With their fifth straight gold medal win at the Olympics, Team USA proved that they are still the best basketball team in the world. But the way they won hinted at a possible European takeover in the future. Although they had legends like LeBron, Durant, and Steph on the roster, the Americans were pushed to the limit every step of the way, especially during the final two games against Serbia and France. And once Victor Wembanyama comes into his own and reaches his maximum potential, Team USA might no longer remain the favorites to win it all.

As the Paris Olympics come to a close and preparations begin for the event to arrive in Los Angeles in four years, media veterans Mike Hill and Joe Vardon discussed if Team USA’s throne could be under threat. According to Vardon’s comments on The Rich Eisen Show, it will only be possible in one scenario, “That won’t be the case unless Victor has become so far and away the best player in the league by then that odd makers decide that he can change outcome of games on his own.”

Making his Olympics debut in his home country, the 20YO exceeded expectations as he averaged 15.8 points and nearly ten rebounds in the six-game tournament. But he saved his best performance for the final game against Team USA as he gave them a run for their money by going off for 26 points to keep France in the mix till the very end. To go toe-to-toe against multiple future Hall of Famers as a rookie speaks volumes about Wemby’s ceiling. And many believe that if he stays healthy, he could soon be in the GOAT conversation. Sure enough, that would mean trouble for Team USA in the next Olympics as Wemby will likely be in his prime and have enough talent on his French squad to finish what he started this year.

Can France end Team USA’s dominance in 2028?

While the nation celebrates Team USA’s victory, the Paris Olympics introduced everyone to the harsh reality as Vardon remarked, “We forget A. how many NBA players are now from other countries; and B. we don’t understand how much better the other professional leagues have gotten.” Gone are the days of the Dream Team when we were the only powerhouses in the world. During the Paris Olympics, 61 NBA players of foreign nationalities participated in the tournament. Moreover, with the globalization of the league, the number of foreign-born players in the NBA is increasing every year. During last season’s opening night, the league’s roster included 125 international players from forty different countries.

Although the talent is scattered among different nations, France seems like the biggest threat for Team USA going forward. Not only will they be led by Wembanyama in the 2028 Olympics, they could also add four players who were selected in the first round of this year’s NBA draft. Out of those four players, Zaccharie Risacher and Alex Sarr were the top two picks and Tidjane Salaun was selected at number 6. Even the number 25 pick Pacome Dadiet has immense potential to be a great player. Add them to the already stacked French roster and they have a legitimate shot at becoming the world champions in four years. Do you think the Americans can hold on to their throne despite the looming threat of a European takeover?

Before you go, do not forget to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Asia Avinger