Shocking Update: WNBA Superstar Caitlin Clark Blasts USA’s Decision Ahead of Olympic Squad
USA Basketball has announced the twelve players who will compete in the Olympic Games, and this year’s top WNBA Draft pick is notably absent. The controversial decision has sparked widespread criticism within the American basketball community. “I hope to be there in four years,” Caitlin Clark said upon hearing the news.
The basketball world in the USA is in an uproar. The decision by USA Basketball officials to omit Caitlin Clark, the number one pick in the WNBA Draft, from the 2024 Paris Olympics squad has baffled many. The controversial exclusion was revealed on Tuesday when the 12-woman roster for the Games was announced.
Speculation about Clark’s exclusion began circulating before the official announcement last week, sparking protests from sports commentators and social media users alike. Clark, who joined the Indiana Fever this year after a standout collegiate career, has significantly raised the profile of the women’s game, breaking records for both attendance and television viewership. Her scoring statistics have also shattered records, making her omission even more surprising to many, despite her being only 22 years old.
However, USA Basketball has chosen a roster combining 15 Olympic gold medals, 18 Women’s World Cup titles, and 55 WNBA All-Star appearances, opting for experience.
“We have selected a team that we are confident will represent our country at the highest level in Paris,” said Jennifer Rizzotti, chair of the USA Basketball Women’s National Team Committee. She described the selection process as “challenging and competitive.”
Veteran Diana Taurasi, making her sixth consecutive Olympic appearance, will lead the gold medal favorites. She will be joined by nine players with Olympic gold medals. Despite the controversy, Caitlin Clark has remained gracious. “I’m excited for the girls that are on the team,” Clark said on Sunday.
“I know it’s the most competitive team in the world. 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 grew up watching the Olympics, so it will be fun to watch,” she added.
Clark’s words were an attempt to calm the tension that has been building. “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.
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The news broke this week, but Indiana coach Christie Sides revealed that Clark was informed of her Olympic exclusion on Friday, before the public announcement. “What she said was, ‘Hey, coach, you woke up a monster,’ which I thought was great,” Sides shared.
The decision has divided the media, coaches, and players, with local journalists fueling the controversy. USA Today columnist Christine Brennan argued that leaving Clark off the team was a “huge missed opportunity.” However, others believe Clark needs more experience before being selected.
Some say Clark has not yet done enough to merit inclusion. The team is chasing an eighth consecutive gold medal in Paris. Some commentators emphasize Clark’s potential impact and view the decision as unwise. ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith offered the harshest critique: “It was a stupid decision. Because it compromises your ultimate goal, which is to elevate the WNBA brand. How can you be that stupid and n
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