By R.L. Bynum
Carolina senior guard Deja Kelly and the United States made it clear Saturday why the Americans are favored to win the FIBA AmeriCup.
Kelly started at point guard and was the floor leader, collecting nine points, three rebounds and four assists as a balanced USA team rolled to an 80–54 victory Saturday over Venezuela in the opener for both teams at Domo de la Feria in León, Mexico, 250 miles northwest of Mexico City.
USA seeks its third consecutive gold medal in the 10-team event.
LSU star Angel Reese and Tennessee’s Rikea Jackson each scored 11 points to lead the United States, with Texas A&M’s Janiah Barker adding 10.
Kelly was 3 of 7 from the floor and 3 of 6 from the free-throw line.
The USA (1–0) plays the second of four pool play games in Group A at 4:30 p.m. ET Sunday against Argentina, which will be playing in its opener. The Americans face Brazil at 4:40 p.m. Tuesday and Cuba at 2:10 p.m. Wednesday.
The Americans only need to finish in the top four of their five-team group to advance to the quarterfinals, which are on July 7. The semifinals are on July 8, and the championship is on July 9.
The Americans led 20–5 after one quarter, with Kelly collecting four points, two rebounds and two assists. She had six points, three rebounds and three assists by halftime, when the USA led 42–16.
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Projected roster if all players with eligibility other than Elina Aarnisalo, Lanie Grant,, Taliyah Henderson and Liza Ashtakhova and Liza Ashtakhova return, with years listed for next season (UNC is one below the 15-player limit)
| Year | No./ Stars | Players | Pos. | Height | |
| Freshman | 5 star | Kate Harpring | PG | 5–10 | |
| Freshman | 52/4 star | Noelle Bofia | F | 6–4 | |
| Sophomore | 3 | Gabby White — W | G | 5–10 | |
| Sophomore | 7 | Nyla Brooks | W | 6–1 | |
| Sophomore | 26 | Taissa Queiroz | G | 6–1 | |
| Junior | 34 | Blanca Thomas | C | 6–5 | |
| Junior | 1 | Jordan Zubich | G | 5–11 | |
| RS junior | 21 | Ciera Toomey | F | 6–4 | |
| RS junior | 4 | Laila Hull | W | 6–1 | |
| Senior | Sophie Burrows — X | G | 6–2 | ||
| Senior | 11 | Achol Akot — Y | F | 6–1 | |
| Senior | 10 | Reniya Kelly | G | 5–7 | |
| Senior | 15 | Sydney Barker | G | 5–6 | |
| Graduate | 13 | Chloe Clardy — Z | G | 5–9 |
W — Virginia transfer; X — Syracuse transfer; Y — Oklahoma State transfer; Z — Stanford transfer
Former players who entered transfer portal
| Player | Class next season | Pos. | Hgt | Next school |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elina Aarnisalo | Junior | G | 5–10 | UCLA |
| Lanie Grant | Junior | G | 5–9 | TCU |
| Taliyah Henderson | Sophomore | W | 6–1 | Clemson |
| Liza Astakhova | Sophomore | G | 6–2 | BYU |
Photos courtesy of FIBA
