Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark acquired the disappointing information that she won’t be a part of Staff USA when the ladies’s basketball staff heads to Paris for the Olympic Video games. Nonetheless, an intriguing alternative stays open for Clark: she might nonetheless play within the Olympics, not for the USA, however for Italy, because of her Italian heritage by way of her mom, Nizzi-Clark.
Clark’s path to the Olympics with Staff USA confronted a big hurdle when a scheduling battle prevented her from attending the nationwide coaching camp in Cleveland. As an alternative, she was main the Iowa Hawkeyes to the Last 4 and the Nationwide Championship sport for the second consecutive 12 months. Though Clark concluded her collegiate profession because the NCAA Division I all-time main scorer, she fell in need of securing a championship title.
Diana Taurasi takes one other shot at Caitlin Clark after Olympic ‘snub’
Regardless of the setback, Clark has remained optimistic and supportive of Staff USA. “I do know it is probably the most aggressive staff on this planet and I do know it might have gone both manner,” she stated. “I am excited for them. I’ll be rooting them on to win gold. I used to be a child that grew up watching the Olympics. It is going to be enjoyable to look at them.”
Clark’s ideas on the Olympic snub
When requested if she felt disenchanted, the Indiana Fever guard was candid. “Actually, no disappointment,” she stated. “I believe it simply provides you one thing to work for. You already know, that is a dream. Hopefully someday I could be there. Hopefully in 4 years, when 4 years comes again round, I could be there.”
The leaked roster for Staff USA showcases a star-studded lineup together with former WNBA MVPs, future Corridor of Famers, and All-Stars. The roster options Diana Taurasi (Mercury), A’ja Wilson (Aces), Breanna Stewart (Liberty), Alyssa Thomas (Solar), Jewell Loyd (Storm), Napheesa Collier (Lynx), Kelsey Plum (Aces), Jackie Younger (Aces), Brittney Griner (Mercury), Kahleah Copper (Mercury), Sabrina Ionescu (Liberty), and Chelsea Grey (Aces).
Clark’s exclusion has sparked blended reactions throughout the sports activities neighborhood. Notably, sports activities commentator Jemele Hill steered that lacking the Olympics may very well be useful for Clark. “Within the span of weeks, she went from enjoying faculty ball to changing into knowledgeable to having a grind of schedule. A multi-week break in all probability is not the worst factor on this planet,” Hill posted on X.
Hill additional clarified that she doesn’t see Clark’s omission as a snub, contrasting it with previous controversial selections. “Now, when Candace Parker and Nneka Ogwumike have been left off the Olympic groups, THAT was a snub. Nneka was league MVP, led Staff USA in scoring a 12 months earlier than the Olympics, and was MVP of the FIBA qualifying match. CP had received two gold medals, was a former MVP and a champion. Suppose Nneka is the one WNBA MVP to not make an Olympic roster,” Hill identified.
Whereas Clark’s quick focus is probably going on her skilled profession with the Indiana Fever, the potential for representing Italy within the Olympics presents a singular and thrilling alternative. But it surely feels just about unimaginable.
As Staff USA gears up for the Paris Olympics, Caitlin Clark’s potential pivot to play for Italy provides an attention-grabbing dynamic to her profession and the upcoming Video games. Whether or not she pursues this path or continues to goal for future alternatives with Staff USA, Clark’s journey stays a big storyline on this planet of girls’s basketball.
