Tokyo Olympics: The Three Biggest Threats to Team USA Men's Basketball

ByBryan Armetta

3 min read

Tokyo Olympics: The Three Biggest Threats to Team USA Men's Basketball

For the first time since the 2004 debacle in Athens, USA Men's Basketball faces real concerns about their place as the world's premier basketball nation. A stunning exhibition loss to Nigeria on July 10th was followed up with a humiliating defeat against Australia just two days later.

While there is plenty of reason for doubt, the reality is that the sheer amount of talent Team USA has assembled makes it impossible not to place them as the favorites to win gold during the upcoming Tokyo Olympics. Successive victories against Argentina and Spain following the Australia loss have also righted what appeared to be a sinking ship.

However, any signs of positivity were wiped away last Sunday following a crushing defeat to France in the opening game of the Olympics. Clearly, Team USA is the most vulnerable it has been in years, and basketball has never been bigger globally. That means opportunity for several countries looking to take down an American goliath. Here are three international squads that could snatch a gold medal from Team USA in Tokyo.


Australia

Unlike some of the newer powers on the global stage, Australia has been a basketball powerhouse for over a decade. Although this year's group might not have the star power of previous Olympics, the Boomers have quality depth at nearly every position.

Six NBA players will suit up this summer for Australia, headlined by Olympic veterans Joe ingles and Patty Mills. Toronto Raptors big man Aaron Baynes solidifies the center position, while defensive specialist Matisse Thybulle matches up well against Team USA's plethora of talented wings.

With Ben Simmons opting out of the Olympics, there are questions about whether the Aussies possess enough elite talent to go up against the star-studded Americans. However, the team has impressed during international friendlies, including the aforementioned takedown of Team USA. 2021 appears to be Australia's best chance to capture their first Olympic medal in basketball.


Slovenia

At first glance, Slovenia doesn't appear to be a real threat to Team USA. They sit at just 16th on FIBA's world rankings, and have never been to the Olympics for basketball prior to this year.

What makes this year's group a worthy challenger? Luka Doncic.

The 22-year old phenom has become one of the NBA's biggest stars in just three seasons with the Dallas Mavericks. His phenomenal play showed no signs of slowing down during international play, as the guard was named Most Valuable Player of the Olympic qualifying tournament.

Regardless of how well Doncic plays, he will need help. Unfortunately for Slovenia, the rest of the team is thin on depth, with just one other NBA player (Vlatko Cancar) on the roster. Still, the Slovenians proved they could go up against top-flight talent in the final round of Olympic qualifiers, where they took down a Lithuanian side led by Domantas Sabonis and Jonas Valanciunas. A tougher test against the Americans may prove too daunting for Slovenia, but its difficult to rule out the possibility of Doncic catching fire on any given night.


Spain

Just like seemingly every other Olympics tournament, Spain has a good chance of meeting Team USA with a gold medal on the line. Ranked #2 in the world according to FIBA, the Spaniards are hoping to medal for the fourth consecutive time.

The roster is still built around the two most famous Spanish players of all time: the Gasol brothers. Mark, 36, and Pau, 41, are likely embarking on what could be their final Olympic tournament, but the pair still bring size, strength, and savviness into the starting lineup. Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ricky Rubio also returns for his third Olympics appearance. Rubio's pass-first game is uniquely suited for a more finesse international brand of basketball, more so than in the NBA. It's shown during Spain's two international friendlies leading up to the Olympics, as Rubio dropped 23 points in both contests.

With an experienced team hungry for gold, the sky is the limit for Spain, despite their aging core. However, one setback may be their Group C position, which means games against a Doncic-led Slovenia and #4 ranked Argentina. If they can manage to survive group play, expect Spain to meet up with Team USA late in the tournament for a chance at winning gold.

Are you an Athlete?

Create a free profile to access the largest network specifically designed to connect athletes to opportunities. Get started.

RELATED ARTICLES
Benefits of a High-School All-American Game

Benefits of a High-School All-American Game

There are over 1 million High School football players competing for greatness each year. All-Star...

ByMathias Torp | Wed Nov 08 2023
5 College Factors to Consider and Compare

5 College Factors to Consider and Compare

Choosing a college to attend is one of the most important decisions a student can make. Researching...

