What They Are Saying: 2016 U.S. Olympic Women’s Basketball Roster


On Wednesday, April 27, the 2016 U.S. Olympic Women’s Basketball team members were announced live on NBC’s Today Show. Sue Bird, Tamika Catchings, Diana Taurasi, Seimone Augustus, Sylvia Fowles, Tina Charles, Angel McCoughtry, Maya Moore, Lindsay Whalen, Elena Delle Donne, Brittney Griner, and this spring’s No. 1 overall draft pick Breanna Stewart will all represent the red, white, and blue in Rio this summer. See below for reactions to selections for what’s largely considered the best assembly of women’s basketball talent on the planet.

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Sports Illustrated: 2016 U.S. Olympic Women’s Basketball Team Announced

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The 12 members of the 2016 U.S. Olympic Women’s Basketball Team were announced by the USA Basketball Women’s National Team Player Selection Committee on Wednesday.

Nine of the players have previously won at least one gold medal, with veterans Sue Bird, Tamika Catchings and Diana Taursi each looking for their fourth Olympic titles.

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USA Today: Breanna Stewart, Brittney Griner Among 12 Women Named to U.S. Basketball Team

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NEW YORK — While Tamika Catchings, Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi make a run for their fourth consecutive Olympic gold medals, Team USA has some new faces on its 12-player roster for Rio, which USA Basketball announced Wednesday.

Chicago Sky star Elena Delle Donne, two-time WNBA Defensive Player of the Year Brittney Grinerand 2016 No. 1 WNBA draft pick Breanna Stewart will make their Olympic debuts this summer.

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APCandace Parker Disappointed, Not on US Hoops Roster

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Candace Parker was shocked when the two-time Olympic gold medalist learned that she will not be on the U.S. women’s basketball roster for the Rio Games.

“I was surprised and disappointed,” Parker said in a phone interview with The Associated Press on Tuesday. “Having gone to last two Olympics, I know what it means to represent the USA. I wish everybody on the team good luck. The USA is going to win a sixth gold medal.”

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Seattle Times: Storm’s Sue Bird, Breanna Stewart Named to U.S. Olympic Women’s Basketball Team

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Now in the twilight of her career, three-time Olympic gold medallist Sue Bird will get a chance to pursue a fourth gold medal this summer in Rio de Janeiro.

Bird and her Seattle Storm teammate, rookie Breanna Stewart, were both named to the U.S. women’s national basketball team that will compete at the Olympic Games in Brazil this summer, U.S.A. Basketball announced Wednesday morning.

Bird, 35, was named a tri-captain along with the Phoenix Mecury’s Diana Taurasi and the Indiana Fever’s Tamika Catchings.

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NBC Sports: USA Basketball Official Explains Leaving Candace Parker off Olympic Team

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Candace Parker plays a position that’s “the strength of” the U.S. Olympic women’s basketball team, national team director Carol Callan said Wednesday when asked why Parker didn’t make the roster.

“We don’t get into specifics speaking about each player publicly,” said Callan, part of a five-person team selection committee. “Needless to say there are a lot of deliberations.

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Post-Bulletin: Four Lynx players Make U.S. Olympic roster

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MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL — USA Basketball announced Wednesday that four Minnesota Lynx players will suit up for the 2016 U.S. Olympic women’s basketball team.

Seimone Augustus, Sylvia Fowles, Maya Moore and Lindsay Whalen were among 12 players named to the final team.

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MORE COVERAGE

BuzzFeed News: The U.S. Olympic Women’s Basketball Team was announced Wednesday

PortlandFire.com: 2016 US Olympic Women’s Basketball Team Announcement – Quotes

Roy Bragg, Express-News: Indiana Fever’s Tamika Catchings selected to 2016 U.S. Team