USA Basketball has officially announced the twelve athletes who will compete in the upcoming Olympic Games.
Notably absent from the roster is this year’s top pick in the WNBA Draft, Caitlin Clark. This surprising exclusion has ignited significant backlash from the basketball community in the United States.
Upon learning of her omission, Clark expressed hope for future inclusion, stating, “I hope to be there in four years.”
The basketball community in the USA is abuzz with disbelief and frustration. The decision by USA Basketball officials to leave out Caitlin Clark, the standout first pick in the WNBA Draft, from the 2024 Paris Olympics team has been met with widespread criticism.
The announcement of the 12-woman squad came on Tuesday, catching many by surprise.
Rumors of Clark’s exclusion had been circulating even before the official announcement, causing an uproar among sports commentators and on social media.
Clark, who recently joined the Indiana Fever following a stellar college career, has been instrumental in raising the profile of women’s basketball.
Her impressive statistics and ability to draw record-breaking crowds and viewership made her a seemingly obvious choice for the Olympic team, despite her young age of 22.
Despite Clark’s impressive credentials, USA Basketball chose a roster rich in experience, featuring players who collectively hold 15 Olympic gold medals, 18 Women’s World Cup titles, and 55 WNBA All-Star appearances.
Jennifer Rizzotti, chair of the USA Basketball Women’s National Team Committee, emphasized the challenging nature of the selection process.
“We have selected a team that we are confident will represent our country at the highest level in Paris,” Rizzotti stated.
Leading the team is veteran Diana Taurasi, who will be making her sixth consecutive Olympic appearance. She is joined by nine other players with Olympic gold medals.
While the decision has sparked controversy, Clark has taken a gracious stance. “I’m excited for the girls that are on the team,” she said on Sunday, expressing her support for the selected team.
Clark’s response has been commendably diplomatic, as she acknowledged the competitiveness of the team selection. “I know it’s the most competitive team in the world. I know it could have gone either way whether I was on the team or not.
I’m going to be rooting for them to win gold. I was a kid who grew up watching the Olympics. It will be fun to watch,” she remarked, attempting to ease the tension surrounding her exclusion.
She concluded with a positive outlook on her future prospects, “Honestly, no disappointment. It just gives me something to work for, it’s a dream. Hopefully I can be there one day.
Hopefully in four years I can be there,” she said, reflecting her determination and optimism for the next Olympic cycle.
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