Paris Olympics: What to know and who to watch during women’s basketball
Paris Olympics: What to know and who to watch during women’s basketball
FILE - Australia’s Lauren Jackson, second right, shakes hands with Canadian players after winning their bronze medal game at the women’s Basketball World Cup in Sydney, Australia, Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022. Jackson returned to international play at the 2022 World Cup to lead the Opals to the bronze medal. The 43-year-old three-time WNBA MVP hasn’t played in the Olympics since 2012 because of injuries. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft, File)
FILE - Dallas Wings forward Satou Sabally brings the ball up during the team’s WNBA basketball game against the Phoenix Mercury, June 7, 2023, in Arlington, Texas. Sabally helped Germany qualify for its first Olympics and is one of the top young players in the WNBA. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez, File)
FILE - United State’s A’Ja Wilson bites her gold medal during the medal ceremony for women’s basketball at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 8, 2021, in Saitama, Japan. Wilson has been a winner everywhere she has played, winning an NCAA title at South Carolina, a WNBA championship with the Las Vegas Aces and Olympic gold in Tokyo.(AP Photo/Eric Gay, File)
FILE - Belgium’s Emma Meesseman (11) drives to the basket between China’s Siyu Wang, left, and Yueru Li, right, during a women’s basketball preliminary game at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Aug. 2, 2021, in Saitama, Japan. Meesseman helped Belgium reach the quarterfinals at Tokyo three years ago.(AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)
FILE - Phoenix Mercury center Megan Gustafson pauses with the ball against the Seattle Storm during the second half of a WNBA basketball game Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023, in Phoenix. After playing in college at Iowa, the Wisconsin native went through the naturalization process so she could play for Spain, which finished sixth at the Tokyo Olympics. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, File)
FILE - Australia’s Lauren Jackson shoots over Canada’s Natalie Achonwa during their bronze medal game at the women’s Basketball World Cup in Sydney, Australia, Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022. Jackson returned to international play at the 2022 World Cup to lead the Opals to the bronze medal. The 43-year-old three-time WNBA MVP hasn’t played in the Olympics since 2012 because of injuries. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft, File)
FILE - Dallas Wings forward Satou Sabally (0) shoots over Washington Mystics’ Brittney Sykes (15) in the first half of a WNBA basketball game, Friday, July 28, 2023, in Arlington, Texas. Sabally helped Germany qualify for its first Olympics and is one of the top young players in the WNBA. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez, File)
FILE - United States’s A’Ja Wilson (9) drives past Japan’s Himawari Akaho (88) during a women’s gold medal basketball game at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 8, 2021, in Saitama, Japan. Wilson has been a winner everywhere she has played, winning an NCAA title at South Carolina, a WNBA championship with the Las Vegas Aces and Olympic gold in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Eric Gay, File)
FILE - United States’s Brittney Griner (15) takes a selfie with teammates posing with their gold medals during the medal ceremony for women’s basketball at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 8, 2021, in Saitama, Japan. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)
FILE - United States team members pose for a photo after the gold medal basketball game against Spain at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Saturday, Aug. 20, 2016. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)
FILE - United States’ team waves on the podium after receiving their gold medals for the women’s basketball game final against France at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Saturday, Aug. 11, 2012, in London. (AP Photo/Victor R. Caivano)
FILE - USA players celebrate after winning gold in the final women’s basketball game against Australia at the Beijing 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Saturday, Aug. 23, 2008. (AP Photo/Dusan Vranic, File)
FILE - Members of the USA women’s basketball team parade around the court led by Lisa Leslie, right, after a 74-63 win over Australia in the gold medal game at the Indoor Arena in Athens during the 2004 Olympic Games, Saturday, Aug. 28, 2004. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy, File)
FILE - USA’s Dawn Staley (5) and Natalie Williams, right, celebrate the United States victory over Australia in the women’s gold medal basketball game at the 2000 Summer Olympic Games in Sydney, Sept. 30, 2000. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola, File)
FILE - United States’ women’s basketball team members wear their gold medals during medal ceremonies at the Centennial Summer Olympic Games in Atlanta Sunday, Aug. 4, 1996. Team members from left are: Jennifer Azzi, Lisa Leslie, Carla McGhee, Katy Steding and Sheryl Swoopes. The United States defeated Brazil 111-87 for the gold medal. (AP Photo/Susan Ragan, File)
FILE - United States’ Brittney Griner, right, and A’Ja Wilson bite their gold medals as they pose during the medal ceremony for women’s basketball at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 8, 2021, in Saitama, Japan. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno, File)
