Caitlin Clark would likely make Team USA Olympic roster if selection happened today, says Dawn Staley

USA's roster for the women's basketball team at the 2024 Summer Olympics has stirred controversy due to the omission of WNBA rookie Caitlin Clark. Despite her impressive performance, Team USA chose to favor more seasoned players, a decision that has drawn significant criticism.

Dawn Staley, the head coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks and a selection committee member for Team USA, addressed the decision. Speaking with Mike Tirico on NBC's Olympics broadcast, Staley noted that Clark's current performance would have made her a strong candidate if the selection process were held today.

"As a committee member, you're charged with putting together the best team of players, the best talent. Caitlin is just a rookie in the WNBA. [She] wasn't playing bad, but wasn't playing like she's playing now," Staley explained. "If we had to do it all over again, the way that she's playing, she would be in really high consideration of making the team because she is playing head and shoulders above a lot of people, shooting the ball extremely well. She is an elite passer. She's just got a great basketball IQ, and she's a little more seasoned in the pro game."

The original roster selection occurred nearly two months ago when Clark's performance was not as notable as it is today. Staley's comments highlight how much her game has evolved in a short time, underscoring the dynamic nature of player development.





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