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Caitlin Clark, the sensational guard from Iowa, was not selected for the 2024 U.S. Olympic women's basketball team headed to Paris. While her omission raised eyebrows, analysts say it could actually benefit both Clark and Team USA in the long run.
"Leaving a player of Clark's caliber off the roster is never an easy decision," said Dawn Staley, head coach of the Olympic team. "But we had to construct a roster that complemented each other's strengths. Caitlin is a phenomenal talent, but her ball-dominant style may not have meshed ideally with our other guards."
The numbers illustrate Clark's outside case for making the team. In her junior season at Iowa, she averaged 27.0 points, 8.3 assists, and 7.5 rebounds per game while shooting 38.6% from three-point range. Her 1,115 total points ranked second in Division I.
However, USA Basketball opted for a more experienced and balanced backcourt, selecting veterans like Chelsea Gray, Jewell Loyd, and Arike Ogunbowale over Clark.
"It's a brutal snub on paper, but I actually think it's addition by subtraction for the U.S.," said Jackie MacMullan of ESPN. "Having too many score-first guards can disrupt chemistry and continuity. This allows Coach Staley to build around her system rather than work around egos."
MacMullan highlighted how leaving Clark off the roster in 2024 could motivate her for the 2028 Olympics when she'll be 25 years old and more seasoned.
Indeed, Clark seemed to take the news in stride in a statement: "While I'm disappointed, I understand Coach Staley's decision. My goal remains making the 2028 Olympic team. This will only push me to get better in all areas."
USA Basketball CEO Jim Tooley supported Staley as well, saying, "At the end of the day, we have full confidence in Dawn putting together the team and rotation that gives us the best chance at capturing gold."