FILE - Brittney Griner (15) runs up court during the women’s basketball gold medal game against Japan at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Aug. 8, 2021, in Saitama, Japan. Griner will be playing in her first international game since spending 10 months in a Russian jail in 2022. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)
FILE - France’s Diandra Tchatchouang (93) and Iliana Rupert (12) walk off the court after a women’s basketball semifinal round game against Japan at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Saitama, Japan. While the U.S. is a heavy favorite to repeat, the other medal spots are up for grabs. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)
FILE - Members of Japan team stand for their national anthem prior to the women’s basketball gold medal game between Japan and United States at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 8, 2021, in Saitama, Japan. While the U.S. is a heavy favorite to repeat, the other medal spots are up for grabs. Japan got silver in Tokyo, but the team has since undergone a lot of change, including a new coach. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno, File)
FILE - Australia’s Lauren Jackson, second right, shakes hands with Canadian players after winning their bronze medal game at the women’s Basketball World Cup in Sydney, Australia, Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022. Jackson returned to international play at the 2022 World Cup to lead the Opals to the bronze medal. The 43-year-old three-time WNBA MVP hasn’t played in the Olympics since 2012 because of injuries. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft, File)
FILE - Australia’s Lauren Jackson, second right, shakes hands with Canadian players after winning their bronze medal game at the women’s Basketball World Cup in Sydney, Australia, Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022. Jackson returned to international play at the 2022 World Cup to lead the Opals to the bronze medal. The 43-year-old three-time WNBA MVP hasn’t played in the Olympics since 2012 because of injuries. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft, File)
FILE - Dallas Wings forward Satou Sabally brings the ball up during the team’s WNBA basketball game against the Phoenix Mercury, June 7, 2023, in Arlington, Texas. Sabally helped Germany qualify for its first Olympics and is one of the top young players in the WNBA. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez, File)
FILE - Dallas Wings forward Satou Sabally brings the ball up during the team’s WNBA basketball game against the Phoenix Mercury, June 7, 2023, in Arlington, Texas. Sabally helped Germany qualify for its first Olympics and is one of the top young players in the WNBA. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez, File)
FILE - United State’s A’Ja Wilson bites her gold medal during the medal ceremony for women’s basketball at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 8, 2021, in Saitama, Japan. Wilson has been a winner everywhere she has played, winning an NCAA title at South Carolina, a WNBA championship with the Las Vegas Aces and Olympic gold in Tokyo.(AP Photo/Eric Gay, File)
FILE - United State’s A’Ja Wilson bites her gold medal during the medal ceremony for women’s basketball at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 8, 2021, in Saitama, Japan. Wilson has been a winner everywhere she has played, winning an NCAA title at South Carolina, a WNBA championship with the Las Vegas Aces and Olympic gold in Tokyo.(AP Photo/Eric Gay, File)
FILE - Belgium’s Emma Meesseman (11) drives to the basket between China’s Siyu Wang, left, and Yueru Li, right, during a women’s basketball preliminary game at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Aug. 2, 2021, in Saitama, Japan. Meesseman helped Belgium reach the quarterfinals at Tokyo three years ago.(AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)
FILE - Belgium’s Emma Meesseman (11) drives to the basket between China’s Siyu Wang, left, and Yueru Li, right, during a women’s basketball preliminary game at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Aug. 2, 2021, in Saitama, Japan. Meesseman helped Belgium reach the quarterfinals at Tokyo three years ago.(AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)
FILE - Phoenix Mercury center Megan Gustafson pauses with the ball against the Seattle Storm during the second half of a WNBA basketball game Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023, in Phoenix. After playing in college at Iowa, the Wisconsin native went through the naturalization process so she could play for Spain, which finished sixth at the Tokyo Olympics. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, File)
FILE - Phoenix Mercury center Megan Gustafson pauses with the ball against the Seattle Storm during the second half of a WNBA basketball game Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023, in Phoenix. After playing in college at Iowa, the Wisconsin native went through the naturalization process so she could play for Spain, which finished sixth at the Tokyo Olympics. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, File)
FILE - Australia’s Lauren Jackson shoots over Canada’s Natalie Achonwa during their bronze medal game at the women’s Basketball World Cup in Sydney, Australia, Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022. Jackson returned to international play at the 2022 World Cup to lead the Opals to the bronze medal. The 43-year-old three-time WNBA MVP hasn’t played in the Olympics since 2012 because of injuries. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft, File)
