Team USA will begin its defense of Olympic gold on Monday against Japan and the team will be without Caitlin Clark. The Rookie of the Year candidate was not selected and despite πυmerous rumors that she could eventually find her way into the roster, that has not been the case.
The Team USA selection committee has come under considerable criticism for not selecting the Indiana Fever guard. Six-time WNBA All-Star and current coach of the South Carolina women’s basketball team, Dawn Staley, spoke about Caitlin Clark not making the team. As Staley is a member of the USWNT selection committee, her words carry more weight than most analysts.
When asked about Clark’s omission, she said during an appearance on CNBC’s live 2024 Paris Olympics coverage, via Scott Agness:
“As a committee member, you’re charged with putting together the best team of players, the best talent. Caitlin is just a rookie in the WNBA, wasn’t playing bad, but wasn’t playing like she’s playing now.
“If we had to do it all over again, the way that she’s playing, she would be in really high consideration of making the team because she is playing head and shoulders above a lot of people, shooting the ball extremely well. I mean, she is an elite passer. She’s just got a great basketball IQ and she’s a little more seasoned in the pro game.”
Caitlin Clark has had a terrific season so far with averages of 17.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, 8.2 assists and 1.5 steals. Her 8.2 assists lead the WNBA for the season.
