NCAA Athletes in Paris 2024: A Comprehensive Guide The upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics promises to be an exhilarating event, showcasing some of the finest talent from around the globe. Among the participants, numerous former NCAA athletes will be representing Team USA in various sports. This article delves deeply into the backgrounds of these athletes, exploring their college careers and their journey to the Olympics. Whether you’re a die-hard sports fan or just curious about the next generation of Olympians, this guide is meant to provide a thorough understanding of the NCAA athletes competing in Paris 2024. The Olympic Games have always been a stage where college athletes shine, and the 2024 Paris Olympics will be no different. From basketball to track and field, and from wrestling to volleyball, NCAA alumni will be pivotal in the United States’ quest for gold. This article will take you through the rosters, highlight key players, and provide a look into their collegiate achievements that have paved their way to the Olympics. Team USA Men’s Basketball Roster The United States has finalized its roster for the men’s basketball team, which is brimming with star power. These athletes have had exceptional college careers and have continued to dominate in the NBA, making them ideal representatives for Team USA. The Star-Studded Lineup The 12-player roster for the 2024 Paris Olympics includes: – LeBron James – Stephen Curry – Kevin Durant – Joel Embiid – Jayson Tatum – Kawhi Leonard (Initially selected but later withdrew) – Devin Booker – Jrue Holiday – Anthony Davis – Anthony Edwards – Bam Adebayo – Derrick White (Replaced Kawhi Leonard) – Tyrese Haliburton Coaching Staff The team will be led by Steve Kerr, who brings a wealth of experience and strategic acumen. Assisting him are Erik Spoelstra, Tyronn Lue, and Gonzaga’s Mark Few. Their collective expertise will be crucial in guiding this talented roster to victory. Player Profiles LeBron James LeBron James, selected first overall in the 2003 NBA draft, famously bypassed college to jump directly to the NBA from high school. His remarkable career has solidified his status as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. Stephen Curry (Davidson) Stephen Curry had a standout college career at Davidson, where he averaged 25.3 points per game, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.7 assists. His incredible shooting ability was evident, with a 41% success rate from beyond the arc. Curry led Davidson to the Elite Eight as a 10-seed during his sophomore year. Kevin Durant (Texas) Kevin Durant’s single season at Texas is often cited as one of the best in college basketball history. Averaging 25.8 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks, Durant won both the Wooden and Naismith Awards as a freshman. Joel Embiid (Kansas) Joel Embiid’s lone season at Kansas saw him average 11.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks. He played a key role in leading the Jayhawks to their 10th consecutive Big 12 regular season championship. Jayson Tatum (Duke) Jayson Tatum starred for the Duke Blue Devils during the 2016-17 season, averaging 16.8 points and 7.3 rebounds. Despite a strong season, Duke fell in the second round of the NCAA tournament to South Carolina. Kawhi Leonard (San Diego State) Kawhi Leonard played two seasons at San Diego State, averaging 14.1 points and 10.2 rebounds. He was instrumental in leading the Aztecs to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA tournament. Devin Booker (Kentucky) Devin Booker’s single season at Kentucky was part of a loaded roster that included nine future NBA players. Booker averaged 10 points per game, contributing to the Wildcats’ run to the Final Four. Jrue Holiday (UCLA) Jrue Holiday had a solid freshman season at UCLA, averaging 8.5 points and 3.7 assists. He was named to the Pac-12 All-Freshman team before declaring for the NBA draft. Anthony Davis (Kentucky) Anthony Davis had a magical season at Kentucky, winning the Wooden and Naismith Awards. Averaging 14.2 points and 10.4 rebounds, Davis led the Wildcats to a national championship in 2012. Anthony Edwards (Georgia) Anthony Edwards averaged 19.1 points and 5.2 rebounds during his lone season at Georgia. He was named to the All-SEC team before entering the NBA draft. Bam Adebayo (Kentucky) Bam Adebayo was part of a star-studded Kentucky team, averaging 13 points and 8 rebounds. He helped the Wildcats advance to the Elite Eight in the 2016-17 season. Tyrese Haliburton (Iowa State) Tyrese Haliburton averaged 10.1 points and 4.7 assists over two seasons at Iowa State. His performance earned him a spot on the All-Big 12 team before he declared for the NBA draft. Derrick White (Colorado) Derrick White transferred to Colorado for his final season, where he averaged 18.1 points and 4.4 assists. He was named first-team All-Pac-12 and All-Defense in his lone season with the Buffaloes. NCAA Student-Athletes at the 2024 Paris Olympics The influence of NCAA athletes extends beyond basketball, as they will compete in various other sports at the Paris Olympics, including track and field, volleyball, and golf. Track and Field The Team USA track and field roster is filled with former NCAA athletes who have made a significant impact on the sport. These athletes have honed their skills in college and are now ready to showcase their talent on the world stage. Wrestling