Jean MartinWith the Paris Games women’s basketball roster not finalized until June 1, Caitlin Clark sees her early performance in the WNBA as a chance to vie for a spot on the U.S. Olympic team.
Absence from Training Camp:
Clark missed the U.S. training camp in Cleveland due to her commitment to Iowa during the Final Four. Although attendance wasn’t mandatory, showcasing her skills among elite players could have bolstered her case for selection.
Jennifer Rizzotti, chair of the selection committee, emphasizes the importance of talent, positional fit, loyalty, and experience in roster decisions. Clark’s WNBA debut provides a chance to demonstrate her capabilities.
The U.S. women’s team plans to convene in Phoenix before the Olympics, including an exhibition All-Star game against WNBA players, which will offer further evaluation opportunities.
Guard Talent Pool:
The U.S. women’s team boasts a deep pool of talented guards, including veterans like Diana Taurasi and emerging stars like Sabrina Ionescu and Kelsey Plum, presenting stiff competition for Clark.
Rizzotti underscores the importance of grooming future guards, acknowledging the transition from veteran players to rising talents like Clark, Plum, and Ionescu.
First-Hand Evaluation:
Rizzotti, also the president of the Connecticut Sun, will observe Clark’s debut against the Sun on May 14 and provide an up-close assessment of her performance.
Precedent and Experience:
While Clark lacks senior national team experience, her success on junior USA teams, winning gold medals at various FIBA tournaments, demonstrates her potential and readiness for international competition.
Despite potential opportunities in 3×3 basketball, Clark’s aspiration is to represent the U.S. in the traditional 5-on-5 format, showcasing her ambition to compete at the highest level.
