Team USA is gearing up to defend its Olympic gold, and guess what? They’ll be doing it without Caitlin Clark, the WNBA’s human highlight reel and Rookie of the Year candidate. That’s right, folks—Clark didn’t make the cut. Despite whispers and wild hopes that she might sneak in, the selection committee decided to stick to their guns and leave the basketball prodigy off the roster. Cue the collective gasp!
The decision has sparked a mini-riot among fans and pundits alike. Even Dawn Staley, a six-time WNBA All-Star and now the no-nonsense coach of the South Carolina women’s basketball team, chimed in. As a member of the USWNT selection committee, her words pack more punch than a Shaq slam dunk.
Speaking on CNBC’s live coverage of the 2024 Paris Olympics, Staley didn’t mince words:
“Listen, as a committee member, you’re tasked with assembling the best team, period. Caitlin is just a rookie in the WNBA. She wasn’t playing badly, but she wasn’t setting the court on fire like she is now. If we could turn back time—Cher style—she’d be high on our list. She’s playing head and shoulders above many, shooting lights out, dishing elite passes, and flaunting that basketball IQ like a seasoned vet.”
With stats like 17.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, 8.2 assists, and 1.5 steals per game, it’s no wonder Clark is the league’s assist queen this season.
Caitlin Clark’s Cool Response: “I’m Here for a Good Time, Not a Long Time”
Before the WNBA All-Stars handed Team USA a rare L in the All-Star game, Clark had a mic drop moment about her Olympic snub:
“I’m not motivated by anything, honestly. I’m just out there having a blast. I’m not here to prove anything to anyone. I respect Team USA and their coaching staff. They’ve got the most talented squad in the world and will breeze to gold. I’ll be cheering them on. This isn’t a ‘I should be on that team’ thing. I have a lot to improve, and it’s fuel for the future. Right now, I’m soaking up the All-Star vibes.”
That’s the spirit! Caitlin Clark isn’t crying over spilled Gatorade. She knows the future is bright, and she’s already eyeing those Olympic golds that are sure to adorn her mantle.
So, as Team USA marches towards another gold, fans can’t help but think, “What if?” But one thing’s for sure: Caitlin Clark’s time will come, and when it does, it’ll be a show worth watching.
