Looks like Caitlin Clark is having the last laugh after all! Team USA’s decision to leave out the WNBA rookie sensation from the Olympic roster has turned into a soap opera, complete with drama, regret, and a whole lot of “what ifs.” Dawn Staley, the mastermind behind the South Carolina Gamecocks and a key figure on Team USA’s selection committee, seems to be singing a different tune now.
In an interview with Mike Tirico on NBC’s Olympics broadcast, Staley spilled the beans: “If we had to do it all over again, Caitlin would be a no-brainer. She’s lighting it up out there, playing head and shoulders above the rest. Elite passer, basketball IQ off the charts, and shooting like she’s got a personal vendetta against the rim.”
Yup, you heard it right. The committee that once saw Clark as a mere WNBA rookie now sees her as the golden ticket they missed. Back when the original selection happened two months ago, Clark was still finding her groove. Fast forward to today, and she’s making seasoned pros look like they’re stuck in slow motion.
Rookie Who? The Saga of Caitlin Clark
Caitlin Clark’s stats are nothing short of jaw-dropping. Averaging 17 points, 8 assists, and nearly 6 rebounds per game, she’s been a human highlight reel. Critics are roasting the selection committee for not having a crystal ball to see her potential. They argue that having Clark on the international stage would’ve been like adding a turbocharger to Team USA.
But wait, there’s more! Rumor has it that some of the veteran players might have given Clark the cold shoulder, thinking she hadn’t “earned” her spot yet. Staley hinted at this internal squabble, saying Clark is “more seasoned in the pro game” now. Translation: The veterans weren’t ready to share the spotlight with a rookie.
The Missed Opportunity
As Team USA soldiers on without Clark, her absence is the elephant in the room. Imagine the alternate universe where Clark’s current form was a factor in the selection process. Staley’s recent comments suggest a massive shift in perception, making us all wonder: How different would the roster look if they could hit the reset button?
Clark, meanwhile, is enjoying a well-deserved break and probably chuckling at all the fuss. She’s got the skills, the stats, and now the sympathy of an entire fanbase. The only thing missing? A gold medal around her neck—but hey, there’s always 2028, right?
The Aftermath
In the grand scheme of Olympic snubs, Caitlin Clark’s exclusion is one for the books. It’s a classic case of “you don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone.” And for Clark, it’s just another chapter in what’s shaping up to be an epic career.
So, as the Olympic Games roll on and Team USA grapples with its choices, one thing is clear: Caitlin Clark is the real MVP of this drama, and she didn’t even have to play a single game to prove it.