Tag: Team USA

Chris Paul named a finalist for 2020 US Men’s Basketball team

Paul is one of 44 players on the list released by USA Basketball. He’s already a two-time Olympian, winning gold in 2008 and 2012.

Chris Paul is one step closer to being an Olympian again.

Paul was one of the 44 finalists for the US Men’s basketball team that was announced by USA basketball on Monday morning.

Should he be selected for the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, it would be Paul’s third Olympic appearance, his first since 2012.

Paul won gold medals as part of Team USA at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing and the 2012 Olympics in London.

He’s a perfect 16-0 in Olympic play, averaging 8.3 points, 3.1 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 2.3 steals across both tournaments.

According to the Thunder, “with the 2012 U.S. Olympic team in London, Paul started in each game and grabbed a team-best 20 steals. In Beijing in 2008, he led the team with 33 assists and ranked second with 18 steals.”

Paul is one of the most experienced players on the finalists list.

He’s played in 50 international games in his career, including the 2006 FIBA World Cup in Japan where he brought home a bronze medal.

Also on the list are former Thunder players Russell Westbrook, Kevin Durant, and James Harden.

In his first year in Oklahoma City, Paul is having a resurgence. He was just selected to the 10th All-Star Game of his career, averaging 17.2 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 6.6 assists this season.

The 2020 Olympic Games being on Friday, July 24 and last through Sunday, Aug. 9.

Report: Tobias Harris named a Team USA finalist for 2020 Olympics

Tobias Harris’ shooting ability could have an impact on Team USA much like Carmelo Anthony’s has had in the past.

Though he’s never been an All-Star, Philadelphia 76ers forward Tobias Harris has cemented himself among the NBA’s top 40 players the past two seasons.

A solid scorer, Harris has earned a chance to potentially compete for Team USA in this summer’s Tokyo Olympics. Per Sixers Wire’s Ky Carlin, Harris is among 44 finalists named for the U.S. men’s basketball team. Harris joins fellow Eastern Conference players such as Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown as finalists.

Harris had an opportunity to participate in last summer’s FIBA World Cup, but he withdrew his name from consideration, citing in The Philadelphia Inquirer that he wanted to get some necessary rest. Per the Inquirer, Harris said last August he would like to play in the Olympics for Team USA.

If Harris makes Team USA’s Olympic roster, he could add some scoring punch. Harris plays similarly to Carmelo Anthony, who has had some of the most success of any NBA player in the Olympics. Anthony is Team USA’s all-time leading scorer in Olympic competition, and he has won four medals, with three of them being gold.

Like Anthony, Harris can heat up from deep and score in bunches. The Americans could utilize Harris as a catch-and-shoot forward, as higher-caliber players like Kevin Durant, Steph Curry or LeBron James would draw more attention from defenses.

As the Sixers’ second-leading scorer, Harris is averaging 19.1 points per game this season and shooting 36.7% from the 3-point line. He has shot 36.4% from the 3-point line for his career.

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James Harden, Russell Westbrook named finalists for 2020 Olympics

The All-Star guards and former MVPs from the Rockets are among 44 current NBA players who are in the running for the final 12-man roster.

Houston Rockets guards James Harden and Russell Westbrook indicated in training camp that each hoped to play in the 2020 Olympics.

As of Monday, we now know that both All-Star guards and former MVPs are among USA Basketball’s 44 finalists for the 12-man roster.

“That’s one of my goals, to represent the USA and represent this beautiful country in the games,” Harden said in September.

Harden and Westbrook are 30 and 31 years old, respectively. They won a gold medal together at the 2012 Olympics before each withdrew from consideration on the same day for the 2016 squad.

Harden leads the NBA in scoring with an average of 35.2 points per game this season, along with 7.3 assists and 6.5 rebounds. Meanwhile, Westbrook is averaging 27.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 7.3 assists.

Harden and Westbrook will both be in their mid 30s in the summer of 2024, which might make them reluctant at that age to put their bodies through that type of workload during an NBA offseason.

Thus, 2020 could be their last realistic opportunity to win Olympic gold for the United States. And assuming health, it appears the two Houston stars could potentially embark upon the journey together.

Westbrook and Harden each have plenty of Team USA experience, having played in 28 and 25 international games, respectively.

“Over the course of the remainder of the NBA season, we’ll continue to monitor all of the athletes,” said Jerry Colangelo, who has served as managing director of the USA Basketball Men’s National Team since 2005.

This summer’s Team USA squad will once again be coached by San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich.

The 2020 Olympics will be held from July 24 through Aug. 9 in Tokyo, Japan, with training camp for Team USA starting weeks beforehand.

Twelve nations will compete in the 2020 Olympics competition for men’s basketball, with games held at the Saitama Super Arena. In addition to host Japan, qualified nations to this point include Argentina, Australia, France, Iran, Nigeria, Spain, and the United States.