FILE - Australia’s Lauren Jackson shoots over Canada’s Natalie Achonwa during their bronze medal game at the women’s Basketball World Cup in Sydney, Australia, Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022. Jackson returned to international play at the 2022 World Cup to lead the Opals to the bronze medal. The 43-year-old three-time WNBA MVP hasn’t played in the Olympics since 2012 because of injuries. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft, File)
FILE - Dallas Wings forward Satou Sabally (0) shoots over Washington Mystics’ Brittney Sykes (15) in the first half of a WNBA basketball game, Friday, July 28, 2023, in Arlington, Texas. Sabally helped Germany qualify for its first Olympics and is one of the top young players in the WNBA. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez, File)
FILE - Dallas Wings forward Satou Sabally (0) shoots over Washington Mystics’ Brittney Sykes (15) in the first half of a WNBA basketball game, Friday, July 28, 2023, in Arlington, Texas. Sabally helped Germany qualify for its first Olympics and is one of the top young players in the WNBA. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez, File)
FILE - United States’s A’Ja Wilson (9) drives past Japan’s Himawari Akaho (88) during a women’s gold medal basketball game at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 8, 2021, in Saitama, Japan. Wilson has been a winner everywhere she has played, winning an NCAA title at South Carolina, a WNBA championship with the Las Vegas Aces and Olympic gold in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Eric Gay, File)
FILE - United States’s A’Ja Wilson (9) drives past Japan’s Himawari Akaho (88) during a women’s gold medal basketball game at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 8, 2021, in Saitama, Japan. Wilson has been a winner everywhere she has played, winning an NCAA title at South Carolina, a WNBA championship with the Las Vegas Aces and Olympic gold in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Eric Gay, File)
FILE - United States’s Brittney Griner (15) takes a selfie with teammates posing with their gold medals during the medal ceremony for women’s basketball at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 8, 2021, in Saitama, Japan. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)
FILE - United States’s Brittney Griner (15) takes a selfie with teammates posing with their gold medals during the medal ceremony for women’s basketball at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 8, 2021, in Saitama, Japan. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)
FILE - United States team members pose for a photo after the gold medal basketball game against Spain at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Saturday, Aug. 20, 2016. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)
FILE - United States team members pose for a photo after the gold medal basketball game against Spain at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Saturday, Aug. 20, 2016. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)
FILE - United States’ team waves on the podium after receiving their gold medals for the women’s basketball game final against France at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Saturday, Aug. 11, 2012, in London. (AP Photo/Victor R. Caivano)
FILE - United States’ team waves on the podium after receiving their gold medals for the women’s basketball game final against France at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Saturday, Aug. 11, 2012, in London. (AP Photo/Victor R. Caivano)
FILE - USA players celebrate after winning gold in the final women’s basketball game against Australia at the Beijing 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Saturday, Aug. 23, 2008. (AP Photo/Dusan Vranic, File)
FILE - USA players celebrate after winning gold in the final women’s basketball game against Australia at the Beijing 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Saturday, Aug. 23, 2008. (AP Photo/Dusan Vranic, File)
FILE - Members of the USA women’s basketball team parade around the court led by Lisa Leslie, right, after a 74-63 win over Australia in the gold medal game at the Indoor Arena in Athens during the 2004 Olympic Games, Saturday, Aug. 28, 2004. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy, File)
FILE - Members of the USA women’s basketball team parade around the court led by Lisa Leslie, right, after a 74-63 win over Australia in the gold medal game at the Indoor Arena in Athens during the 2004 Olympic Games, Saturday, Aug. 28, 2004. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy, File)
FILE - USA’s Dawn Staley (5) and Natalie Williams, right, celebrate the United States victory over Australia in the women’s gold medal basketball game at the 2000 Summer Olympic Games in Sydney, Sept. 30, 2000. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola, File)
FILE - USA’s Dawn Staley (5) and Natalie Williams, right, celebrate the United States victory over Australia in the women’s gold medal basketball game at the 2000 Summer Olympic Games in Sydney, Sept. 30, 2000. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola, File)
FILE - United States’ women’s basketball team members wear their gold medals during medal ceremonies at the Centennial Summer Olympic Games in Atlanta Sunday, Aug. 4, 1996. Team members from left are: Jennifer Azzi, Lisa Leslie, Carla McGhee, Katy Steding and Sheryl Swoopes. The United States defeated Brazil 111-87 for the gold medal. (AP Photo/Susan Ragan, File)
