Dallas Wings star voluntarily withdraws from US Olympic team selection process

Arike Ogunbowale voluntarily withdrew her name from consideration for the USA women's Olympic basketball team, feeling she wouldn't be selected. Her absence from the team was seen as a significant snub, along with other players like Caitlin Clark. Ogunbowale mentioned that she had a feeling she wouldn't make the team and decided to remove her name from consideration months ago. Despite not being selected, she expressed pride in the players who did make the team. Caitlin Clark, a standout player in the WNBA, was also left off the Olympic roster, sparking debates and disappointment among fans and analysts. Ogunbowale highlighted the presence of politics in women's basketball and how it influences team selections. She emphasized the importance of fitting in with the team dynamics rather than just individual skill. Ogunbowale, a top scorer in the WNBA, acknowledged the role of politics in various aspects of basketball. The final 12-woman roster for the USA women's national basketball team includes notable players like Diana Taurasi, A’Ja Wilson, and Breanna Stewart. Ogunbowale's decision to remove herself from consideration reflects the complexities and challenges of team selections in competitive sports.