Caitlin Clark Snubbed From The 2024 U.S. Olympic Team: ‘They Woke A Monster’
WNBA phenom Caitlin Clark confirmed this weekend that she was not chosen to represent Team USA at this summer's Olympics in Paris.
According to 'HuffPost,' Clark informed reporters that the USA Basketball phoned her to tell her about the snub and in return, she offered the team her best wishes for the upcoming competition.
Despite the lack of an official announcement, seasoned basketball veterans have speculated an explanation for the shocking decisions.
Sources at 'USA Today' claimed that concern over how Clark's millions of fans would react to what would likely be limited playing time on a stacked roster was a factor in the decision.
Other sources speculated that Clark doesn't have the experience the Olympic committee was looking for, as the international game is more physical than the WNBA, that physicality is something the 22-year-old is still getting comfortable with.
The USA Basketball selection committee considers U.S. citizenship, availability, position, versatility to play other positions, coachability, attitude, ability to adapt, leadership, and contributing success to the overall team, per 'Indystar.'
"I'm excited for them. I'm going to be rooting them on to win gold. I was a kid that grew up watching the Olympics. It will be fun to watch them," she stated to reporters.
In addition to making it clear she wasn't "disappointed," she reiterated how the snub "just gives you something to work for. You know, that's a dream. Hopefully one day I can be there. Hopefully in four years, when four years comes back around, I can be there."
While Clark took the maneuver in stride, her Indiana Fever coach Christie Sides agreed the committee's decision would motivate the superstar rookie. "We talked, actually, on the bus," Sides, 47, began. "She got the call on the bus, and she texted me to let me know. The thing she said was, 'Hey coach, they woke a monster,' which I thought was awesome."
Clark, who stands at 6'0 and 152 lbs., has averaged 16.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 6.3 assists so far in her young career as a Fever player. She made WNBA history with 200 points and 75 assists in her first 12 career games.
