Okay, so Birdy’s expected to be the starting point guard of this year’s squad. The first 9 slots, as announced, are as follows:

– C Lisa Leslie (L.A. SpOrks) — Ugh.

– G Katie Smith (Detroit Shock)

– G Sue Bird (Seattle Storm)

– G/F Diana Taurasi (Phoenix Mercury)

– F Tina Thompson (Houston Comets)

– G Seimone Augustus (Minnesota Lynx)

– C Sylvia Fowles (Chicago Sky)

– F Candace Parker (L.A. Sparks)

– G Cappie Pondexter (Phoenix Mercury)

USA has won 5 of 6 gold medals, the latest was Athens. But it shouldn’t be guarantee enough because Australia’s Opals are the fiercest ever — led by Captain Lauren Jackson. Russia (with Becky Hammon) can also be a huge problem, I remember them beating USA in the semis during the last World Championships.