ByMathias Torp | Wed Nov 08 2023
The Different Levels of Collegiate Football

The Different Levels of Collegiate Football

The NCAA created three divisions in 1973, to provide fair opportunities for students to compete in...

ByMathias Torp | Wed Nov 08 2023
The Differences Between College and Junior College

The Differences Between College and Junior College

American football is a beloved sport in the United States, and many aspiring athletes dream of...

ByMathias Torp | Wed Nov 08 2023
About Boarding Schools in the US

About Boarding Schools in the US

Attending a Boarding School in the United States provides the ultimate educational experience for...

ByMathias Torp | Wed Nov 08 2023
Top Volleyball Drills for Beginners

Top Volleyball Drills for Beginners

Are you new to the sport of volleyball and looking for essential drills to improve your skills? In...

ByTiffany Allen | Wed Jul 12 2023
College Sports: Five Tips To Make The Most Of Your Freshman Season

College Sports: Five Tips To Make The Most Of Your Freshman Season

Entering a new situation and thriving is extremely difficult, but being a freshman student-athlete...

ByRebekah Morris | Thu Apr 27 2023
How To Play Professional Sports Outside Of The United States

How To Play Professional Sports Outside Of The United States

Are you a young athlete aspiring to travel the world? Have you wondered which sport(s) would give...

ByNisshanth Perumalsamy | Fri Apr 07 2023
USA Triathlon Coach Helps Find An Alternative Workout To Running And Cycling This Winter

USA Triathlon Coach Helps Find An Alternative Workout To Running And Cycling This Winter

As the winter weather settles in, many outdoor athletes are faced with a decision: either tread...

ByScotty Jenkins | Wed Feb 22 2023
Olympic Talent ID: Six Hopeful National Team Athletes Posting On GMTM

Olympic Talent ID: Six Hopeful National Team Athletes Posting On GMTM

If you are an athlete at a young age, it is very common to have the dream of representing your...

ByNisshanth Perumalsamy | Fri Feb 17 2023
Five Reasons Why College Basketball Coaches Rescind Scholarship Offers

Five Reasons Why College Basketball Coaches Rescind Scholarship Offers

It’s what you have dreamed of, worked for, and waited on your whole life - a coveted college...

ByScotty Jenkins | Mon Feb 13 2023
American Football: How To Play Professional Football In Another Country?

American Football: How To Play Professional Football In Another Country?

Yes, it is definitely possible to play American football overseas. However, this is not common...

ByScotty Jenkins | Thu Jan 26 2023
Former Texas football player earns an invite to USA Bobsled Rookie Training

Former Texas football player earns an invite to USA Bobsled Rookie Training

Ten promising Olympic hopefuls were chosen by USA Bobsled and Skeleton to attend their January...

ByScotty Jenkins | Tue Jan 24 2023
Frequently Asked Questions: Team USA Winter Sports Community on GMTM

Frequently Asked Questions: Team USA Winter Sports Community on GMTM

This article was written to help athletes navigate the Team USA: Winter Sports hub on GMTM. To read...

ByScotty Jenkins | Thu Dec 29 2022
Team USA Creates Community Hub For Winter Sports

Team USA Creates Community Hub For Winter Sports

Team USA and GMTM are partnering to create a Winter Sports Hub to allow high-performance staff,...

ByScotty Jenkins | Thu Dec 29 2022
Bobsled Tryouts: Which other sports produce the best American bobsledders?

Bobsled Tryouts: Which other sports produce the best American bobsledders?

The U.S. National Bobsled Team is pretty unique when compared to the roster of other winter Olympic...

ByScotty Jenkins | Wed Dec 14 2022
How Ohio State Handball Is Becoming A Talent Pipeline For European Clubs

How Ohio State Handball Is Becoming A Talent Pipeline For European Clubs

J.D. Orr isn’t the most recognized coach at Ohio State. At a state school where the athletic...

ByScotty Jenkins | Mon Dec 12 2022
How similar is the NCAA Transfer Portal to free agency in professional sports?

How similar is the NCAA Transfer Portal to free agency in professional sports?

The NCAA Transfer Portal is a great platform that is beneficial to student-athletes. It allows...

ByScotty Jenkins | Fri Dec 02 2022
USA Weightlifting Names ‘The Strongest High School Athletes In America’

USA Weightlifting Names ‘The Strongest High School Athletes In America’

The title of "Strongest High School Athlete In America" has been decided. This fall, High school...

