Last week, the women’s Team USA roster for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris was announced. Somewhat surprising to a lot of people, Indiana Fever star guard Caitlin Clark was left off the roster.
The No. 1 pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft out of Iowa is considered a top replacement option should one of the original 12 selections not be able to play. But, the first roster that has been released does not have her on it.
It is something that Catilin Clark said he is not disappointed about but will use as motivation going forward. A formal announcement has not yet been made, but the 12-player roster was leaked and confirmed over the weekend.
“I’m excited for the girls that are on the team,” Clark told reporters Sunday. “I know it’s the most competitive team in the world and I know it could have gone either way — me being on the team or me not being on the team. I’m going to be rooting them on to win gold. I was a kid that grew up watching the Olympics, so it will be fun to watch them.
“Honestly, no disappointment. It just gives me something to work for; it’s a dream. Hopefully one day I can be there. I think it’s just a little more motivation. You remember that. Hopefully when four years comes back around, I can be there.”
Likely motivated by the snub, Caitlin Clark had arguably the best game of her WNBA career on Friday against the Washington Mystics. In an 85-83 Indiana Fever victory, she scored 30 points, knocking down 7-of-13 3-pointers, with eight rebounds and six assists.
Eight turnovers was the only blemish on what was a great performance. Some extra rest looked to do Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever some good, as they last played Sunday, June 2nd before taking on the Mystics on June 7th.
Team USA’s roster this year for the Olympics is veteran-laden. The youngest players are 26 years old; Sabrina Ionescu of the New York Liberty and Jackie Young of the Las Vegas Aces.
That is a change in philosophy when it comes to roster building. Dating back to 1976, when women’s basketball became part of the Olympic Games, Team USA has always had at least two players under the age of 25 on the team.
That will end this year, as Caitlin Clark will not be taking part in the Olympics, for now. Getting about a month off probably isn’t the worst thing for her and the Indiana Fever after she helped lead Iowa to the National Championship Game in March and quickly began preparing for the WNBA season shortly after that.
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