Power ranking the 2021 Olympics women’s basketball teams: Can anyone stop Team USA?

8. Women’s Olympic basketball power rankings: Serbia

Serbia is still a familiar face to the Olympic scene, as they made their debut in the women’s basketball tournament in 2016. They caught the attention of many, winning the bronze medal in what was an impressive run for the team. As they prepare for this summer’s Olympics, they won’t have the element of surprise like they did last time.

All eyes will be on Jelena Brooks, who is the engine that keeps this team running. She averaged 15.5 points per game during the Olympics in 2016 and accumulated 12.3 points a game in the FIBA qualifiers. She played a vital role in helping Serbia win Eurobasket 2021, and that momentum could propel her and the national team deep into the tournament. However, it will take more than the skill of Brooks for Serbia to at least equal its results from 2016.

7. Women’s Olympic basketball power rankings: Nigeria

Nigeria has been on the rise in terms of basketball prominence, and they hope to make some noise in the Olympics this summer. They claimed gold in the 2019 FIBA Africa Championship and finished third in Olympic qualifiers to claim their spot in Tokyo. The squad also had an intense battle with a powerhouse in Team USA, losing 74-71 in the final minutes.

What could be even better for Nigeria is adding some very talented players to their rosters. WNBA superstars Nneka and Chiny Ogwumike are hoping to make the team’s roster for the Olympics. Both are waiting for FIBA clearance, and if cleared, Nigeria could be a dark horse to medal in the tournament. The sisters have dual citizenship in the USA and Nigeria, where their parents were born.

If both Ogwumike’s make the cut, they will join their sister Erica, who already committed to playing for the national team. The prospect of three Ogwumike sisters on the court for Nigeria makes them a sneaky pick to win it all.