USA Basketball cited inexperience as the reason for omitting Caitlin Clark from the Olympic women’s basketball team. Despite her impressive skills, Clark lacks high-level experience, according to the selection committee.
The team, announced Tuesday, includes seven players from the gold-medal winning team in Tokyo, plus newcomers Kelsey Plum, Jackie Young, Alyssa Thomas, Sabrina Ionescu, and Kahleah Copper.
Selection committee chair Jen Rizzotti acknowledged the outside pressure to select Clark but emphasized that the decision was based on criteria, including playing ability, position, and adaptability to the international game. Clark’s omission was not due to a lack of talent, but rather a lack of experience at the highest level.
The team, led by Diana Taurasi, who will be playing in her record sixth Olympics, has a mix of veterans and newcomers. USA Basketball CEO Jim Tooley praised the team’s balance and continuity, noting that age was not a factor in the selection process. The team will train in Phoenix in July before heading to Paris for the Olympics.
Clark, though disappointed, vowed to use this as motivation to improve and potentially make the 2028 Olympic team. Her omission has sparked debate, but the selection committee stood by their criteria-based decision. The US team is poised for success in Paris, with a blend of experience and youth, and a strong team dynamic.