The team is aiming to secure USA Basketball’s eighth consecutive gold medal in women’s basketball at the Olympic Games Paris 2024. If they manage to come out on top, it will mark Taurasi’s sixth consecutive gold medal. The U.S. has dominated the last ten Olympic Games, clinching nine gold medals and only settling for bronze in Barcelona 1992.
“The past doesn’t define us,” Taurasi stated in a press conference before the competition. “It’s about forging our own identity as a team both on and off the court.
“The previous victories don’t guarantee anything for the future.”
Taurasi is pursuing a feat achieved by only two other Olympians – winning a gold medal six or more times in the same event. The other athletes who have accomplished this are Germany’s Isabell Werth in equestrian team dressage and Aladar Gerevich of Hungary in team sabre fencing.
Despite being part of a star-studded Olympic lineup, Taurasi has managed to secure a spot in the starting lineup. She is surrounded by multiple All-WNBA players, former WNBA Finals MVPs, and league MVPs. With 10 All-WNBA selections, two Finals MVPs, and the WNBA MVP award in 2009, Taurasi’s accolades speak for themselves.
“Being chosen to start is a decision made by the coaches,” Auriemma commented. “It’s a testament to her commitment, determination, and desire to prove herself as a valuable asset, rather than just along for the ride.”
Despite not always showing up prominently in the statistics, Taurasi’s impact on the game is undeniable. She may not score heavily, record numerous assists, or grab many rebounds, but her presence goes beyond numbers. In Paris, she has averaged 1.3 points, 0.8 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 12 minutes per game.
But Taurasi’s value goes beyond her stats.
Auriemma shared a story from his time coaching USA basketball, highlighting an instance where assistant coach Doug Bruno had the opportunity to coach Taurasi during a practice session. Bruno, head coach of DePaul University’s women’s team, had faced Taurasi as an opponent but had never coached her until that moment in the Czech Republic, just before a world championships tournament.
“I told Bruno, ‘You’ve never experienced coaching Diana as a player,’” Auriemma recalled. “He replied, ‘No.’ I said, ‘You’re in for a treat.’”
