The Future of Women’s Basketball: Caitlin Clark Left Off USA Basketball Roster
As the Paris Olympics approach, the USA Basketball roster has been announced, and one notable absence has left fans and critics alike scratching their heads: Caitlin Clark. The Iowa standout, who finished her college career as the NCAA’s Division I career scoring leader, won’t be joining the national team in Paris.
The future of women’s basketball is bright, but Clark won’t be representing the USA in Paris.
Clark’s omission from the roster is a surprise, given her impressive college career and her ability to draw in new fans to women’s basketball. However, the team will still boast an impressive lineup, including five-time gold medalist Diana Taurasi, who will be joined by Phoenix Mercury teammate Brittney Griner.
“I’ll play abroad only with USA Basketball.” - Brittney Griner
The team will also feature 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.
Taurasi will break the record for most Olympics played in the sport of basketball.
First-time Olympians include Alyssa Thomas, Sabrina Ionescu, and Kahleah Copper, all of whom 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, and with this talented roster, they’re poised to continue their dominance.
The U.S. women’s basketball team is ready to take on the world.
The team will gather for training in Phoenix in July before heading to London for an exhibition game against Germany. From there, they’ll head to France, ready to take on the world.
The stage is set for an epic showdown in Paris.
