Dawn Staley Reflects on Team USA Selection for 2024 Olympics
- Dawn Staley publicly expressed her regret over Caitlin Clark's absence from the Olympic basketball roster.
- Staley acknowledged that if given another chance, Clark would be highly considered for the team.
- This sentiment underscores Clark's impressive performance in recent competitions.
South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley has raised questions about the selection process for Team USA’s women’s basketball team ahead of the 2024 Olympics, particularly regarding Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark. Staley, who is part of the U.S. Women’s National Team selection committee, indicated that Clark’s recent performance could have warranted her inclusion if the selection were revisited. At the time of selection, Clark was not performing at the elite level she has since demonstrated. Since joining the Fever, Clark has significantly impacted the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), not only through her impressive statistics but also by attracting record attendance to her games. Staley praised Clark’s current form, stating, “If we had to do it all over again, the way that she’s playing, she would be in really high consideration of making the team.” She highlighted Clark’s shooting ability, passing skills, and basketball IQ, noting that Clark has gained valuable experience in the professional game. The WNBA recently set a viewership record, with a game between the Fever and the Atlanta Dream drawing 17,575 fans. Clark’s team secured a 91-79 victory, marking their seventh win of the season. As Team USA prepares for its first game against Japan on Monday, Staley’s comments underscore the evolving landscape of women’s basketball and the potential for emerging talent like Clark to shape the future of the sport. Staley, a decorated former Olympic athlete herself, has a rich history with Team USA, having won gold medals in the 1996, 2000, and 2004 Olympics, and coaching the team to victory in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.