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12 Teams Set For 2016 Olympics; 12 Storylines To Watch For In Rio

By Matthew Medley

Tony Parker playing for France to qualify for 2016 Rio Olympics (Photo by Frederic Stevens/Getty Images)
Tony Parker playing for France to qualify for 2016 Rio Olympics (Photo by Frederic Stevens/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 12: Pau Gasol (2nd L) of Spain jumps to score over LeBron James (L) and Carmelo Anthony (R) of the United States during the Men's Basketball Gold medal game between the United States and Spain on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympics Games at North Greenwich Arena on August 12, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Mark Ralston - IOPP Pool /Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 12: Pau Gasol (2nd L) of Spain jumps to score over LeBron James (L) and Carmelo Anthony (R) of the United States during the Men’s Basketball Gold medal game between the United States and Spain on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympics Games at North Greenwich Arena on August 12, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Mark Ralston – IOPP Pool /Getty Images) /

8. Spain: The True Rival to Team USA

Spain has won the silver medal in back-to-back Olympics appearances in 2008 and 2012, falling to the United States both times. When it comes to the international field, it seems like Spain is the only team in the same league as the U.S.

In 2008, Spain fell in the gold medal game 118-107 and lost four years later by a score of 107-100, showing that certainly can hang with the best team in the world.

This is Spain’s fifth straight appearance in Men’s Basketball in the Olympics, having won three silver medals in 11 appearances.

Both Gasol brothers, Pau Gasol and Marc Gasol, are on the roster, but Marc’s status is in doubt heading into the Rio Games. Assuming Marc cannot play, Pau still has an impressive supporting cast to work with, including Rudy Fernandez, Jose Calderon and Juan Carlos Navarro.

As if Gasol’s injury wasn’t enough, star point guard Ricky Rubio left Tuesday’s Olympic tune-up match against Angola with a thigh injury, but it is not believed to be serious and should not keep him from playing in Rio.

Spain is ranked No. 2 in the world and even if they are without Marc Gasol, they are one of the heavy favorites to make it to the gold medal game for the third-straight time.

Next: Will The Hosts Have Enough?