6x WNBA All-Star implies regret over Caitlin Clark's snub on women's Team USA: "She is playing head and shoulders above"

By Rajdeep Barman

Modified Jul 28, 2024 22:50 GMT

Team USA will begin its defense of Olympic gold on Monday against Japan and the team will be without Caitlin Clark. The Rookie of the Year candidate was not selected and despite numerous rumors that she could eventually find her way into the roster, that has not been the case.

The Team USA selection committee has come under considerable criticism for not selecting the Indiana Fever guard. Six-time WNBA All-Star and current coach of the South Carolina women’s basketball team, Dawn Staley, spoke about Caitlin Clark not making the team. As Staley is a member of the USWNT selection committee, her words carry more weight than most analysts.

When asked about Clark’s omission, she said during an appearance on CNBC’s live 2024 Paris Olympics coverage, via Scott Agness:

“As a committee member, you're charged with putting together the best team of players, the best talent. Caitlin is just a rookie in the WNBA, wasn't playing bad, but wasn't playing like she's playing now.

"If we had to do it all over again, the way that she's playing, she would be in really high consideration of making the team because she is playing head and shoulders above a lot of people, shooting the ball extremely well. I mean, she is an elite passer. She's just got a great basketball IQ and she's a little more seasoned in the pro game.”

Caitlin Clark has had a terrific season so far with averages of 17.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, 8.2 assists and 1.5 steals. Her 8.2 assists lead the WNBA for the season.

Caitlin Clark spoke about her Olympics omission before WNBA All-Star game

Before the WNBA All-Stars defeated Team USA in the All-Star game, Caitlin Clark spoke about her omission from the Olympic team. She said:

“I'm not motivated by anything, honestly. I'm just going out there to have fun. I'm not here to prove to anybody anything. … I have so much respect for Team USA. I have so much respect for their coaching staff. They have the most talented team in the world. They're going to have no issue winning gold.

"I'm going to be supporting them, cheering them on. So for me, this is never a, ‘I should be on that team.’ I know I have so many ways to continue to improve, and it gives you motivation for something to compete for in four years. So for myself, I feel lucky enough to be here as a WNBA All-Star, and I'm just going to enjoy that.”

It’s evident that Caitlin Clark is not too bothered about missing out on making the team this year. She knows there will be plenty of opportunities in the future and she will arguably end her career with multiple Olympic gold medals.