USA Basketball forced to outline selection criteria after Caitlin Clark’s Olympic snub

Caitlin Clark did not make the 12-player Team USA roster for the 2024 Paris Olympics, and the pushback from that decision has made plenty of headlines.

With many believing that Clark to be the most talented player to be drafted into the WNBA in years, there is a sense of disbelief that she wasn’t considered to be amongst the 12 best female basketball players eligible to represent the United States at the upcoming Olympics.

Given the scale of the response to the decision, the chair of the selection committee, Jen Rizzotti, has been forced to explain just why Clark was left off the roster for the tournament.

Rizzotti explained that the decision was based on ‘basketball criteria’, rather than the fame and attention Clark would bring to the games. However, this is a line that many disagree with.

What exactly did Rizzotti mean by ‘Basketball Criteria’?

Rizzotti explained that the selection committee focused on specific basketball criteria, attempting to define exactly what she meant.

“We evaluated players based on playing ability, position, and adaptability to the international game,” Rizzotti told The Associated Press.

“Some players met more criteria than others, and sometimes it comes down to position and style of play for coach Cheryl Reeve.”

The 2024 USA Women’s National Team was listed as follows:

• Diana Taurasi (Mercury)
• A’ja Wilson (Aces)
• Breanna Stewart (Liberty)
• Alyssa Thomas (Sun)
• Jewell Loyd (Storm)
• Napheesa Collier (Lynx)
• Kelsey Plum (Aces)
• Jackie Young (Aces)
• Brittney Griner (Mercury)
• Kahleah Copper (Mercury)
• Sabrina Ionescu (Liberty)
• Chelsea Gray (Aces)

These players, including seven from the Tokyo gold-medal-winning team, are expected to compete for a seventh straight gold medal.

Is Clark’s Olympic dream definitively over?

Clark, along with Brionna Jones of the Connecticut Sun, has a place on the alternates list. Clark’s lack of senior national team experience played a role in her non-selection. She missed the final Olympics camp due to advancing to the NCAA Final Four with Iowa.

However, should there be an injury or other problem for one of the squad members, Clark will be eligible to take their place, which is something that she will relish.

“It’s a great opportunity if Team USA calls me as a replacement, but my main focus is on the Fever. The 12 selected players are really great,” Clark admitted.