“The next chapter in The Greatest Dynasty Ever”. That is how the 2024 USA Women’s National Team is described who are aiming for their 8th consecutive gold at the Paris Olympics. And somehow it appears to be true as the squad includes generational talents like A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart. However, the unit also includes an experienced campaigner in Jackie Young who many are expecting to add a first 5×5 gold medal to her long list of accolades. But, by the looks of the team’s first outing, they deduce that the floor time in London doesn’t do justice to the potential possessed by the 2x WNBA champion.

Opening their account with an exhibition win over Germany, Team USA gets their Olympic campaign underway. In a display, Cheryl Reeve’s crew proved that they were just too much for the first-time Olympians by brushing them aside 84-57. As expected last year’s WNBA finalists A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart turned out to be the catalysts behind this impressive show. Anyhow, let’s not take anything away from the significant contributions coming from the bench. They accumulated a total of 37 points, 21.6% of which came from the 12 minutes of Jackie Young.

In addition to this, the shooting guard had 2 assists and 1 rebound next to her name while shooting 3 of 5 from the field. On top of that, she had 100% accuracy from beyond the arc. Somehow, these numbers didn’t seem to please her supporters. Clearly, they weren’t happy with the fact that she spent such a limited time in the middle. As a result, head coach Cheryl Reeve is now in the firing line for them on social media.

Fans outraged over the alleged underutilization of Jackie Young

In the past or this season, Jackie Young has constantly provided glimpses that she can adapt to any role. Currently, a shooting guard, her 18.6 points, 5.6 assists average to go along with 34.1 Three P% and 44.6 FG% is evidence that she can be a forward as well. Keeping that in mind, one fan opines that she fulfills the responsibilities of a “two-way player.” The comment reads, “This is such a criminal misuse of Jackie Young. She is easily T3 two-way player in the league”.

One of the highlights of the game was Young’s no-look assist to Alyssa Thomas in the penultimate quarter. The resulting layup helped Team USA build a 23-point lead over the Germans. Subsequently, one of her supporters thought it was fitting to share the enticing turn of events. Moreover, there was a comment attached to it that said, “What a no-look dime from Jackie Young”. 

The choice of starters for this game for Cheryl Reeve happened to be A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, Napheesa Collier, Diana Taurasi, and Chelsea Gray. Although they did a decent job, some people wanna see Jackie Young make the list for their game against Japan. Putting this chain of thought into comments, one X user expressed, “so, should probably play Jackie Young next game huh”. 

Jackie Young made her way into the game late in the 3rd quarter. Following this, it took just 2 minutes for the 26-year-old to put her first points of the night. It came through a sublime Two-Point Jumpshot Pullup. Frustrated by her late introduction to the contest, one fan said, “I don’t get why they waited so long to put Jackie Young in!” 

Meanwhile, some used hilarious GIFs to convey their dissatisfaction with Reeve’s decision. Evidently, they think that Jackie Young has substantially proven her worth with her respective exhibition.

Surely, there are questions directed toward Cheryl Reeve’s game-time decisions. The admirers of Young will be expecting her thorough participation in Team USA’s group stage opener against Japan. We will have to wait and see what development transpires then.

Stay tuned for more such updates. And, join us for the exciting pilot episode of the “Dual Threat Show”. Our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and SEC All-Freshman Team Selection, Silas Demary Jr.