USA’s wrestling team includes notable NCAA wrestlers like Kyle Dake, Zain Retherford, and Aaron Brooks. Their collegiate achievements have prepared them to take on the world’s best in the Olympics. Volleyball The U.S. Women’s Volleyball team features standout NCAA athletes such as Kathryn Plummer, Dana Rettke, and Avery Skinner. Their college experiences have equipped them with the skills and competitive edge needed for Olympic success. College Highlights of Former NCAA Olympians To appreciate the journey these athletes have taken, let’s revisit some of their college highlights: Stephen Curry (Davidson): Led Davidson to the Elite Eight, averaging 25.3 points per game. Devin Booker (Kentucky): Part of a Kentucky team that reached the Final Four. Anthony Davis (Kentucky): Won a national championship and earned Wooden and Naismith Awards. Sabrina Ionescu

Lionel Messi’s Timely Goal Propels Argentina to Copa America Final In a decisive moment that showcased his legendary finesse, Lionel Messi found himself in the perfect spot, applying a delicate touch with his famed left foot to score. This marked Messi’s first goal in the ongoing Copa America tournament, a pivotal achievement as Argentina inches closer to another potential championship victory. Argentina’s Semifinal Triumph In a match held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, Argentina secured a 2-0 victory over Canada in the Copa America semifinal. Early in the first half, Julian Álvarez put Argentina on the scoreboard, followed by Messi’s crucial second-half goal, sealing the win. Messi expressed his pride in the team’s efforts post-match, stating, “It’s incredible what this group has achieved. The Argentine national team’s journey has been remarkable. This victory brings even more significance to all the finals my teammates and I have played in the past.” Argentina now gears up for the Copa America final in Miami, waiting to face the winner of the Colombia vs. Uruguay semifinal. A win on Sunday would further solidify Argentina’s dominance in international football. Aiming for Another Title Argentina, the reigning World Cup champions, are on the brink of claiming their second consecutive Copa America title. This could be their fourth major international victory in three years, adding to their 2022 Finalissima triumph over Italy, the 2021 Euro champions. Messi, the linchpin of Argentina’s team, played a crucial role in the semifinal. In the 51st minute, he skillfully redirected a shot from Enzo Fernández, giving Argentina a decisive 2-0 lead over Canada. This goal provided the cushion needed to control the rest of the match. Messi had been scoreless in Argentina’s previous five Copa America matches, even missing the June 29 game due to a right groin/adductor injury. However, his perseverance paid off as he finally broke his scoring drought. Messi’s Persistent Efforts Throughout the first half, Messi was relentless, taking three shots that narrowly missed the mark. His determination was evident, as he sought to make a significant impact in the tournament. His eventual goal, though lacking the dramatic flair of his past exploits, was a testament to his enduring skill and strategic positioning. Messi’s goal was initially subject to a review by referees before being confirmed, much to the celebration of his teammates and fans. This early second-half strike demoralized Canada, a team participating in its first Copa America and having surpassed formidable opponents like Brazil, Venezuela, and the United States to reach the semifinals. Path to the Final From the tournament’s onset, Argentina was seen as a favorite. They defeated Canada in their opening match and subsequently overcame Chile and Peru in the group stage. Despite Messi missing a crucial penalty in the quarterfinals against Ecuador, Argentina emerged victorious in the shootout. Argentine coach Lionel Scaloni highlighted the challenges of reaching another final, saying, “It is extremely tough to reach another final. We are carrying a great level of praise with great success. We know how hard it is to get here.” Messi’s semifinal goal was his 109th in international play, placing him second on the all-time list, just behind Cristiano Ronaldo’s 130 goals. Julian Álvarez’s Contribution Julian Álvarez also played a pivotal role in Argentina’s victory, scoring in the 23rd minute after receiving a pass from Rodrigo De Paul. This early goal set the tone for the match, giving Argentina an advantage they maintained throughout. Veteran player Ángel Di María, at 36, received a heartfelt ovation when he was substituted in the 78th minute. The upcoming final will be his last match in Argentina’s iconic white and sky-blue jersey. Messi’s Resilience Despite a late tackle from a Canadian player in the 88th minute, Messi managed to finish the match. Argentina’s goalkeeper, Emiliano ‘Dibu’ Martinez, also played a crucial role, making a remarkable save in the 89th minute to preserve Argentina’s clean sheet. With one match remaining, Argentina stands on the verge of another historic achievement, adding yet another Copa America title to their illustrious record. Argentina’s Tactical Dominance Argentina’s ability to dominate possession was a key factor in their semifinal victory, limiting Canada’s opportunities and creating numerous chances of their own. This tactical approach was evident from the start, as Messi took his first shot in the 12th minute, narrowly