Team USA Basketball 2012: Top Women's Players Who Will Shine

Simply put, the US women's basketball team is the best in the world.

Unlike the men's side, it's pretty much a foregone conclusion the women will win gold in London.

Of course, you still have to play the games and the US can't underestimate anyone.

The team is full of WNBA players, who are ready to shine, and is led by Hall of Fame coach Geno Auriemma.

Here's a look at five players who will shine for the US in London.

5. Sylvia Fowles

Fowles is the dominant force on the inside for Team USA.

It's her control of the paint that allows for her teammates to get open shots.

She is a member of the Chicago Sky and was also a member of the 2008 team that won gold.

In five exhibition games, Fowles averaged 10.8 points and 5.2 rebounds per game. She has a .724 field-goal percentage, which shows she's not missing many shots.

If Fowles can control the paint like she has in exhibition play, then the U.S. should have no problem winning games by double-digits.

4. Lindsay Whalen

Whalen is leading the women's team in exhibition play as she's averaged 11 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game.

She's a member of her hometown Minnesota Lynx and is generally the one feeding superstar Maya Moore the ball.

Although she's not the star of the team, her role is important in that she's going to help control the pace of the game.

If she can push the pace, the U.S. should have no problem winning by double-digits.

3. Candace Parker

Honestly, where can't Parker play on the court?

If you want her bringing the ball up, get out of the wing and shoot it from deep, get on the inside and bang around with the big girls—done, done and done.

Parker is averaging 8.8 points and 6.8 rebounds in exhibition play, and already has a gold medal to her credit.

I'm expecting her to be the "utility" player on the women's roster, being asked to play certain positions at different points to best suit the team.

And, to win a gold medal, it's always nice to have someone that can do that.

2. Diana Taurasi

A member of the Phoenix Mercury, Taurasi has been on the national scene for many years.

Since graduating from UConn, Taurasi's college exploits set the path for the likes of Maya Moore.

In exhibition play for the U.S., Taurasi is averaging 10.6 points per game and has a three-point percentage of 47.4.

Taurasi is the veteran of the team and will help keep the team grounded throughout the London Olympics.

Her leadership will be valuable as the team goes for gold.

1. Maya Moore

In my opinion, Maya Moore is the best women's player in the world.

She's won on every level—three state titles in high school, two national titles in college and one WNBA title.

Moore single-handedly took the Minnesota Lynx from one of the worst teams in the WNBA to one of the best.

In exhibition play, Moore has averaged 10.8 points and six rebounds per game.

In the Olympics, Moore should continue to dominate and will help lead the U.S. to gold.