Looking ahead, could current WNBA rookies like Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever or Angel Reese of the Chicago Sky be in contention for Team USA in 2028? There’s also Clark’s Fever teammate, Aliyah Boston, to consider. Beyond the WNBA, college stars like USC’s JuJu Watkins, UConn’s Paige Bueckers, and Notre Dame’s Hannah Hidalgo are also exciting prospects.
The next four years will be crucial, with potential developments like player growth and the unfortunate possibility of injuries shaping the roster. The selection committee’s decisions, as well as input from the head coaches, who may not select the roster but certainly influence it, will play a significant role in crafting the team. Players’ dedication to USA Basketball and their history with the program will also be important factors. The U.S. continues to boast the deepest pool of talent in women’s basketball, with elite players highly motivated to compete in the Olympics.
However, as new talent emerges, some current stars may not return for the 2028 Olympics. Diana Taurasi, for instance, with her remarkable six Olympic gold medals, may have played her last Games at age 42, closing out an extraordinary two-decade career with the national team. While athletes across all sports are enjoying longer careers nowadays, Taurasi, who will be 46 by the time of the Los Angeles Games, is the most likely member of the 2024 squad to step down.
Team USA has always valued experience, but integrating fresh talent is equally important. The 2028 roster decisions could be especially challenging, given the unique circumstance of the Summer Olympics returning to the U.S. for the first time since 1996, when the team’s current gold medal streak began.
As we look ahead, the projections for the 2028 team include some bold choices, such as introducing six new Olympians. This approach could signal a shift, blending seasoned veterans with rising stars to continue Team USA’s legacy of dominance in women’s basketball.
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