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

2. Women’s Olympic basketball power rankings: Australia

Based on their talent, Australia could win the gold medal in Tokyo because of their exceptional roster. It all starts with Liz Cambage in down low for the women’s national team. Cambage size and footwork in the post have made her one of the most dominant women’s players in recent memory. She is a woman amongst girls most times in the paint, either getting buckets on offense or swatting away shots on defense. Although Cambage is a key cog for Australia, their supporting cast is also a talented bunch.

Jenna O’Hea is another veteran on the team, and her presence as team captain will help stabilize this group of players. Rebecca Allen, Alanna Smith and Stephanie Talbot are some of the other WNBA veterans joining O’Hea and Cambage. Many of the players on Australia’s roster have WNBA or WNBL experience, which means this squad can handle the big moments.

Australia has won silver three times (2000, 2004, 2008) and won bronze twice (1996 and 2012). Given the amount of star power on their roster going into Tokyo, anything other than gold could be seen as a disappointing outing for the team down under.

1. Women’s Olympic basketball power rankings: U.S.A.

It should be no surprise that the United States of America takes the top spot in these women’s Olympic basketball power rankings. Their roster oozes with talent, so much so that former WNBA MVP Candace Parker didn’t even make the cut. The U.S. women’s team has also dominated the Olympics in recent years, winning the last six Olympic gold medals.

The team has savvy veterans like Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi, providing team stability, a clutch factor, and basketball intelligence. WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson makes her debut on Team USA, hoping to be a commanding presence in the paint. Jewell Llyod also makes her debut, as she has become a rising star in the WNBA.

Breanna Stewart, Skylar Diggins-Smith, Tina Charles, Brittney Griner, Napheesa Collier, Ariel Atkins, Chelsea Gray and Slyvia Fowles round out Team USA’s roster. The team has everything — scorers, playmakers, shooters, paint beasts, and defensive anchors. Dawn Staley will lead the squad, and with the stacked roster, there’s no reason America shouldn’t come home with the in this summer’s Olympics.