Dallas Wings’ star guard Arike Ogunbowale has revealed that she pulled out of the USA Basketball pool for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
She disclosed this during an appearance on “Nightcap” with Shannon Sharpe, Gilbert Arenas, and Chad “OchoCinco” Johnson,
Ogunbowale said she pulled out because she believed that the selection committee did not want her on the squad.
“It actually has nothing to do with your game when it comes to [the Olympic trials.” Ogunbowale was quoted as saying by cbsssports.com.
“It all comes down to who they think will work well with the team. In fact, months ago, I removed my name from the pool. Not that I didn’t think last year that I might be on the squad and that I was good enough to make the team, but I knew when the roster was released that I would not be that one.”
She noted that the selection process for Team USA was “subjective” because there were many talented players in the WNBA. “With everyone being exceptional, the choices come down to personal preference,” she stated.
US basketball politics: Ogunbowale takes a stand
Ogunbowale said that politics had always been a factor in US basketball,
She emphasized there was politics in both professional and collegiate leagues.
Arike Ogunbowale expressed her dismay after learning that rookie Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever was not included in the US basketball squad for the Paris Olympics.
Fans and commentators alike feel that up-and-coming talents Clark and Ogunbowale were unfairly barred from making their highly anticipated Olympic debuts. Many contend that they both have the skills required to represent their country at the Olympics.