The US Women’s basketball team is aiming for its eighth consecutive gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. This impressive streak of dominance has led many to wonder why WNBA star Caitlin Clark isn’t on the roster. This article explores the reasons behind Clark’s absence from Team USA.
Caitlin Clark playing basketball for the University of Iowa
Caitlin Clark’s Exclusion from the Olympic Roster
Despite her undeniable talent and popularity, Caitlin Clark was not selected for the 2024 US Olympic Women’s Basketball team. According to USA Today, she did not meet the selection criteria established by the Player Selection Committee. While an invitation to the US national team training camp was extended in March, Clark’s participation in the NCAA Tournament with the University of Iowa prevented her from attending, as reported by USA Today.
Team USA Selection Process: A Breakdown
NBC Chicago outlines the rigorous selection process for the US Women’s Olympic Basketball team:
- Performance: Exceptional performance in professional leagues, particularly the WNBA, is a primary requirement.
- Invitation: Standout players receive invitations to the USA Basketball National Team training camp.
- Training Camp: Players undergo intensive training and evaluation by the coaching staff.
- Exhibition Games: Performance in games against other national or select teams provides further evaluation opportunities.
- Selection Committee Review: The committee meticulously reviews each player’s performance.
- Final Decision: The committee finalizes the roster, pending approval from the USA Basketball Board of Directors.
This multi-stage process emphasizes performance, skills, and team fit, ultimately determining the final composition of the Olympic squad.
Iowa Representation in the 2024 Olympics
While Caitlin Clark is not part of Team USA, Iowa still has representation in the 2024 Olympic basketball tournament. Former Iowa State guard Bridget Carleton will play for Team Canada, and former University of Iowa player Megan Gustafson will represent Spain.
Absence of Iowans on Team USA
No Iowans or graduates from Iowa universities are on the 2024 USA Women’s Basketball team. The team features prominent WNBA stars like Brittney Griner of the Phoenix Mercury and A’ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces.
Watching Olympic Women’s Basketball
Live streaming of all women’s basketball games is available through NBCOlympics.com and Peacock. However, broadcast schedules for Team Canada and Team Spain games in the US are yet to be confirmed.
Conclusion: Why Caitlin Clark Isn’t on Team USA
Caitlin Clark’s absence from the 2024 US Olympic Women’s Basketball team boils down to not meeting the selection criteria and being unable to attend the crucial training camp. While disappointing for some fans, the selection process underscores the high standards and intense competition for a spot on the Olympic roster. Although Clark is not playing for Team USA, there are still other athletes with Iowa ties to cheer for in the Olympic basketball tournament.
