USA Basketball has chosen a roster filled with experienced players for the upcoming Olympics in Paris, emphasizing proven talent over emerging stars. The 12 women selected to represent the country boast an impressive collective resume, including numerous Olympic gold medals, World Cup titles, and WNBA All-Star appearances.
Diana Taurasi is set to make history with her sixth Olympic appearance. She will be joined by nine other players who have previously won Olympic gold. The squad does not include WNBA breakout star Caitlin Clark, despite her remarkable performances and rising popularity.
Jennifer Rizzotti, chair of the USA Basketball women’s national team committee, acknowledged the difficulty of the selection process, stating, “We have selected a team that we are confident will represent our country to the highest standard in Paris.”
The team heading to Paris holds:
15 Olympic gold medals
18 women’s World Cup titles
55 WNBA All-Star appearances
Despite being favorites to win their eighth consecutive Olympic gold medal, the exclusion of rookie Caitlin Clark has sparked debate. Clark, who had a standout college career with Iowa and has been a sensation in the WNBA, was seen by many as a potential asset to the team.
Christine Brennan, a columnist for USA Today, called the omission a “huge missed opportunity,” while ESPN pundit **Stephen A. Smith** criticized the decision, suggesting it fails to capitalize on Clark’s marketability and potential to elevate the WNBA brand. “How could you be that idiotic and not make that call?” Smith questioned.
Clark, however, has taken the decision in stride. “I know it’s the most competitive team in the world, and I know it could have gone either way – me being on the team or me not being on the team,” she said. “I’m going to be rooting them on to win gold. It just gives me something to work for; it’s a dream. Hopefully, one day I can be there.”
Indiana coach Christie Sides believes Clark will grow from this experience, quoting Clark’s reaction: “‘Hey, coach, they woke a monster,’ which I thought was awesome. She’s young and will have many opportunities in the future.”
USA Women’s Basketball Squad for 2024 Olympics:
- Diana Taurasi (Phoenix Mercury)
- Napheesa Collier (Minnesota Lynx)
- Kahleah Copper (Phoenix Mercury)
- Chelsea Gray (Las Vegas Aces)
- Brittney Griner (Phoenix Mercury)
- Sabrina Ionescu (New York Liberty)
- Jewell Loyd (Seattle Storm)
- Kelsey Plum (Las Vegas Aces)
- Breanna Stewart (New York Liberty)
- Alyssa Thomas (Connecticut Sun)
- A’ja Wilson (Las Vegas Aces)
- Jackie Young (Las Vegas Aces)
As the team prepares for Paris, the focus will be on blending their extensive experience to achieve yet another gold medal, while Caitlin Clark continues to push forward in her promising career.