ByScotty Jenkins | Thu Dec 01 2022
What It's Like To Play Professional Volleyball In A Different Country

What It's Like To Play Professional Volleyball In A Different Country

At some point throughout their lifetime, every athlete has the dream to play professionally, even...

ByScotty Jenkins | Wed Nov 16 2022
Four Of The Most Important Skills Every Soccer Goalkeeper Has To Develop

Four Of The Most Important Skills Every Soccer Goalkeeper Has To Develop

Goalkeepers are really the only ones on the field who you can't compete without. Don't have a...

ByScotty Jenkins | Wed Nov 16 2022
Frequently Asked Questions About USA Weightlifting’s High School Throwdown

Frequently Asked Questions About USA Weightlifting’s High School Throwdown

In a free virtual combine called the High School Throwdown presented by Caffeine & Kilos, USA...

ByScotty Jenkins | Mon Oct 31 2022
WNBA Star Denied Appeal To 9-Year Prison Sentence In Russia

WNBA Star Denied Appeal To 9-Year Prison Sentence In Russia

Brittney Griner was dealt another blow in her hopes to return home to the U.S. Tuesday. The WNBA...

ByScotty Jenkins | Wed Oct 26 2022
Transfer Portal: Does Every Athlete Who Transfers Find A New College To Play For?

Transfer Portal: Does Every Athlete Who Transfers Find A New College To Play For?

On the 15th of October, 2018 the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) introduced a...

ByScotty Jenkins | Wed Oct 19 2022
USA Football Hosts Adult Flag Digital Combine To Discover National Team Athletes

USA Football Hosts Adult Flag Digital Combine To Discover National Team Athletes

This fall, USA Football is hosting a Digital Combine on...

ByScotty Jenkins | Wed Oct 12 2022
How To Participate In The U.S. Aerials Ski Team Digital Combine On GMTM

How To Participate In The U.S. Aerials Ski Team Digital Combine On GMTM

If you’ve ever tried the sport of skiing, you’ve certainly felt the rush that comes when you speed...

ByScotty Jenkins | Thu Sep 29 2022
The Future Of Sportscasting Is In College Classrooms

The Future Of Sportscasting Is In College Classrooms

Whenever fans watch college sports, it’s obvious that their entire focus is on the athletes on the...

ByAndrew Pistone | Mon Sep 26 2022
USA Bobsled and Skeleton Hosts Third Annual Digital Combine For Hopeful Olympic Athletes

USA Bobsled and Skeleton Hosts Third Annual Digital Combine For Hopeful Olympic Athletes

Coaches from the United States’ Olympic teams are serious about helping athletes from different...

ByScotty Jenkins | Thu Sep 22 2022
Running: Can a long distance runner turn into a sprinter?

Running: Can a long distance runner turn into a sprinter?

Long-distance running is very different from sprint. It is interesting to see how athletes...

ByJamison White | Tue Sep 20 2022
Is playing College Soccer the best route to making the MLS?

Is playing College Soccer the best route to making the MLS?

Earlier this month, we witnessed the 2021 Major League...

ByJohnathan Wright | Sat Sep 17 2022
College Basketball: What Is The NCAA Transfer Portal And How Does It Work

College Basketball: What Is The NCAA Transfer Portal And How Does It Work

With the ever-changing NCAA and college athletics scene, transfer athletes have become more and...

ByScotty Jenkins | Thu Sep 15 2022
U.S. Ski & Snowboard Partners With GMTM For Future Athlete Identification

U.S. Ski & Snowboard Partners With GMTM For Future Athlete Identification

Have you watched the Olympic Winter Games and thought, ‘I want to do that’? Now you have the...

ByTiffany Allen | Mon Sep 12 2022
How Athletes From Different Backgrounds Are Discovering Handball On GMTM

How Athletes From Different Backgrounds Are Discovering Handball On GMTM

Cinch Smith took a familiar route to find a place in college baseball. The 6’1” right-handed...

ByScotty Jenkins | Thu Sep 01 2022
Ten New USA Bobsled Athletes Who Were Discovered On GMTM

Ten New USA Bobsled Athletes Who Were Discovered On GMTM

Following the social distancing mandates and travel restrictions made during the pandemic in the...

