August 20 -- Many of you will probably read this after the U.S. and many other teams have played their fourth game on Friday, but this is a recap of the first week of the basketball action (through Thursday night) and the first three games each of the teams has played. I am thoroughly enjoying my Olympic experience. I saw softball and beach volleyball, fencing is right next door, and of course, lots of basketball.

As expected, the United States and Australia are both unbeaten and I would say that they are still the two favorites. Both teams are deep, both have size, both have great backcourts and both have the ability to shoot from the outside. Australia also has a good amount of WNBA players on their team in Lauren Jackson, Penny Taylor, Kristi Harrower, Trish Fallon, Rachael Sporn and Sandy Brondello. These are six players that cannot be intimidated, that are familiar with WNBA players and know the U.S.

So Just Who are These Aussies, Anyway?
Australia is a new "team." In losing Australian legend Michelle Timms, who retired as well as a few other key players from the 2000 Olympic silver medalists in Sydney, the teams loses its team captain and a lot of leadership. Now that is not to say that Fallon and Jackson do not have leadership, but it is different because Timms had been around for so long and just gave them a presence like a John Stockton. With her on the floor, you always knew what was going to happen and took a lot of pressure off Jackson. Michelle was the most recognizeable and popular Australian athlete and Lauren was still in the shadow. This is Lauren's spotlight now. Yes, she was the 2003 WNBA MVP and 2000 was her coming out party, but now she is out there and it is all about her on the world's greatest stage.

Lauren Jackson, Australia

Lauren is still so young, but she played with the National Team when she was 16, coming over here to play against the Americans. That was the first time people in the States heard about her. In 2000, her rivalry with Lisa Leslie was born. Now, I think a lot of people are looking forward to the matchup between Jackson and Leslie once again. Even though they see it a lot when the Sparks play the Storm, national pride is a lot different than the WNBA. That is actually one of the things that has been talked about a lot between the men's and women's game over here. The ultimate for the women in the Olympics and representing your country. For the men, it is about being in the NBA. It is a different approach and a different attitude.

Don't Forget About...
Yes, the U.S. and Australia are the teams to beat, but the Brazilians and Russians (formerly the Soviets - I am still not used to that) are good enough to beat them. Behind Janeth Arcain, Brazil started off the tournament on fire. They scored 120-something points in a game, which is just amazing. Russia took beating from Australia early on, but has recovred nicely and is back on track. We went to the Russia-Brazil game on Wednesday night and Russia looked impressive. You you just don't know with them. Even with veteran Elena Baranova, they are still a young team with several young, talented players. But while Russia, Brazil and Australia are fighting it out with each other in Pool A, the United States is all alone in Pool B. It would be an understatement to say that they have a bit of an easier time.

It's U.S. Against Them
There is such a good rapport between coaches and they are all on the same page, that the players see that and feed off of that. After the U.S. knocked off South Korea on Wednedsay night, I had dinner with the U.S. coaches and the team. Coach Chancellor got up to toast many of the people involved in the game and the win, but he reserved one special toast for his assistant coaches.

"I have three head coaches that have been unbelieveable in helping me to be a better coach and break things down so far."

The U.S. Team is so experienced on the international level that they have a real edge. It shows because the U.S. Women have really come together under Sheryl Swoopes, Dawn Staley, Lisa Leslie, Yo Griffith and even Katie Smith. Tamika Catchings, Sue Bird and Shannon Johnson were a part of the World Championships team in 2002 and have also grown in two years, which has been huge. Tina Thompson has a lot of international experience in big competitions even though she was injured during two World Championships and the last Olympics, but you can see that she is making her presence felt on the inside next to Leslie. She has an understanding of what she needs to do and a familiartiy there from having played with Lisa and the other players. These players have all accepted their roles, which sets an example for the younger players, which is critical for camaraderie and chemistry.

Lisa Leslie, United States

What really sets this team apart is their defense. Their defense is so tenacious and just swarms you. The second thing that sets the U.S. apart is their rebounding. The fact that they are holding opponents to shooting something like 28% from the floor and then doubling them up on the boards is a lethal combination. From there, it's the depth. You don't lose anything when you go to the bench. The level of play might be a different style, but you have fresh legs. The coaches really feel like they can go to the bench at any time of the game and not think twice about it.

Let's say Lisa Leslie is in foul trouble, the coaches have the utmost confidence in Yolanda Griffith's ability. Ruth Riley even came in and played big on Wednesday. They have veterans off the bench. Swin Cash and Sue Bird have tremendous energy. These are players that have been there in pressure situations before.

South Korea was ahead of the U.S. after the first quarter in the game on Wednesday, but if a team shoots well against the U.S. at the start, of a game, it will not continue. This is a team that is so mentally tough. I don't think that they will allow themselves to lose. They haven't even had a close game yet. They have had times when they haven't played well, but then there are the times when they are so explosive, especially on the defensive end, which creates all of their offense.

The Last Hurrah?
These "older" veterans are playing so well that it wouldn't surprise me if Sheryl, Lisa, Katie or any of the older players wanted to come back in 2008. Then again, if they dropped out, it wouldn't surprise me either. But that is a long way away. In 2008, there will be so many new, young players that could compete for spots. Lindsay Whalen, Alana Beard, Nicole Powell, Vanessa Hayden and Nicole Ohlde will all be four years older and better. And then there are the players that are still in school... Simone Augustus is coming up and Candace Parker could be in a situation that Diana was in this year and Sue was in in 2002. We all have so much to look forward to.

Win or Go Home
Once the top eight teams punch their dance cards and advance to the quarterfinals, anything can happen. It becomes a single elimination tournament in a single-elimination game like the NCAA Tournament. You just never know what will happen. Even the mighty United States could find trouble if they are not hitting their shots, if a few players get into foul trouble or even if a dreaded injury strikes.

American shooting guard Katie Smith is coming back at just the right time and will provide a big lift. Van Chancellor has talked about just how important Katie Smith is for this team. In big games, the big names shine, because this is their stage.

I will check back again next week. Keep watching and enjoy the Games.