Caitlin Clark’s absence from the US women’s basketball team roster for the 2024 Paris Olympics has sparked much discussion. Despite the controversy, the chair of the selection committee, Jen Rizzotti, stands by the decision, expressing pride in the process.
Rizzotti, who leads the women’s national team committee for USA Basketball, refrained from giving specific reasons for Clark’s exclusion. However, she emphasized that Clark, along with other players, was thoroughly considered.
“This selection process spanned three years. We evaluated Caitlin and others who didn’t make the team based on their overall performance. Caitlin had some unique circumstances, but ultimately, I’m proud that our committee adhered strictly to the selection criteria,” Rizzotti stated. “Factors like TV viewership or marketability were never part of our criteria.”
“The committee’s mandate was to choose the 12 players who best met our established criteria. While there might be chatter about considering factors like TV ratings or jersey sales, that wasn’t our focus. We had clear guidelines, and we had to shut out the external noise.”
The selection committee used 11 criteria to decide the roster:
- U.S. citizenship
- Availability
- Position
- Playing ability
- Versatility to play other positions
- Coachability
- Attitude
- Adaptability to team concept
- Leadership
- Adaptability to international game
- Likelihood of contributing to team success
Clark’s exclusion has fueled debate within the basketball community, with supporters and critics presenting various arguments regarding her Olympic prospects.
Clark herself remains positive, stating earlier this week that she isn’t disappointed by the decision and is happy for those who made the team.
“It just gives you more to strive for. It’s a dream of mine, and hopefully one day I can achieve it. For now, it’s just more motivation,” she remarked.