What's happened
Sue Bird has been appointed as the first managing director of the U.S. women's national basketball team, a role that will reshape team selection and coaching. This change comes as the team prepares for the 2028 Olympics, aiming for its ninth consecutive gold medal. Bird's term will last four years.
What's behind the headline?
Strategic Shift in USA Basketball
- Leadership Change: Sue Bird's appointment as managing director signifies a move towards a more centralized decision-making process, akin to the men's team structure led by Grant Hill.
- Experience Matters: Bird's extensive background in competitive basketball, including five Olympic gold medals, provides her with unique insights into team dynamics and player selection.
- Future Talent Integration: Bird has expressed openness to integrating emerging talents like Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers into the national team pool, indicating a forward-thinking approach to team composition.
- Pressure to Perform: With the U.S. women's team aiming for another gold medal, Bird's leadership will be under scrutiny, as the expectation remains high for success on the international stage.
- Cultural Impact: Bird's role could influence the next generation of female athletes, as she embodies the transition from player to leader, potentially inspiring young players to pursue similar paths.
What the papers say
According to the AP News, Bird's new role is a significant change in how USA Basketball operates, moving from a committee-based selection to a single managing director model. Jim Tooley, CEO of USA Basketball, emphasized Bird's strong pedigree in the sport, stating, "Her pedigree and standing in the sport is so strong. Not just in women’s basketball, but all of sport."
The NY Post highlighted Bird's initial reluctance to take on the role, noting that her perspective as a former player will be invaluable. Bird herself acknowledged the pressure of the position, saying, "This is a different type of pressure. I’m hoping to bring all that I learned as a player."
The Independent echoed these sentiments, emphasizing Bird's leadership qualities and the importance of her experience in shaping the future of the women's national team. The article noted that Bird's term will align with the Olympic cycle, further solidifying her influence over the team's direction leading up to the 2028 Games.
How we got here
Bird's appointment marks a significant shift from the previous committee-based selection process for the national team. Discussions about this role began after the 2021 Olympics, and Bird's experience as a five-time Olympic champion positions her well for this leadership role.
Go deeper
- What are Bird's plans for the national team?
- How will this change impact the upcoming Olympics?
- Who are the young talents Bird is considering?
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The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.
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Suzanne Brigit Bird is an Israeli-American professional basketball player for the Seattle Storm of the Women's National Basketball Association. Bird was drafted by the Storm first overall in the 2002 WNBA Draft. She held a front office position for the NB
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USA Basketball is a non-profit organization and the governing body for basketball in the United States. The organization represents the United States in FIBA and the men's and women's national basketball teams in the United States Olympic & Paralympic