FILE - United States’ women’s basketball team members wear their gold medals during medal ceremonies at the Centennial Summer Olympic Games in Atlanta Sunday, Aug. 4, 1996. Team members from left are: Jennifer Azzi, Lisa Leslie, Carla McGhee, Katy Steding and Sheryl Swoopes. The United States defeated Brazil 111-87 for the gold medal. (AP Photo/Susan Ragan, File)
FILE - United States’ Brittney Griner, right, and A’Ja Wilson bite their gold medals as they pose during the medal ceremony for women’s basketball at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 8, 2021, in Saitama, Japan. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno, File)
FILE - United States’ Brittney Griner, right, and A’Ja Wilson bite their gold medals as they pose during the medal ceremony for women’s basketball at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 8, 2021, in Saitama, Japan. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno, File)
FILE - Brittney Griner (15) runs up court during the women’s basketball gold medal game against Japan at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Aug. 8, 2021, in Saitama, Japan. Griner will be playing in her first international game since spending 10 months in a Russian jail in 2022. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)
FILE - Brittney Griner (15) runs up court during the women’s basketball gold medal game against Japan at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Aug. 8, 2021, in Saitama, Japan. Griner will be playing in her first international game since spending 10 months in a Russian jail in 2022. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)
FILE - France’s Diandra Tchatchouang (93) and Iliana Rupert (12) walk off the court after a women’s basketball semifinal round game against Japan at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Saitama, Japan. While the U.S. is a heavy favorite to repeat, the other medal spots are up for grabs. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)
FILE - France’s Diandra Tchatchouang (93) and Iliana Rupert (12) walk off the court after a women’s basketball semifinal round game against Japan at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Saitama, Japan. While the U.S. is a heavy favorite to repeat, the other medal spots are up for grabs. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)
FILE - Members of Japan team stand for their national anthem prior to the women’s basketball gold medal game between Japan and United States at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 8, 2021, in Saitama, Japan. While the U.S. is a heavy favorite to repeat, the other medal spots are up for grabs. Japan got silver in Tokyo, but the team has since undergone a lot of change, including a new coach. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno, File)
FILE - Members of Japan team stand for their national anthem prior to the women’s basketball gold medal game between Japan and United States at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 8, 2021, in Saitama, Japan. While the U.S. is a heavy favorite to repeat, the other medal spots are up for grabs. Japan got silver in Tokyo, but the team has since undergone a lot of change, including a new coach. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno, File)
A roadmap to follow for the women’s basketball competition during the Paris Olympics:
Athletes to Watch
—Lauren Jackson, Australia: She returned to international play at the 2022 World Cup to lead the Opals to the bronze medal. The 43-year-old three-time WNBA MVP hasn’t played in the Olympics since 2012 because of injuries. Jackson has three silver medals (2000, 2004, 2008) and one bronze (2012).
—Satou Sabally, Germany: She helped Germany qualify for its first Olympics and is one of the top young players in the WNBA, where she plays for the Dallas Wings.
—A’ja Wilson, United States: One of the top faces of the tournament, Wilson has been a winner everywhere she has played, winning an NCAA title at South Carolina, two WNBA championships with the Las Vegas Aces and Olympic gold in Tokyo.
—Emma Meesseman, Belgium: She helped Belgium reach the quarterfinals at Tokyo three years ago.
—Megan Gustafson, Spain: After playing in college at Iowa, the Wisconsin native went through the naturalization process so she could play for Spain, which finished sixth at the Tokyo Olympics. She now plays for the WNBA’s Las Vegas Aces.
Storylines to Follow
—The U.S. hasn’t lost a game since the 1992 Olympics. It has an incredible frontcourt in Wilson, Breanna Stewart and Brittney Griner, who will be playing in her first international game since spending 10 months in a Russian jail in 2022. Can the Americans win gold for an eighth consecutive Olympics?
—While the U.S. is a heavy favorite to repeat, the other medal spots are up for grabs. Japan got silver in Tokyo, but the team has since undergone a lot of change, including a new coach. Host France is a medal contender after winning the bronze three years ago. China won the silver medal at the 2022 World Cup and will try to earn its first Olympic medal since 1992.
Key Dates
The competition begins July 28 in Lille, France, with the preliminary round continuing until Aug. 4. The elimination rounds will be played in Paris, with the quarterfinals on Aug. 7, the semifinals two days later and the medal games on Aug. 11, the final day of the Olympics.
Reigning Champion
The U.S. has won the last seven gold medals.
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AP Summer Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/2024-paris-olympic-games