this summer. The reigning champions, the USA National Women's basketball team hasn't lost since the 1992 Olympics, where they earned a bronze medal.
Stay tuned for more related articles. Click here
Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter, Content Creator and Social Media Manager for Ballislife Bets.?She has a focus on the NBA, WNBA, NCAA Basketball, and the NFL. Sara Jane currently resides in Connecticut/NYC area with her Cat and Dog. SJ has her undergraduate degree from the?University?of Connecticut in Economics, with a minor in business administration.
Tweets by BallislifeThe post 2024 Olympics: Team USA narrows down the 12-player roster for FIBA qualifying tournament appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.
]]>The post In The Paint Show: NBA Draft Winners and Losers, NBA Free Agency, Olympic Hoops appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.
]]>Next, the guys give their winners and losers of the 2021 NBA Draft. Who got better? Which team's draft approach made the least sense? Which teams used their selections to add viable assets or immediate contributors? Finally, Ron and Dev break down all the big moves in NBA Free Agency. Who made signings and trades to put themselves in championship contention? Find out on the latest episode of the In The Paint Show.
You can also watch a video episode of Ep. 103 of the In The Paint Show on the Ballislife Podcast Network!
The post In The Paint Show: NBA Draft Winners and Losers, NBA Free Agency, Olympic Hoops appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.
]]>The post USA Basketball 3x3 Squad Prepare For The Olympic Qualifiers! Day In The Life at Red Bull 3x House! appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.
]]>See more of 3X House at https://redbull.com/3XHouse
The post USA Basketball 3x3 Squad Prepare For The Olympic Qualifiers! Day In The Life at Red Bull 3x House! appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.
]]>