Sometimes, it’s a full-court heave to an open teammate for a simple layup. Other times, a dish is placed behind the back to produce a three-pointed aspect.
Or perhaps it’s as simple as making one more pass with the shot clock running out in quest of a better scoring opportunity.
Regardless of the situation or style, Alyssa Thomas is the most likely supplier. She’s the ultimate facilitator, with hawk-like court vision and the fastest hands in the land.
Such selflessness was exemplified during the 2023 WNBA season when the Connecticut Sun forward set the single-season assists record. And after years of accumulating league awards, that piece of history helped propel Thomas into an even bigger conversation.
The 11-year league veteran was chosen from a pool of talented players to compete for the USA Basketball Women’s National Team in the Olympic Games Paris 2024, her first participation in the world’s most gorgeous athletic venue.
“Women’s basketball is quite popular right now, so there’s a lot of attention on it. And we’re going out there to show folks what we’re about,” Thomas explained. “Nothing changes for us whether you play for Team USA or the W(NBA) team. It’s all about your brand and product.
Thomas’ effect extends beyond her on- and off-ball efforts as a shot creator.
Her game has several dimensions, including contributions that provide her team a consistent scoring option from close range. It wasn’t simply the assists record she broke; 28 double-doubles in a season had never been achieved until 2023.
Her ability to make life difficult for opposition offenses has also been praised. In addition to being named to the WNBA All-Defensive Next Team in 2017, 2019, and 2022, Thomas was selected to the All-Defensive First Team in 2020 and 2023, respectively.
In 2021, she was forced to give up a long-held aspiration, withdrawing her name from Team USA consideration for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics due to an Achilles injury sustained earlier in the year that required further rehabilitation.
That could have been the ultimate reset, a perverse godsend of sorts.
In the three WNBA seasons since her return, Thomas has not missed an All-Star Game, paving the way to Paris.
“It’s one of the most prestigious accolades you can receive, and I grew up watching the Olympics with my family every summer. Thomas added, “I’m just looking forward to taking it all in and participating in the experience.” “Not many people can say that they’re able to do that, and it’s not just for me; it’s for Connecticut back home, so I just want everyone to share this moment.”
Now securely in the prime of her playing career, returning from injury even stronger than before, Thomas can contribute to one of sports’ most enduring dynasties.
The Women’s National Team has won gold in seven consecutive Games and nine out of the previous ten. Since capturing a bronze medal in 1992, the United States has not lost an Olympic game, winning 55 in a row.
At 32 years old, Thomas joins an older guard who has played an essential role in sustaining that iron-clad legacy, including centers Brittney Griner and Breanna Stewart, as well as guard Diana Taurasi, the first-ever six-time Olympian in women’s basketball, who is looking to break a tie with guard Sue Bird by extending her gold medal count to six.
Even though the roster is stacked with legends, the competition ahead is fierce. Thomas, who participated in the 2022 FIBA World Cup, is fully aware of what foreign opponents expect at this level.
“You have to treat everyone as a threat. We’re aiming for our eighth (straight) gold medal, and everyone will give it their all every night,” Thomas added. “We must approach it like every game is a gold medal.”
Cohesion is essential to Thomas’ formula for on-court success. To move the ball as efficiently as she does, she needs a thorough understanding of her teammates’ patterns, which allows her to predict their moves. Similarly, if they want to put crooked numbers on the scoreboard, they must all understand how she operates best.
A typical WNBA regular season allows communication to develop and become established before the playoffs, but the Olympics have a limited amount of time. The Americans only had two exhibitions before the Games.
But when it comes to stars like this—athletes who consistently thrive despite changing circumstances—Thomas believes coherence isn’t the be-all and end-all.
It’s more about reminding everyone who they are.
“We’ve all played on various teams, and many of us have competed internationally… “You just do what you must do, and we have many of the best players in this league,” Thomas said. “It’s not so much about chemistry, but about competing as hard as we can and asserting dominance.”
Looking Ahead.
As Alyssa Thomas takes the Olympic stage, she brings a heritage of hard work and perseverance. Her path to this point serves as an encouragement to all ambitious athletes. With her Olympic ambition realized, Thomas is eager to give her best in Paris and help lead Team USA to glory.
In conclusion, Alyssa Thomas’ Olympic ambition has finally come true, marking a watershed moment in her glittering career. Team USA will benefit significantly from her versatility, defensive talents, and leadership as she prepares to compete in Paris. The world will watch as Thomas and her teammates fight for Olympic success, and her path exemplifies the power of persistence and devotion.
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