As Team USA continues its strong performance at the Paris Olympics, Caitlin Clark has found herself in the spotlight once again, despite not being part of the event.
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.
A notable moment occurred during Team USA’s last pool stage game against Germany at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy stadium in Lille when a young fan was seen cheering while wearing Clark’s number 22 Iowa jersey, drawing significant attention on social media.
Clark’s admirers have been vocal about their disappointment since the announcement of the Team USA roster in July. Many took to social media to criticize the selectors for not including Clark, who has become a fan favorite.
Even during Thursday’s game against Japan, a fan held a sign mocking the decision made by US basketball officials.
“You need Caitlin Clark to beat us,” the sign read.
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As Team USA faced off against Japan, fans voiced their frustration, particularly when Diana Taurasi struggled to score in the first quarter.
Many argued that Clark deserved a spot on the roster over Taurasi, citing Clark’s impressive statistics. This season, Clark has averaged 17.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game, compared to Taurasi’s 16.1 points and 4.8 rebounds per game.
Fans believe that Clark’s playmaking abilities could have been a valuable addition to the team, which 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 win over Germany, who had also won their first two games.
This victory further solidified Team USA’s place in the knockout stage, but the ongoing debate about Clark’s snub raises questions about the selection process.
Caitlin Clark’s omission from the Olympic roster has sparked division among basketball fans and analysts alike.
Experienced journalist Stephen A. Smith called the decision “stupid,” arguing that Clark’s inclusion would have not only bolstered the team’s performance but also increased its popularity.
He pointed out that Clark has been a major draw in the WNBA, with her games contributing to a significant revenue boost for the Indiana Fever.
As Team USA pushes forward in the Olympics, the debate over Caitlin Clark’s exclusion continues to simmer, highlighting the passionate support she has garnered from fans and the broader basketball community.
