With the Summer Olympics officially concluded, speculation has turned to the 2028 Games and who will represent the United States women's basketball team. ESPN's X account named several potential candidates for the roster, including Angel Reese, Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, and JuJu Watkins.
The United States women's basketball team capped off an unprecedented eighth consecutive Olympic gold medal in Paris, solidifying their dominance as the undisputed global leaders in the sport. As the post-Olympic glow fades, attention naturally shifts towards the future and who will don the iconic red, white, and blue jersey in Los Angeles for the 2028 Games.
While it's still early days, several promising young stars have emerged as potential candidates to carry the torch for Team USA. ESPN Women's Hoops' X account recently sparked a flurry of speculation with a post naming four individuals who could be in line for a roster spot: Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, Paige Bueckers, and JuJu Watkins.
The Future of Team USA Women's Basketball: Speculation Surrounds Post-Olympics Roster
Caitlin Clark, the reigning Big Ten Player of the Year, has established herself as one of the most dynamic guards in women's basketball. The 6-foot-1 Iowa Hawkeye possesses an electric combination of speed, shooting, and playmaking abilities that make her a nightmare matchup for opponents. With her unwavering confidence and competitive fire, Clark could become a cornerstone of Team USA's backcourt in the years to come.
Angel Reese, the Chicago Sky's first-round pick in the 2023 WNBA Draft, has taken the league by storm with her exceptional post play. At 6-foot-3, Reese is a force in the paint, averaging 15.3 points and 9.8 rebounds per game. Her combination of size, strength, and athleticism makes her a potential heir to the legacy of great American post players like Lisa Leslie and Sylvia Fowles.
The Future of Team USA Women's Basketball: Speculation Surrounds Post-Olympics Roster
Paige Bueckers, the reigning Naismith Player of the Year, has dazzled fans with her dazzling ball-handling skills and exceptional vision. The 5-foot-11 UConn Husky is a true floor general who commands respect from both teammates and opponents. Despite missing most of the 2023 season due to injury, Bueckers remains a prime candidate to lead Team USA's offense in the future.
JuJu Watkins, a 6-foot-3 forward from USC, is another rising star who has caught the attention of Team USA selectors. The sophomore Trojan impressed in her debut season, averaging 13.1 points and 7.2 rebounds per game. Watkins possesses a rare combination of length, athleticism, and shooting ability that make her a versatile threat on both ends of the court.
The Future of Team USA Women's Basketball: Speculation Surrounds Post-Olympics Roster
While speculation about the future Team USA roster is inevitable, it's essential to remember that the current gold medalists deserve their moment in the spotlight. Angel Reese, in particular, urged the media and fans to focus on the accomplishments of this year's team rather than playing the "what's next" game.
Regardless of who eventually wears the red, white, and blue in 2028, the future of Team USA women's basketball appears to be in good hands. With a wave of promising young talent emerging, the United States will undoubtedly remain a formidable force on the global stage and a consistent threat to extend their Olympic winning streak.
