Breanna Stewart is urging caution as the U.S. women’s basketball team prepares for the Paris Olympics, highlighting the need for patience as the team works to build cohesion.
The New York Liberty star addressed reporters on Monday, emphasizing that it might take some time for the team to gel. The U.S. women’s national team will get a pre-Olympic warm-up at the USA Basketball Showcase in London, starting with a matchup against Germany on Tuesday.
Stewart acknowledged that the initial games might not showcase the team’s full potential due to their limited time together.
“Since we’ve just gotten together, we probably won’t show everything we’ve got because we haven’t even gotten great at the basics,” Stewart explained.
The German team features a familiar face for Stewart, as her New York Liberty teammate Nyara Sabally will be playing alongside her sister, Satou Sabally of the Dallas Wings.
Team USA enters the Olympics as the heavy favorite to win gold, a title they aim to defend. Stewart, who is pursuing her third Olympic gold medal, stressed the importance of team chemistry as a foundation for their success.
“Really the focus is on ourselves, doing what we can to be our best,” Stewart said.
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Stewart’s comments come as a reminder that even a team loaded with talent requires time to build the necessary chemistry and understanding to perform at the highest level.
With seasoned players and newcomers alike, the U.S. women’s basketball team will need to integrate their skills and strategies effectively. The USA Basketball Showcase in London will serve as a critical period for the team to refine their play and develop synergy.
The upcoming games in London will be crucial for the team to iron out any kinks and establish a rhythm before heading to Paris. As they face Germany and other competitors, the primary goal will be to focus on their own performance, ensuring they are in the best possible shape for the Olympics.
Stewart’s leadership and experience will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in guiding the team through this period of adjustment. Her perspective on the importance of teamwork and self-improvement underscores the values that have led the U.S. women’s team to its past successes.
As they prepare for the Paris Olympics, Stewart and her teammates will be aiming to build on their strengths and bring home another gold medal, solidifying their legacy in the sport.
