A former Olympian believes the gap between the USA and the rest of the world is shrinking.
Team USA has won gold in basketball at the Olympics the last five times (since 2008).
For years, it hasn't been very close. However, the gap has started to shrink.
France gave Team USA a run for their money in the 2024 Olympic final, and even Serbia was on the verge of knocking Team USA out in the semifinals.
With this recent trend of emerging countries as new contenders, one former medalist had an interesting statement regarding Team USA's status as a contender going forward.
What comments were made?
Former Olympian and NBA champion Richard Jefferson stated, "The U.S. will not win gold in LA in three years."
Jefferson likely doesn't believe that it will be as easy going forward as it has been for Team USA in the past.
The game is growing internationally, making teams like France, Canada, Serbia and others legit contenders.
Jefferson was a part of the last team for the USA that didn't win gold, when they took home bronze in the 2004 Olympics.
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Team USA was stacked in 2024, bringing in all-time greats like LeBron James and Steph Curry to put Team USA back on the map after a couple of poor performances at other tournaments.
Team USA will have a much different roster in 2028, with several players from last year's roster likely retired by then or nearing the end of their careers in 2028.
It has been almost three decades since the Olympics have been held in the United States.
Other countries are hungry to win gold, and countries are preparing even more to chase Team USA and try and steal the gold medal from them.
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Category: Basketball
