When the United States Olympic women’s basketball roster was announced on June 28th, 2021, one name was conspicuously absent: Caitlin Clark, the 19-year-old phenom from Iowa. This omission sent shockwaves through the basketball community, with many questioning how the reigning Naismith Player of the Year could be left off the team.
Clark’s Credentials
Clark’s resume is undeniable. She led the nation in scoring in each of her first two seasons at Iowa, averaging 26.0 points per game. She was also named a first-team All-American in both years and was the AP Player of the Year in 2021.
In addition to her collegiate success, Clark has also excelled at the international level. She helped lead the United States to a gold medal at the 2019 FIBA U19 World Cup and was named the tournament’s MVP.
The U.S. Olympic Roster
The United States Olympic women’s basketball roster is made up of 12 players. The team is led by veterans Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi, and also includes stars Breanna Stewart, A’ja Wilson, and Brittney Griner.
Many experts believe that Clark would have been a valuable addition to the Olympic roster. She is a versatile player who can play both guard and forward. She is also a good shooter, passer, and defender.
The Decision
The decision to leave Clark off the Olympic roster was made by U.S. head coach Dawn Staley. Staley has never given a public explanation for her decision, but there are a few possible reasons why she may have left Clark off the team.
One possibility is that Staley simply preferred other players. The United States has a deep pool of talented players, and Staley may have felt that Clark was not the best fit for her team.
Another possibility is that Staley was concerned about Clark’s age and experience. Clark is only 19 years old and has never played in an Olympic Games before. Staley may have felt that Clark was not ready for the pressure of playing on the Olympic stage.
The Fallout
The decision to leave Clark off the Olympic roster has been met with disappointment and frustration by many fans and experts. Some have accused Staley of making a mistake, while others have defended her decision.
It remains to be seen whether Clark’s exclusion from the Olympic roster will have a long-term impact on her career. She is still a young player with a bright future ahead of her. However, it is clear that many people believe that she was snubbed by not being selected for the Olympics.
Conclusion
The decision to leave Caitlin Clark off the United States Olympic women’s basketball roster was a controversial one. There are many who believe that Clark was deserving of a spot on the team, and her exclusion has been met with disappointment and frustration.
Only time will tell whether Staley’s decision was the right one. However, it is clear that Clark is a special player with a bright future ahead of her.
Kind regards
E. Thompson
