The WNBA In the Olympics
by Tyler Doty | by Tyler Doty
The WNBA In the Olympics
With the WNBA taking a break for the Olympics, women’s basketball fans have had to shift their allegiances to their nation instead of their preferred local teams. The Paris Olympics have offered WNBA fans plenty to enjoy, as a record 31 WNBA players are playing in Paris.
The U.S. women remain heavy favorites, having won the past seven gold medals, but the rest of the world is starting to close the gap as the WNBA becomes more international. Belgium’s 13-point loss to the United States marked the Americans’ closest game at the Olympics since the 2012 semifinals against Australia.
Here’s a look at some of the WNBA’s stars who are shining on the Olympic stage.
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Megan Gustafson, Spain/Las Vegas Aces
When the WNBA initially didn’t want her, Gustafson went to Europe and blossomed into a strong scorer and rebounder. Thanks to international basketball rules, Gustafson was offered a Spanish passport and became a naturalized citizen of Spain, making her eligible to represent Spain in the Olympics.
So far, she’s showing the the WNBA what she can be. Spain has two one-point wins to its name, and Gustafson has been instrumental in them. Against China, she scored 29 points, and she’s averaged a double-double through her first two games. She’ll have to keep this production up if Spain is to medal, as the Spanish will next face Belgium in the quarterfinal.
Satou Sabally, Germany/Dallas Wings
Sabally has struggled with injuries this season, but she’s worked her way back to playing shape and has been instrumental in getting Germany through its first two group matches. Currently, she’s one of the leading scorer in the tournament, averaging 25 points per game in 30.6 minutes of action. She’s shooting 46% from behind the arc, and that’s despite a rough shooting afternoon against Belgium in game two.
Sabally worked hard for her shots in Germany’s final group game against the United States, which prepped her for the quarterfinals. The Germans face a tough matchup in their quarterfinal match against France. Sabally will have to continue in her good form against a tough French team playing on home-court advantage.
A’ja Wilson, United States/Las Vegas Aces
There’s a reason why Gustafson comes off the bench in Vegas: Wilson is just that good. The two play the same position, and having two genuine stars alternate makes Vegas one of the best teams in the WNBA. Wilson needed no introduction with longtime WNBA fans, but new fans are only just learning to appreciate how dominant she’s been. She’s a walking double-double in the WNBA, and she’s dominated the paint just as she does during the regular season.
There’s little worry about the United States winning a medal, but the surpise of the tournament, Nigeria looks to upset the US in the quarterfinals. Wilson would see a lot of Adebola Adeyeye who she knows well from the WNBA.
Breanna Stewart, United States/New York Liberty
Here’s the biggest reason why the United States is so dominant in women’s basketball: it’s blessed with an abundance of talent at every position. Most Olympic teams have one genuine star, but few have two of the caliber of Stewart and Wilson (and none can throw in a third star like Sabrina Ionescu or the sheer depth of the rest of the squad).
Stewart has been just a shade better than Wilson, and she does a little of everything for the Americans. She’s averaged four assists per game as well as leading the team in scoring with 24 points per game. If the Americans are to win the gold, her production will be crucial.
