The Americans, who have won every Olympic gold medal since 1996 and the last three World Cups in a row, do not normally participate in the regional event.

Changes to the FIBA structure obliged them to play in Puerto Rico this year, however, and they opened their account on day one with an ominous success.

Diamond DeShields led the way with 20 points in the Group B encounter at Roberto Clemente Coliseum in San Juan.

Sylvia Fowles chipped in with a double-double of 15 points and 14 rebounds as the Paraguayans were blown away.

The US squad features 10 players who have claimed at least one major gold medal and their team today enjoyed a four inch height advantage over Paraguay.

They won the event in 2007 when they last played and are hoping to capture the title for a third time in all.

"I want our players to always respect our opponents and respect the game of basketball," said US head coach Dawn Staley.

"We really only know one way to play and that's to play hard, play the game the way it's supposed to be played. 

"So, we don't really look at the score. 

"We're looking at how hard we're able to execute on both sides of the ball, and I thought for a 40-minute stretch, we did that."

The top eight sides from the 10-team event will advance to FIBA Americas Pre-Olympic Qualifying Tournaments for Tokyo 2020, although the US have already booked their place in Japan after winning last year's World Cup.

Today's other Group B match saw record five-time winners Brazil beat Colombia 67-61.

In Group A, back-to-back defending champions Canada eased past Mexico 109-53.

Jamie Scott scored 21 points as the holders began their tournament in comfortable fashion.

Hosts Puerto Rico also began on a winning note as they defeated Cuba 80-55.

Group play continues tomorrow.

In Group A, Canada will take on Cuba with Dominican Republic entering the tournament against Mexico.

Argentina will begin life in Group B against Brazil, where Colombia will meet Paraguay.