Now that the Olympics are over and the results are in the record book, it's time to gaze into the crystal ball and take a look at what the US women's Olympic roster might look like.
Actually, it's much too soon for that, but it's still a fun exercise given the turnover between older stars who will likely be phasing out and the young-up-and comers who are sure to make the team. There are plenty of possibilities, so here's a rundown of five of the most likely Olympic newcomers and what they'll bring to the table.
Caitlin Clark, Indiana Fever, WNBA
Okay, so we'll start with the obvious ones, but we'll keep it brief because of all the non-stop saturation WNBA Clark coverage. You can make a decent argument that Clark should have been on this year's Olympic squad, especially with the way the US women struggled with their guard play.
They'll need a serious upgrade, and Clark brings it at multiple levels--with her shooting and her passing, not to mention the fact that her celebrity swag will be in a different stratosphere when 2028 rolls around. Combine her with Sabrina Ionescu, and suddenly the US guard play becomes a strength to go with home-country advantage in LA.
Angel Reese, Chicago Sky, WNBA
We have no idea where her rivalry with Clark will be four years from now, but it would definitely be madness to leave her off the 2028 squad, especially with Brittney Griner's legendary career fading. Reese is already a powerhouse rebounder, and her shooting percentages and passing prowess should both improve as she continues to hone her game.
There are issues, though. Reese has been accused of stat padding as she continues to play catch with herself off the boards in pursuit of 20-rebound games, and she's yet to prove that she can pass well enough to help elevate the Sky to elite status. There are no questions talent-wise; however, she has to be on the LA Olympic roster.
Aliyah Boston, Indiana Fever, WNBA
Boston didn't get a whole lot of buzz for the 2024 roster, but Clark's new pick-and-roll buddy is a rising star who's fast being recognized for her all-around game. Add her and Reese to the 2028 squad, though, and the US inside presence becomes a lot more formidable. The bonus here is Reese's celebrity swag factor, and who knows how much the combined reputations of Clark and Boston will have soared by the time 2028 rolls around.
Paige Bueckers, UConn Huskies
It's extremely speculative to put a college player in the Olympics, of course, but if there's an exception to be made, it's for Paige Bueckers. She was Caitlin Clark before Clark emerged, but knee issues have derailed her career and her chance to become a Clark-style breakout star.
So far, that is. Bueckers resurfaced with UConn to average 21.8 points last year, so all eyes will be on her this year. She's among the best in the college ranks to be considered for an Olympic roster spot, but no one would be surprised if she was part of the LA roster.
Cameron Brink, Los Angeles Spark/Hannah Hidalgo, Notre Dame Fighting Irish
We'll cheat a little on this last one and consider two strong possibilities in Brink and Hidalgo. Brink was considered a serious rookie of the year candidate in her own right before an ACL injury put her on the shelf, but if she continues to develop she's another prime candidate for the 2028 Olympic roster.
Hidalgo is, too, although she's also speculative because of her status as a collegian. She's proven her scoring capabilities with the Fighting Irish, and she's a capable playmaker as well. She'll be a top draft pick coming out of Notre Dame in 2027, which makes her a prime candidate for LA as well.
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