With the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris looming, Team USA could be on the verge of welcoming Brittney Griner back to the program as the Mercury star eyes a return to international competition.
The United States women’s team announced on Thursday its roster for November’s training camp, a star-studded group that notably included three-time gold medalist Griner. Team USA is slated to hold training camp in Atlanta from Nov. 7 to 9, with exhibitions against Tennessee and Duke on tap for Nov. 5 and 12, respectively.
The nine-time All-Star’s inclusion on the depth chart marks the first time Team USA will have Griner, 33, in the fold after she was forced to miss the 2022 FIBA World Cup due to her 10-month detainment in Russia.
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After returning to the U.S. in December, Griner re-joined the Mercury in February and went on to average 17.5 points and 6.3 rebounds in 31 starts. In April, the 2014 WNBA champion hinted at a Team USA reunion after sharing her interest in once again representing her country but no longer playing overseas.
“I’m never going overseas to play again unless I’m representing my country at the Olympics,” Griner said at the time, per The Athletic. “If I make that team, that would be the only reason I would leave U.S. soil.”
With Griner ramping up for next summer, Team USA figures to receive a big boost in it chances at securing an eighth straight gold medal. In addition to Griner, legendary Mercury teammate Diana Taurasi, and stars Kahleah Copper (Sky), Allisha Gray (Dream), Rhyne Howard (Dream), Sabrina Ionescu (Liberty) and Azurá Stevens (Sparks) are also expected to play in both exhibitions.
