As Team USA continues to impress at the Paris Olympics, Caitlin Clark has once again found herself in the spotlight, despite not being part of the roster.
Fans of the 22-year-old basketball star have made it clear to the USA Women’s Basketball selection committee that they believe Clark’s exclusion was a mistake. This sentiment was particularly evident during Team USA’s last pool stage game against Germany at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy stadium in Lille. A young fan was spotted cheering while wearing Clark’s number 22 Iowa jersey, which quickly drew significant attention on social media.
Clark’s admirers have been vocal about their disappointment since the Team USA roster was announced in July. Many criticized the selectors on social media for not including Clark, who has become a fan favorite. During Thursday’s game against Japan, a fan even held up a sign mocking the decision by US basketball officials, reading: “You need Caitlin Clark to beat us.”
The debate intensified as Team USA faced Japan, especially when Diana Taurasi struggled to score in the first quarter. Fans argued that Clark deserved a spot on the roster over Taurasi, highlighting Clark’s impressive statistics: she has averaged 17.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game this season, compared to Taurasi’s 16.1 points and 4.8 rebounds per game. Many believe Clark’s playmaking abilities could have been a valuable asset to a team that they feel is lacking in this area.
Despite the controversy surrounding Clark’s exclusion, Team USA has continued to dominate the group stage. The Cheryl Reeve-coached team secured a comfortable victory over Germany, who had also won their first two games. This win solidified Team USA’s place in the knockout stage, but the ongoing debate about Clark’s snub raises questions about the selection process.
Was Caitlin Clark’s exclusion justified? The omission has sparked division among basketball fans and analysts. Veteran journalist Stephen A. Smith labeled the decision “stupid,” arguing that Clark’s inclusion would not only have enhanced the team’s performance but also boosted its popularity. Smith noted that Clark has been a major draw in the WNBA, significantly increasing revenue for the Indiana Fever with her games.
