Rebecca Lobo succinctly explained why Caitlin Clark was left off of Team USA for the Olympics this year.
Fans without background information may be shocked to learn that rookie guard Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever will not be included on the 2024 US women’s national basketball team.
Clark was understanding of her exclusion from the roster, but when asked why the Fever star isn’t scheduled to play for Team USA in Paris this summer, former WNBA player and ESPN announcer Rebecca Lobo had a very instructive response.
Lobo, the caliber of seasoned players is the determining factor. The schedules of previous Olympic training camps that conflicted with her Iowa collegiate schedule and the WNBA’s top veteran players are up for grabs for Team USA this summer.
“Caitlin Clark was unable to attend any of those training camps due to circumstances beyond her control,” stated Lobo. “She didn’t have the opportunity.”
It’s nice to hear a measured appraisal like this one from Lobo in the middle of heated debates on the topic.Even if it’s not the most likely situation, Clark has a chance to make the roster even if Las Vegas Aces guard Chelsea Gray is unable to play.
Clark’s moment to compete in the Olympics will come, as Lobo wisely observes. It’s just difficult for her to make the roster because of the dynamics of this particular group.