Brittney Griner is gearing up for her third Olympic appearance with Team USA, aiming to add another gold medal to her collection. As the 2024 Paris Games draw near, the Phoenix Mercury star is focusing on maintaining the dominance of American women’s basketball rather than debating the exclusion of Caitlin Clark from the team.
When questioned about the Indiana Fever rookie’s exclusion from Team USA, Griner highlighted the challenging decisions the USA Basketball selection committee faces each year. “I’ve always said it—it’s a tough committee to be on,” she remarked, according to Desert Wave Media. “Selecting just 12 players from such a talented pool is incredibly difficult. Every year, there’s debate about who makes the team and who doesn’t. Anyone on this team can contribute to winning, but the final decisions are always tough.”
The official Team USA roster for the 2024 Olympics was revealed on Tuesday. Joining Griner are experienced players such as Diana Taurasi, A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, Chelsea Grey, Kelsey Plum, Jackie Young, Alyssa Thomas, Napheesa Collier, Kahleah Copper, and another Jackie Young from Seattle Storm. The selection committee, led by Jen Rizzotti, made it clear that Clark’s marketability did not influence their choices. “Our focus was on building the best possible team for Coach Cheryl Reeve,” Rizzotti told ESPN, emphasizing the committee’s objective approach.
Caitlin Clark, despite the buzz around her exclusion, took the news in stride. The Fever guard expressed no hard feelings and showed support for her peers. “Honestly, I feel no disappointment. It just gives me something to work towards,” Clark said to The Athletic. “I’m motivated by this and wish the team all the best. I’m excited for the players who made it and will be cheering them on as they go for gold.”
The selection of the team also underscores the importance of experience and familiarity with international play. Sabrina Ionescu, at 26 and in her fifth WNBA season, is the youngest and least experienced member of the squad. This decision reflects the committee’s preference for continuity, a factor Caitlin Clark lacks as she is still in the early stages of her career. While Clark has shown promise with averages of 16.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and six assists per game, her shooting percentages and turnover rates indicate room for growth.
USA Basketball CEO Jim Tooley is optimistic about Clark’s future with the national team. “She’s going to keep improving and we hope she will play a significant role in our future,” Tooley stated, hinting at Clark’s potential long-term contributions to Team USA.
Clark’s journey is just beginning, and her resolve to improve promises a bright future ahead. As Team USA prepares for Paris, the stage is set for a thrilling display of talent and determination on the global stage.
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