As we stand on the brink of the Olympic Games kicking off this Friday, July 26, the chatter in the world of women’s basketball is not about who made the USA Women’s National Team but who didn’t – namely, Caitlin Clark. Her name has been on everyone’s lips since the roster was revealed over a month ago, overshadowing the players who actually made the cut.
Let’s be honest, Clark is a phenomenon. She’s not just a player; she’s a movement, a brand, and a ratings magnet. Her absence from the team has left fans scratching their heads, wondering if the selection committee, perhaps trembling at the thought of not giving her enough playing time, made a colossal mistake. And then there’s Cheryl Reeve, the Minnesota Lynx head coach, whose fingerprints seem to be all over this decision.
Remember that game where the Lynx lost to the Indiana Fever? The fans in the stands made it clear who their favorite was, cheering louder for Clark, the local hero, than for the home team. Reeve’s post-game comments? Let’s just say they added a little more fuel to an already raging fire.
The team selection was handled by the USA Basketball Women’s National Team Committee, a group that includes big names like Jen Rizzotti, Dawn Staley, Bethany Donaphin, and Dan Padover. Sure, the coach has a voice, but Reeve’s influence seems a bit too evident. As Team USA sets its sights on yet another gold medal, Reeve’s future might just hinge on how well she dances around the inevitable Clark questions from the media.
Imagine the buzz Clark could have generated. Women’s basketball struggles for the spotlight, and Clark could have been the dazzling star to draw global attention. Seven gold medals in a row? Yawn. But Clark lighting up the court? Now, that’s a show. Instead, we’re left dreaming of what could have been and looking forward to 2028, where Clark might finally take the stage she was destined for.
How Does Clark Compare to Those Who Made It?
Clark’s rookie season was legendary – the first triple-double by a rookie in franchise history, leading the league with 7.8 assists per game (APG), and top 15 in scoring with 16.8 points per game (PPG). Add her 5.8 rebounds per game (RPG), and she’s a playmaking juggernaut. But let’s look at who got in instead of her.
Sabrina Ionescu of the New York Liberty, averaging 19.4 PPG, 6.2 APG, and 4.3 RPG, is a likely starter. Kelsey Plum of the Las Vegas Aces, clocking in at 18.8 PPG, 4.7 RPG, and 2.3 APG, also made the cut. Off the bench, Jackie Young (18.5 PPG, 5.6 APG, 4.7 RPG) and Jewell Loyd (19.7 PPG, 4.0 APG, 4.6 RPG) look pretty solid too.
Yes, these players have slightly better stats and stronger team records, which probably influenced the committee. But would their inclusion create the same buzz as Clark? Doubtful.
In conclusion, while the team is stacked, the conversation around Clark’s exclusion remains the hot topic. As the games begin, we’ll be watching not just for gold but for any signs that Clark’s absence is the Achilles’ heel of this dream team. One thing’s for sure: the story of Caitlin Clark and Team USA is far from over.