Caitlin Clark, the rising star of women's basketball, was unexpectedly left off the US roster for the Paris Olympics. According to multiple reports, Clark's exclusion from the team was due to concerns over her popularity and potential limited playing time on a stacked roster. The US women's basketball team has won gold at every Olympics since 1996 and is expected to be heavily favored in Paris.
Clark, who led the University of Iowa to back-to-back national championship games and was selected as the No. 1 pick in this year's WNBA draft, has emerged as a fan favorite with her deep three-point shooting and excellent passing vision. Through 12 games with the Fever, she is averaging 16.8 points, 6.3 assists, and 5.3 rebounds.
Despite her impressive statistics and popularity, Clark was unable to attend USA Basketball's final pre-Olympics training camp due to her commitments with Iowa in the Final Four. While attending the training camp is not required for selection, it typically plays a role in the selection committee's roster decisions.
The US women's basketball team will be headlined by veterans such as Diana Taurasi, Aja Wilson, and Breanna Stewart. The squad is expected to face Japan in its Olympics opener on July 29, with the gold medal game scheduled for Aug. 11.
Clark's absence from the team has sparked controversy among fans and media, with some arguing that her popularity and potential impact on the sport outweigh any concerns over playing time. Others have criticized USA Basketball for its decision-making process and lack of transparency in roster selection.
Despite these debates, it is clear that Clark's exclusion from the team is a significant loss for women's basketball and its fans. Her popularity and talent have generated tremendous interest in the sport, with television ratings, attendance, and merchandise sales all seeing increases as a result. The WNBA commissioner has acknowledged the importance of Clark's impact on the league and her role in generating new fans.
As a neutral journalist, it is important to note that this article does not draw conclusions or make calls to action. Instead, it aims to provide a factual and comprehensive account of the situation surrounding Caitlin Clark's exclusion from the US roster for the Paris Olympics.