Caitlin Clark was in town when Team USA held its final Olympic training camp this past April. She wasn’t in Cleveland, however, for the three-day USA Basketball Olympic workouts. She was nearby because her Iowa Hawkeyes were playing in the Final Four. Then, like now, Clark’s presence loomed large anyway.
The Olympic selection committee was in a tough spot: Go with a roster stacked with proven veterans or incorporate the highest-profile rookie in league history? There was no doubt either decision would be met with debate.
The committee revealed its philosophy with the 12-person Olympic roster — which shows deference to veterans and no rush to include Clark, who could be a significant part of the national team’s future. It favored roster continuity over the maximum exposure Clark’s presence brings.
Despite some expected (and not altogether unwarranted) dissatisfaction from Clark loyalists — the Olympic committee made a reasonable decision.
Speaking strictly basketball, the committee focused on selecting the best team for the Paris Games. It’s hard to quibble with the star-powered players they picked. The product on the floor will be elite — a roster stacked with MVPs, All-WNBA honorees and All-Stars. Nine players have Olympic experience (including Olympic 3×3…
