Olympic Basketball 2012: Players Who Could Keep Team USA from Gold

Anything less than a gold medal for Team USA at the 2012 London Olympics will be a major disappointment, and though the rest of the world has caught up to the U.S. in basketball over the years, the team will more than likely end up atop the podium.

But it isn't guaranteed, and there are plenty of talented players who could be the downfall of this U.S. squad.

From a creative Argentinian to a pair of Spanish brothers, the U.S. faces real threats in this tournament. Let's identify the biggest ones.

Manu Ginobili, Argentina

It may have only been an exhibition, but the United States received quite the battle from Argentina, ultimately winning 86-80 in a serious test. The Argentinians have a dangerous team, with NBA players Carlos Delfino, Luis Scola and Andres Nocioni.

But the team is led by the creative and fluid Manu Ginobili, who scored 23 point in the tough loss. Apparently, the San Antonio Spurs represent the biggest danger for Team USA.

Argentina won't win by trying to outgun the U.S., but if they can turn the game into a defensive, gritty, low-scoring affair, Ginobili is fully capable of pulling out some magic and leading Argentina past the U.S.

Tony Parker, France

France has a fair share of talent, with NBA players such as Boris Diaw, Ronny Turiaf and Nicolas Batum. But without question, the man who makes the French team go is San Antonio Spurs standout Tony Parker.

The dynamic point guard is fresh off a season that saw him average 18.3 points and 7.7 assists per game for San Antonio, and the fact that he will completely run the French offense makes him a serious threat to Team USA.

The two countries will face off immediately in group play, clashing at 9:30 a.m. EDT on Saturday, July 29. The United States has a deeper, more talented roster, but Parker is dangerous enough to lead France to an upset.

The Gasol Brothers, Spain

The weakness of Team USA is in the frontcourt. Unfortunately, that's where the strength of Spain lies, with Serge Ibaka alongside Marc and Pau Gasol in the paint.

While Ibaka and Jose Calderon will make the U.S. work, no two players are more important for Spain than the Gasol brothers. The pair's ability to dominate a game both by scoring and rebounding—and the fact that the U.S. is vulnerable against elite big men—will make them the toughest challenge the U.S. will face if the two countries meet.

Spain offers the biggest threat to Team USA's gold-medal aspirations in my opinion, and the country's success begins and ends with the Gasols. Pau led the field in scoring at the 2004 and 2008 Games, while brother Marc is an up-and-coming star in the NBA.

They won't be fun to deal with for Team USA.

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