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Five Celtics named to Team USA’s preliminary roster for 2020 Olympics

The Boston Celtics are tied with the Los Angeles Lakers for the most players named to Team USA’s 44-man preliminary roster for the 2020 Olympic Games.

Team USA’s men’s basketball team has announced their official 44-man preliminary roster for the 2020 Olympic Games, which will be held in Tokyo.

Unsurprisingly, the Celtics will be heavily represented, with five players — tied with the Los Angeles Lakers for the league-high— named to the roster: guards Kemba Walker and Marcus Smart, along with forwards Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and Gordon Hayward.

It may have been easy to assume that the first four Celtics named would be on the roster after playing for Team USA in last summer’s qualifiers and earning the praise of Team USA men’s basketball head coach Gregg Popovich (of the San Antonio Spurs).

However, the addition of Hayward, who has looked much like he did in his prime after overcoming a horrific leg and ankle injury that seemed to rob some of his athleticism — and thus his effectiveness — last season, was not predicted. Such an honor is vindication for Hayward, an intelligent playmaker who’s averaging 17.1 points, 6.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 0.7 steals per game this season while shooting 51.2 percent from the field and 38.7 percent from three (and has looked both healthy and athletic while doing so).

Tatum and Brown are also having career seasons with the former seeming to have taken on the mantle of being the best player on the team and the face of the Celtics after the offseason departure of the disgruntled Kyrie Irving.

Tatum is averaging a team-high 22.9 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 0.9 blocks per game while shooting 44.1 percent from the field and 38.7 percent from three. He’s developed a go-to shot — a sidestep three-pointer — and is more aggressive in attacking the rim then in past seasons. Tatum’s defense, never highlighted as a particular strength of his game, has been quite effective as well. Suffice it to say, with such a strong performance, it’s no surprise that Tatum was named as an All-Star this season.

Brown is a better finisher, ball-handler, shooter and passer than last season. Those improvements have led the renaissance man to averages of 20.2 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game while shooting 49.4 percent from the field and 37.7 percent from three.

Walker, the leader that Boston sorely needed last season, has averaged 22.0 points, 5.0 assists, 4.0 rebounds and 1.0 steal per game while acquitting himself from the common perception that he was a poor defender. The Celtics’ second All-Star this season, Walker has shot 43.6 percent from the field and 39.1 percent from three-point range.

Smart, whose play can’t be summed up with statistics due to the effort he plays with and his gritty, never-say-die, attitude, continues to be the heart and soul of the Celtics team. While the four previously listed players will likely play an important role on offense (and defense), Smart is going to be fine doing the dirty work. However, that doesn’t mean he can’t make plays when needed, as the veteran guard has averaged 12.2 points, 4.8 assists, 3.5 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game.

Though not every player may not make it into Team USA’s finalized roster, this quintet has as good a chance of any of surviving training camp and taking part in the Olympic Games next summer. No matter who makes it or who doesn’t, the Celtics have certainly made their home fans proud this season; their having five players named to the Team USA preliminary roster is just icing on the cake.

Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving among players on USA’s preliminary Olympics roster

Joe Harris could be back with Team USA for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. But, there are other strong candidates to join the team.

Although Team USA had a disappointing ending to their run in the 2019 FIBA World Cup the group — which featured Brooklyn Nets sharpshooter Joe Harris — did the minimum of what they needed to do in order to qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

But, even though the 2019 bunch were the ones who punched America’s ticket for the Olympics, it’s not a guarantee those players will be among those who represent the country in Tokyo over the summer.

The 44-man preliminary roster for the Tokyo Olympics was released on Monday and Harris was on the list, but he was not the lone Brooklyn representative, per Marc Stein of the New York Times.

Nets superstars Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving were the other members of Brooklyn featured on the list.

Other superstars included Los Angeles Clippers wings Paul George and Kawhi Leonard, Los Angeles Lakers forwards Anthony Davis and LeBron James, and Golden State Warriors guards Steph Curry and Klay Thompson.

Texas Longhorns To Retire Cat Osterman’s Number 8 Jersey

The University of Texas will be honoring Olympic Gold Medalist Cat Osterman by retiring her jersey on March 25th.

It has been a long time coming for former Texas Longhorns’ softball star Cat Osterman to get the recognition that she deserved from her time in Austin. The University of Texas announced that she will be the first former softball player to have their jersey retired by the school.

Cat Osterman spent her playing days in Austin for the University of Texas. She would end up redshirting in 2004 to join Team USA in the olympics where she helped bring home the gold. During her time with the Longhorns, Osterman helped lead the team to Women’s College World Series appearances in 2003, 2005 and 2006.

Cat Osterman School Records At Time of Graduation:

  • Wins
  • Strikeouts
  • ERA (earned run average)
  • WHIP (walks plus hits per inning pitched)
  • Innings Pitched
  • Shutouts
  • Strikeout Ratio
  • Opponents Batting Average

Osterman also added a silver medal at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, China. She also finished her career 6th in wins, 2nd in strikeouts, 3rd in shutouts and 3rd in no hitters in NCAA Division I records.

