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

4. Women’s Olympic basketball power rankings: Canada

Canda’s women’s basketball team has participated in the Olympics six times but only finished as high as fourth. In their most recent trip in 2016, the team finished seventh. Despite their multiple shortcomings in prior tournaments, the Canadian roster for Tokyo is full of athletic players who could help the team contend for a medal.

Kia Nurse highlights Canada’s national team, as she has been a force in the WNBA for years. She will be the veteran presence on what is a rather young squad. The talent across the roster is undeniable, but concerns about some of their players potentially missing the Olympics (Kim Gaucher and Natalie Anchonwa) could hurt their performance.

Assuming everyone is there and healthy, Canada could have a chance to take the medal stand and head home with gold, silver, or bronze.

3. Women’s Olympic basketball power rankings: Spain

Led by Astou Ndour, Spain comes into the Olympics with a great shot a getting a medal. Ndour was dominant in the 2021 European Championships, averaging 15.2 points per game on over 70 percent shooting from the field. Her presence down low will be a problem for opposing defenders, no matter what team they are on.

Spain is hoping to keep the accuracy they had in the European Championships and bring it into Tokyo. At least seven of their players shot over 40 percent, with five shooting over 50 percent. If they can keep their shooting touch in the Olympics, Spain could grab the silver medal, maybe even gold, if they have a spectacular shooting night.