The 12-player roster for the future 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris will be difficult for the Team USA selection committee to assemble but Caitlin Clark may miss out.
The only collegiate player invited to the 14-player training camp is rookie Caitlin Clark of the Fever, who is regarded as Indiana’s top WNBA draft choice. All eyes are on Clark as the countdown to the last round intensifies, highlighting the importance of her involvement and the high stakes involved.
Clark, who is only 22 years old, has not yet attended the senior team camp, an essential stage before the summer games. The latest camp took place in Cleveland last month. There are questions about this deviation from the conventional “pay your dues with Team USA” strategy, The Athletic has pointed out.
Clark’s lack of experience also extends to the WNBA, where she hasn’t played in a regular season game. The women’s basketball Olympic roster is scheduled to be revealed in June.
Her possible selection to Team USA is met with criticism, evoking memories of previous exclusions such as Candace Parker in 2016 and Nneka Ogwumike in 2021.
Clark’s Notoriety Raises
With the focus on basketball player Clark, the selection committee, which is headed by basketball legends Dawn Staley, Seimone Augustus, DeLisha Milton-Jones, Jennifer Rizzotti, and WNBA executive Bethany Donaphin, is sure to cause a sensation.
Nine seasoned Olympians attended the final pre-roster-announcement training camp in Cleveland last month, including Diana Taurasi, Ariel Atkins, Chelsea Gray, Brittney Griner, Jewell Loyd, Kelsey Plum, Breanna Stewart, A’ja Wilson, and Jackie Young.
There were fourteen players invited to the camp. The selection process is made more intriguing by the participation of Shakira Austin, Rhyne Howard, Aliyah Boston, and Ionescu in the camp.
“As a child, that was one of my dreams. She stated that, as a child, one’s dream is to win an Olympic gold medal.
I’ve had the good fortune to participate in their basketball system for a couple junior national teams, so I understand the significance of wearing the USA flag on your breast. It would undoubtedly be a dream come true to be able to accomplish that at the greatest level.” Clark said to nypost.com
Cover Photo: IG
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