ByScotty Jenkins | Fri Aug 26 2022
How To Participate In USA Team Handball’s Collegiate Athlete Network

How To Participate In USA Team Handball’s Collegiate Athlete Network

The handballers that represent the United States in international competition come from a variety...

ByScotty Jenkins | Wed Aug 24 2022
An Olympic Athlete’s Road to Success: Andrew Mackiewicz

An Olympic Athlete’s Road to Success: Andrew Mackiewicz

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to compete at the highest level of a sport and...

ByTiffany Allen | Mon Aug 22 2022
With Oklahoma and Texas to SEC, what happens to the Big 12?

With Oklahoma and Texas to SEC, what happens to the Big 12?

Conference realignments are a part of college sports. As different schools gain and lose...

ByAria Modirmassihai | Sat Aug 20 2022
Track & Field: Will there ever be another Usain Bolt?

Track & Field: Will there ever be another Usain Bolt?

The world of athletics will never forget the man who rose to dominate the sport for several...

ByScotty Jenkins | Wed Aug 17 2022
Name, Image, & Likeness: Duke, Kentucky remain popular destinations for college basketball recruits

Name, Image, & Likeness: Duke, Kentucky remain popular destinations for college basketball recruits

The name, image, and likeness of college athletes has been a topic of discussion for several years,...

ByScotty Jenkins | Tue Aug 02 2022
5 Mental Tricks To Help a Volleyball Player Who Is Struggling

5 Mental Tricks To Help a Volleyball Player Who Is Struggling

No matter who you are, no matter what kind of athlete you are, no matter how talented you are,...

ByRebekah Morris | Thu Jul 28 2022
Differences Between the NAIA to the NCAA

Differences Between the NAIA to the NCAA

Everyone is familiar with the NCAA and its 3 subsequent divisions as where the top collegiate...

ByAria Modirmassihai | Wed Jul 27 2022
Four Keys To Staying Healthy On And Off The Field

Four Keys To Staying Healthy On And Off The Field

This weekend's tragic death of a Virginia Union University football player has brought up the often...

ByMatt Wright | Tue Jul 26 2022
5 Best Volleyball Drills and Workouts to Improve Blocking

5 Best Volleyball Drills and Workouts to Improve Blocking

In volleyball, blocking is the first form of defense. Your blockers, where you place them, and...

ByRebekah Morris | Tue Jul 19 2022
How To Do A Volleyball Jump Serve: Step-By-Step Instructions

How To Do A Volleyball Jump Serve: Step-By-Step Instructions

The Jump Serve, also called the spike serve, is an essential skill for any player to learn. Players...

ByRebekah Morris | Sun Jul 17 2022
How does the sport of Rowing work in the Summer Olympics?

How does the sport of Rowing work in the Summer Olympics?

One of the oldest Olympics sports is Rowing. It is a sport that tests the level of endurance and...

ByScotty Jenkins | Wed Jul 13 2022
What is the Difference between Field Hockey and Ice Hockey?

What is the Difference between Field Hockey and Ice Hockey?

Field Hockey is a sport where each team carries a hard plastic ball with the stick to the rival’s...

ByScotty Jenkins | Tue Jul 12 2022
Two Jobs Every College Gymnast Can Get After Their Gymnastics Career

Two Jobs Every College Gymnast Can Get After Their Gymnastics Career

It is important to understand that you cannot do gymnastics forever. Really, there is not much in...

ByTiana Schoney | Thu Jul 07 2022
The Benefits of Playing at a Power 5 School

The Benefits of Playing at a Power 5 School

Whether you are hoping to go pro or just looking to continue your sports career through college,...

ByBryan Armetta | Wed Jun 29 2022
Five Sports That Could Produce The Best U.S. Rowing Athletes

Five Sports That Could Produce The Best U.S. Rowing Athletes

Cross-country athletes have said for centuries that their sport is every other sports' punishment....

ByScotty Jenkins | Wed Jun 22 2022
Are Lacrosse Players Better than Than You At Your Own Sport?

Are Lacrosse Players Better than Than You At Your Own Sport?

Lacrosse is one of the nation's fastest growing youth sports. Since Lacrosse is a combination of...

ByScotty Jenkins | Thu Jun 16 2022