USA look to continue setting gold standard

LONDON (Olympics) - To find out how successful a basketball nation is, the history books are always a natural starting point.
 
But, if you want to measure just how dominant and talented a nation is, then another gauge is to look at how titles have been won and to assess the number of top quality players who didn’t even manage to squeeze onto the roster.
 
When it comes to the USA, they are not only unrivalled in terms of their stunning list of titles but they also have a talent pool which nobody else can get close to.
 
Not that they are imperious. Just ask Brazil who will gladly testify to this after beating them in the Semi-Finals of the FIBA World Championship Women back in 2006 to add a rare blemish to their magnificent track record. 
 
But a true champion team always bounces back from such setbacks in style and the players used their disappointment to fuel the acquisition of a fourth Olympic gold in a row before laying a ghost to rest by regaining their FIBA World Championship title in 2010.
 
Unfortunately for everyone else heading to London 2012, they have a wonderful number of players who can all be the difference makers and game changers on any given night. Most definitely headlining their star-laden line-up is the unmistakable figure of Diana Taurasi.
 
She’s a bona-fide superstar who doesn’t just amaze the fans, but has even left head coach Geno Auriemma awestruck with her ability. After winning the FIBA World Championship Women in Czech Republic, the play-caller memorably claimed: “She never stops amazing me. There are things that Diana does on the basketball court that most people don’t even recognize.”
 
But Taurasi is simply the prize jewel in a crown which is sparkling with a whole host of other gems. This team is brimming with stellar talent and not surprisingly, competition for court time is about as intense as it could get.
 
The lengthy list of stars just roll off the tongue - Sue Bird, Angel McCoughtry, Tamika Catchings, Candice Dupree, Tina Charles, Maya Moore, Sylvia Fowles while the likes of Candace Parker, Seimone Augustus and Cappie Pondexter weren’t even involved when they won their World title last time out.
 
Getting the right balance is always the most demanding aspect for Auriemma and it isn’t likely to be any different in London. His biggest reason to be confident is that whoever is on the court is likely to buy into a work ethic, something often overshadowed by those simply focusing on the awesome skill level.
 
Many a talented team has regularly failed to live up to their top billing down the years but this team is one which has rarely faltered and that has been due to  bucket loads of  sweat which is always a beautiful synergy with such extraordinary talent.
 
Quite simply, the USA has set the standard for Women’s basketball – a gold standard.
 
It will take a phenomenal effort for someone to match it and then deliver what would be an earth shattering blow if they were to deny them their regular place at the top of the podium.
 
But, as Brazil proved in 2006, anything is possible and while they will be red-hot favourites to land a seventh Olympic title, it’s no foregone conclusion.