Why Caitlin Clark could be SNUBBED by Team USA for 2024 Olympics in Paris… despite being No 1 draft pick
There are fears Caitlin Clark could miss out on the Team USA roster for this summer’s Olympic Games – despite her record-breaking year.
Clark was recently selected by the Indiana Fever with the first overall pick in the WNBA draft after a meteoric rise.
The 22-year-old said recently that representing the United States would ‘mean everything’ and be the realization of a childhood dream.
But Clark has yet to participate in a senior camp and The Athletic pointed out that there is a ‘pay your dues with Team USA’ mantra within the national team.
Sabrina Ionescu and Kahleah Copper are still waiting their first Team USA roster. The 12-player team for this summer’s Games is expected to be named on June 1.
The selection committee is made up of Dawn Staley, Seimone Augustus, DeLisha Milton-Jones, Jennifer Rizzotti and WNBA head of league operations Bethany Donaphin.
In April, the Associated Press reported that although Clark will miss the US training camp, the start of her WNBA career will serve as her tryout for the Olympic roster.
Clark was the only college player invited to join the US’ 14-player training camp. However, she was unable to attend as she was part of the Iowa Hawkeyes team which reached the national championship game in the NCAA Tournament.
While at Iowa, Clark became the all-time leading scorer in NCAA Division I basketball. She also rose to become among the biggest names in American sports.
‘That’s one of my dreams as a kid. Growing up, you always want to be an Olympic gold medalist,’ she said recently.
‘Lucky enough, I’ve been able to play for a few junior national teams in their basketball system, so I know how special it is to represent USA across your chest. Being able to do that on the highest level would certainly be a dream come true.’
Team USA is eyeing its eighth consecutive Olympic basketball gold medal – and 10th overall – in Paris.
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