Basketball On The Internet.

AUSTRALIA versus the USA in the Paris Olympic women's semi final. This is the match Lauren Jackson has to play in. At least that's the view of Brad&Boti podcast colleague Brad Rosen and myself as we review the Opals and Boomers' quarter-finals and prepare for the big one overnight.

Yes we understand that Cayla George's form has cost the GOAT her minutes in Paris but this semi is against the USA, unbeaten in 59 consecutive matches but with a roster comprising players who all know who the intimidating LJ is.

She was at one point in her illustrious career the best player in the world - you know, that same debate many have in the men about Michael Jordan, LeBron, Kobe, Wilt, Kareem, etc?

Well our Loz held that mantle during her multiple MVP and championship wins in the WNBA with Seattle Storm. That's the winning card that makes her Australian basketball's GOAT, with all due respect to Andrew Gaze, Patty Mills, Luc Longley, Andrew Bogut, Phil Smyth et al.

Well-rested, relaxed and happy, she is just the wildcard to throw at the Americans, the Opals with their game truly glowing now.

Since the opening night reversal to Nigeria, Australia has grown progressively better with each outing, beating Canada, France and Serbia in succession.

Can the USA be beaten?

Many seem to think not but then the WNBA All Stars, or Team WNBA, beat them in their All Star Game last month. If the rest of the WNBA after its finest are selected on the USA team can then beat that group, surely a team such as the Opals cannot be discounted?

Meanwhile the Boomers are out after a major fail in Paris. Out of Australia's so-called "Group of Death", not one team made it out of the quarter-finals.

Maybe it wasn't as deadly as we all thought.

What does the future hold for the Boomers? What did they get wrong this time around? Who should be the next coach and what will be the greatest hurdle?

We address it all at this link, or you can go to your usual podcast destinations such as Apple and Spotify. But it is farewell to the crew below and thanks for your efforts.