MIRROR IMAGE: BREAKING DOWN THE USA MEN'S AND WOMEN'S BASKETBALL TEAMS

Getty Images

Getty Images

We were just noticing some uncanny similarities between the USA men's and women's Olympic basketball teams. First similarity: both won their first game in dominant fashion. Second: It's gold medal or bust for both teams. The women are looking for their fourth straight. The men have even more to prove, having not been on top of the podium since 2000. Third: President Bush has been taking some time off from his day job (Wait, is he still President?) to kick it with both squads. And the similarities don't end there.

A rundown of players finds that the teams are built in much the same way. Check this player-by-player comparison:

The Superstars: Candace Parker & LeBron James
Both were highly anticipated No.1 draft picks and have made an immediate impact on their respective teams. Each can play (and dominate at) multiple positions on the floor, but are at their best when they drive the lane.

The Not-So-Silent Assassins: Diana Taurasi & Kobe Bryant
Both came into their respective leagues with a lot of hype and even more confidence. They each have a killer instinct and have the skill to back up all the talk.

The Sixth Men: Cappie Pondexter & Dwyane Wade
These pure guards average more than 22 points per for their respective WNBA and NBA teams. For Team USA, both will be coming off the bench to do their damage.

The Long-Ballers: Katie Smith & Michael Redd
These guards are known for their accuracy from beyond the arc. The Ohio State alumni average over 36 percent from downtown.

The All-Around Ballers: Tamika Catchings & Carmelo Anthony
These two can do pretty much whatever is asked of them. Technically forwards, they can just as easily drop 30 a night from a traditional 1 or 2 spot.

The New Kids: Seimone Augustus & Chris Paul
Both are making their first Olympic appearance. They are also the go-to player on their respective teams back in the states, Augustus leads her team in points and is second in assists. Paul, second to Bryant in MVP voting last season, led the league in assists and his team points.

The Forget-Me-Nots: Sue Bird & Deron Williams
These point guards run the floor instead of running up the score for Team USA, but opponents shouldn't get too comfortable. They can take over a game when need be. Bird and Williams averaged 13 and 19 points per game respectively for their league teams.

The Veterans: Lisa Leslie & Jason Kidd
Each is the elder statesmen of Team USA and former gold medal winners. This is Leslie's fourth time representing the country, while Kidd has been on two Olympic squads.

The Big-Play Ballers: Tina Thompson & Tayshaun Prince
Underrated in the presence of so many superstars, opponents shouldn't sleep on these two. Whether it's block, a steal or knocking down a trey, Thompson and Prince have come up big in the clutch.

The Post Presence: Sylvia Fowles & Chris Bosh
These two are unstoppable down low.

The Blue-Collar Ballers: DeLisha Milton-Jones & Carlos Boozer
Both are undersized for their positions, but that doesn't stop them from battling down low. This is the second consecutive Olympic games for both players.

The Specialists: Kara Lawson & Dwight Howard
Both are making their Olympic debut and both were selected for very specific reasons. Lawson, one of two true point guards on the team, will be the floor general for the next two weeks. Howard is representing team USA to be a defensive presence in the post

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