missing the target. Canada’s early attempt on goal by Jacob Shaffelburg also missed, setting the stage for a match controlled by Argentina. Messi and his teammates demonstrated their strategic prowess, efficiently managing the game’s tempo and capitalizing on their scoring opportunities. Key Moments and Player Performances Messi’s Persistence: Despite initial frustration, Messi’s persistence paid off with a crucial goal. Álvarez’s Early Goal: Álvarez’s early strike gave Argentina a significant advantage. Di María’s Farewell: Di María received a standing ovation in what will be his final match for Argentina. Martinez’s Heroics: Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez made a vital save to secure the win. FAQ Section What was Messi’s contribution in the semifinal? Messi scored a critical goal in the 51st minute and assisted in orchestrating several key plays. How did Argentina reach the final? Argentina defeated Canada, Chile, and Peru in the group stage, overcame Ecuador in the quarterfinals, and secured a semifinal victory against Canada. Who scored Argentina’s goals in the semifinal? Julian Álvarez scored the first goal, and Lionel Messi added the second. What were the key challenges faced by Messi during the tournament? Messi dealt with a right groin/adductor injury, missed a match, and had to overcome a scoring drought. What is the significance of the upcoming final for Argentina? Winning the final would mark Argentina’s second consecutive Copa America title and further solidify their status as a dominant force in international football. Conclusion Argentina’s journey to the Copa America final has been marked by strategic excellence, individual brilliance, and unwavering determination. Messi’s timely goal and Álvarez’s early strike have set the stage for what could be another historic moment for Argentine football. As they prepare for the final, the team’s

Pueblo County Investigates Potential Plague Case: What You Need to Know The Pueblo County Department of Public Health and Environment is currently investigating a potential case of plague after preliminary tests indicated a positive result. While the department has not released specific details about the individual or their condition, it is important to understand the implications of such a diagnosis and the necessary precautions. Plague, a bacterial infection caused by Yersinia pestis, is treatable with antibiotics if caught early. However, it has a high fatality rate if left untreated. This disease isn’t new to Colorado; it circulates regularly among prairie dogs and other small mammals in the state, making human cases a relatively rare but serious concern. Understanding Plague: Modes of Transmission and Symptoms How Plague Spreads While plague can spread from person to person, this mode of transmission is uncommon. Typically, people contract the disease through: Bites from infected fleas Direct contact with sick or dead animals Symptoms to Watch For The symptoms of plague can vary depending on the form it takes. There are three primary forms of plague: Bubonic Plague Swollen and painful lymph nodes (buboes) Fever and chills Headache and fatigue Septicemic Plague Abdominal pain and diarrhea Bleeding from the mouth, nose, or rectum Shock and organ failure in severe cases Pneumonic Plague Severe cough with bloody sputum Difficulty breathing High fever and chest pain Historical Context and Statistics From 2005 to 2021, Colorado recorded 72 human cases of plague, resulting in 11 fatalities. Last year, at least one person was infected in the state, highlighting the ongoing risk. Preventive Measures Against Plague Avoiding Flea Bites Use insect repellent containing DEET on skin and clothing. Treat pets with flea control products. Avoid handling animals that appear sick or are dead. Environmental Precautions Keep your living area free from rodent infestations. Wear gloves when handling potentially infected animals. Public Health Recommendations Report any unusual animal deaths to local health departments. Seek medical attention immediately if you experience symptoms after potential exposure. FAQs About Plague What should I do if I think I’ve been exposed to plague? Seek medical attention immediately. Early treatment with antibiotics is crucial. Can plague be transmitted from person to person? While possible, it is rare. Pneumonic plague is the only form that can spread this way. How can I protect my pets from plague? Use flea control products and avoid letting them roam in areas where plague is known to occur. What are the long-term effects of plague? With prompt treatment, most people recover fully. However, delayed treatment can result in severe complications or death. Are there any vaccines for plague? Currently, there are no commercially available vaccines for plague. Conclusion The potential case of plague in Pueblo County serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and preventive measures. Understanding the modes of transmission, recognizing symptoms, and taking appropriate precautions can significantly reduce the risk of infection. Stay informed, protect yourself and your pets, and seek medical advice if you suspect exposure. By staying proactive and knowledgeable, we can mitigate the risks associated with this ancient yet still dangerous disease. Sign up for health alerts and newsletters to stay updated on the latest information and recommendations from public health officials.