4-star Georgia football WR target makes commitment

Four-star Georgia football wide receiver target Arian Smith picks the Dawgs

Four-star wide receiver target Arian Smith has officially committed to the Georgia Bulldogs.

The No. 72 overall player ranked No. 13 in the state of Florida per 247 Sports, Smith chose Georgia over Alabama, Florida, Oklahoma, Auburn and Clemson.

Though the Dawgs were thought to be the favorites in landing Smith after a visit to the Sunshine State last week and an official to Athens over the weekend, this is still a huge sigh of relief.

The Bulldogs pick up some much-needed speed at wide receiver, after losing the talented Isaiah McKenzie in 2016 and Mecole Hardman in 2018 to the NFL Draft.

Oh yeah, this goes without mentioning that Smith was on the 4×100 track team that broke U20 world records for Team USA over the summer with Georgia track signee Matthew Boling.

What a get for the Dawgs!

U.S. Team wins 2019 Presidents Cup

Golfweek’s Adam Woodard reports on the U.S. Team winning the 2019 Presidents Cup at Royal Melbourne Golf Club.

Golfweek’s Adam Woodard reports on the U.S. Team winning the 2019 Presidents Cup at Royal Melbourne Golf Club.

Internationals dominate four-ball at Presidents Cup, lead after first day

Despite Tiger Woods and Justin Thomas earning the first point, the Internationals dominated the four-ball format at the 2019 Presidents Cup.

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After the first day of play in Australia at Royal Melbourne, it’s advantage Internationals.

Despite playing captain Tiger Woods and the Americans having the distinct advantage when it comes to talent, with ten of Team USA’s 12 players ranked inside the 20 of the Official World Golf Ranking, Ernie Els and his International squad hold a commanding 4-1 lead after Thursday’s (Wednesday night in the U.S.) four-ball matches.

“The golf course was very tough. The golf was excellent. I’m really proud of my team,” Els told Golf Channel soon after the conclusion to Day 1.

“We got a long way to go but this is an unbelievable start,” Els continued. “We know it’s a very tough side we’re playing.”

Woods and teammate Justin Thomas put the crucial first point on the board for Team USA, but it was all Internationals from then on.

PRESIDENTS CUP: Viewers guide | Best photos
MEET THE TEAMS: Team USA | Internationals

Here’s a recap of Day 1 at the Presidents Cup:

Four-ball matches

Thomas-Woods (U.S.) def. Leishman-Niemann (Int.), 4 and 3 

Tiger Woods carried the match in the early goings, making a pair of birdies on the opening holes and then chipping in for birdie at the par 3 fifth hole. Leishman and Niemann kept in the fight and battled throughout the opening nine, ultimately making the turn 2 down to captain Woods and Thomas. The Americans never trailed and it was Woods who put the first point on the board for the U.S., earning a 4 and 3 victory.

Hadwin-Im (Int.) def. Schauffele-Cantlay (U.S.), 1 up

A 21-year-old Presidents Cup rookie, Sungjae Im heard the first roar of the day playing in the second group after holing-out for eagle on No. 1. The Internationals and Americans each held a 1 up lead on the front nine before making the turn tied. The match stayed all square until an Adam Hadwin par at the 16th turned the match in the Internationals favor.

Scott-An (Int.) def. DeChambeau-Finau (U.S.), 2 and 1

There wasn’t much to see in this match. Bryson DeChambeau struggled and Tony Finau didn’t have enough to keep up with Adam Scott and Byeong-Hun An, who led for 14 of the 17 holes en route to a 2 and 1 win. The Americans only won two holes, both by Finau.

Matsuyama-Pan (Int.) def. Simpson-Reed (U.S.), 1 up

After his rules violation at the Hero World Challenge, Patrick Reed got an ear-full on the first tee after hitting into the bunker, with one heckler asking if a shovel was in his bag this week in Australia. It was a close match, with the Internationals holding a 2 up lead at the turn. Down the stretch, Captain America made a few clutch putts, evening the match with a birdie on No. 16. Hideki Matsuyama then re-claimed the lead on the 17th, leading to the 1 up win.

Ancer-Oosthuizen (Int.) def. Johnson-Woodand (U.S.), 4 and 3

The final match of the day was the second to end as Louis Oosthuizen and Abraham Ancer absolutely boat raced the high-powered pairing of Dustin Johnson and Gary Woodland. Oosthuizen was on ace-alert at No. 3, hitting the shot of the day at Royal Melbourne’s opening par 3. Ancer and Oosthuizen went 4 up through five holes and the match never got closer than 3 up, ultimately ending 4 and 3 on the 15th.

[opinary poll=”after-day-1-who-do-you-think-wins-the-20″ customer=”golfweek”]

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