Caitlin Clark Left Off USA Basketball Roster for 2024 Paris Olympics
In a surprise move, Caitlin Clark, the NCAA’s Division I career scoring leader, has been left off the USA Basketball roster for the 2024 Paris Olympics. According to sources, Clark was not selected for the national team, despite her impressive international experience at the younger level.
USA Basketball team selection
Clark, now a rookie with the Indiana Fever, has been instrumental in drawing millions of new fans to women’s basketball in her college career and now in her young WNBA career. Despite this, she won’t be heading to Paris.
The United States is expected to take five-time gold medalist Diana Taurasi for a sixth Olympics. Taurasi, who will turn 42 on Tuesday, will be joined by Phoenix Mercury teammate Brittney Griner.
Joining the pair will be Olympic veterans Breanna Stewart, A’ja Wilson, Napheesa Collier, Jewell Loyd, and Chelsea Gray. Kelsey Plum and Jackie Young, who helped the U.S. win the inaugural 3x3 gold medal at the Tokyo Games in 2021, will also be on the team.
First-time Olympians are Alyssa Thomas, Sabrina Ionescu, and Kahleah Copper. All three played on the American team that won the World Cup in Australia in 2022.
The U.S. women have won every gold medal in women’s basketball since the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
Taurasi will break the record for most Olympics played in the sport of basketball. Five players, including former Taurasi teammate Sue Bird, have competed in five.
The U.S. team will get together to train for a few days in Phoenix in July. Then it’s off to London for an exhibition game against Germany before heading to France. The Americans will play Japan, Belgium, and Germany in pool play at the Olympics.
USA Basketball team training
The road to Paris is set, and the U.S. women’s basketball team is ready to take on the world.
Women’s basketball on the rise
