Caitlin Clark is not an alternate on US Olympic basketball team, but there’s a reason

The roster for the United States women’s basketball team for the Paris Olympics was named Tuesday, and Caitlin Clark’s name was nowhere to be found.

Not even as an alternate.

That’s because USA Basketball didn’t name any alternates. However any player in the Olympic pool, as Clark is, would be eligible to be considered if someone gets hurt or cannot play for other reasons.

But alternates would be chosen based on the position that needs to be filled. So if a center or forward gets hurt, Clark would probably not be considered. Or wouldn’t be among the first players considered. If it’s a guard, however, Clark could be in line to replace that player.

The team headed to Paris includes Diana Taurasi, Napheesa Collier, Kahleah Copper, Chelsea Gray, Brittney Griner, Sabrina Ionescu, Jewell Loyd, Kelsey Plum, Breanna Stewart, Alyssa Thomas, A’Ja Wilson and Jackie Young. The roster combines for 15 Olympic gold medals and 18 FIBA World Cup titles.

Despite shattering numerous college records before being drafted No. 1 overall in April’s WNBA draft, Clark will sit this Olympics out.

“I know it’s the most competitive team in the world,” Clark said Sunday, after news leaked that she had not made the team. “… Honestly, no disappointment.”

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Is Caitlin Clark an Olympic alternate? Explaining the process.