The U.S. women’s national basketball team will host a four-team, three city exhibition tournament from July 27 through 31 before heading to Rio for the Olympics.
The Americans will face France, Canada and Australia, playing games in Delaware, Connecticut and New York City. The tournament tips off July 27 at the University of Delaware, followed by games on July 29 in Bridgeport, Conn and July 31 at the Garden.
Australia is the world;’s second-ranked team. Canada is the 2-015 FIBA Americas championship gold medalist. France is the 2012 Olympic silver medalist.
The Showcase tips off at the University of Delaware Carpenter Center with Australia and Canada playing at 5 p.m. EDT followed by the USA and France at 7:30. The July 29 games feature a 4.30 p.m. game between Australia and France in the Webster Bank Arena in Bridgeport with the U.S. playing Canada at 7. On the tournament’s final night, Canada and France will tip off at 1:30 p.m. while the USA and Australia will play at 4.
After the series, the U.S. will travel to Houston for processing before flying to Rio.
“This tournament with Australia, Canada and France, three of the top teams in the world, is an incredible opportunity for our team to prepare for Rio,” said U.S. coach Geno Auriemma, who has directed the Americans to a perfect 23-0 record and gold medals in the 2012 Oympic games and the 2014 FIBA World Championships. “I think each of these games will be competitive and a really, really good preview of what you’ll see in August at the Olympics.
“Two years ago we were able to play games at Delaware and Bridgeport, and the fan support for both those games were tremendous. Then when you add the Garden to the mix, what better way to give our team a send off before Rio?”
The U.S., which has won five consecutive Olympic competitions, has a roster that will feature three time gold medalists– guard Sue Bird of the Seattle Storm, forward Tamika Catchings of the Indiana Fever and Diana Taurasi Phoenix Mercury) and two-time Olympic gold medalists– forward Seimone Augustus (Minnesota Lynx) and center Sylvia Fowles (Minnesota Lynx) and 20`12 Olympic gold medalists — center Tina Charles of the New York Liberty, guard Angel McCoughtry of the Atlanta Dream, guard Maya Moore of the Minnesota Lynx and guard Lindsay Whalen of the Minnesota Lynx. Competing in their first Olympics are forward Elena Delle Donne of the Chicago Sky, center Brittany Griner of the Phoenix Mercury and forward Breanna Stewart of the Seattle Storm.
The U.S., Canada and Australia have already qualified for Rio. France still has to earn a spot. The 2012 silver medalists are hosting the last-chance qualifier starting June 13. The top five teams from that tournament will earn Olympic bids.
After the series, the U.S. will travel to Houston for processing before flying to Rio.The U.S., Canada and Australia have already qualified for Rio. France still has to earn a spot. The 2012 silver medalists are hosting the last-chance qualifier starting June 13. The top five teams from that tournament will earn Olympic bids.
The U.S., who are in Group B, will open play at the Olympics against Senegal Aug 7.