5 colleges with the most women's basketball athletes in 2024 Summer Olympics
USA athletes won the most gold medals in the Tokyo Olympics and will aim to replicate it at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. The nation garnered the top spot with 113 medals: 39 gold, 41 silver and 33 bronze, creating a 24-medal lead over second-place China.
The US is a powerhouse in basketball, with the NBA and WNBA being the premier leagues of the sport. A reason behind the nation's longstanding triumphs is its college programs. For instance, had Maryland competed in the 2016 Rio Olympics as a country, it would have amassed the second-most gold medals.
With that, let's look at the college programs that have generated the most Olympians for the 2024 Paris tour.
5 colleges with the most women basketball players in the 2024 Paris Olympics
Tied #3, Oregon Ducks - 4
Long-range sensation Sabrina Ionescu is the only former Duck representing the USA as Nyara Sabally and Satou Sabally will play for Germany. Moreover, Euro League star Maite Cazorla will star for Spain.
Meanwhile, Elisa Mevius will compete in 3x3 basketball fixtures for Germany while other Ducks will partake in track and field.
Total Oregon Ducks in Paris: 22
Tied #3, UCLA Bruins - 4
Nirra Fields, Angela Dugalic and Emily Bessoir will don Team USA jerseys while Lina Sontag will be with Deutschland. Moreover, UCLA women's basketball ties will also follow Team Canada through Noelle Quinn’s assistant role.
The Bruins will also see their former athletes compete in diving, water polo, soccer, swimming, rugby, volleyball, tennis and other sports.
Total UCLA Bruins in Paris: 49
Tied #3, Duke Blue Devils - 4
Chelsea Gray will represent Team USA as Duke coach Kara Lawson transitions to an assistant role for the national team. Standout Elizabeth Balogun will represent Nigeria and guard Sofia Roma will lace up for Puerto Rico.
Other Blue Devils are set to participate through fencing, golf, wrestling, and men's basketball, among others.
Total Duke athletes in Paris: 22
#2, Notre Dame Fighting Irish - 5
Jackie Young and Jewell Loyd will represent Team USA while Natalie Achonwa and Kia Nurse will suit up for Canada. Additionally, Lauren Ebo came as a late addition to Nigeria's roster.
Moreover, the program also witnesses Korbin Albert competing in soccer, and Nick Itkin and Magda Skarbonkiewicz on the Fencing team alongside six other athletes.
Total Notre Dame athletes in Paris: 14
#1, UConn Huskies - 7
UConn basketball’s modern-day superstars include Diana Taurasi, Breanna Stewart, Napheesa Collier, Aaliyah Edwards, Gabby Williams, Kia Nurse, and Tiffany Hayes.
Additionally, Karlie Kisha, Sophie Hamilton, and Cecile Pieper will also represent the Huskies through field hockey alongside Niels Giffey (Germany basketball).
Total UConn athletes in Paris: 11