Reports indicate that Team USA’s women’s basketball roster for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris has removed Caitlin Clark, a standout for the Indiana Fever. It has simply given her more motivation.
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Fever head coach Christie Sides revealed that Clark warned her, “Hey coach, they woke a monster.”
Clark didn’t need any extra encouragement on Friday night, scoring 30 points in 39 minutes against the Washington Mystics. Her effort included a rookie record-tying seven 3-pointers during the game, which ended 85-83.
Clark, who leads all WNBA rookies in scoring with 16.8 points per game, might provide more performances like that for the Fever. Indiana is toward the bottom of the standings, with a 3-9 record, and has failed to win consecutive games this season.
Christie Sides on Caitlin Clark’s Team USA snub
Clark also talked with the media on Sunday, following the roster release.
“I’m excited for the girls that are on the team,” she stated. “I know it’s the most competitive team in the world, and I knew it could have gone either way: with me on the squad or not. I am excited for them. “I’ll be rooting for them to win gold.”
She also stated that she was not disappointed by what many analysts and fans consider a snub.
“I believe it simply gives you something to work for. That is a dream. Hopefully, one day, I’ll be there. I believe it’s just a bit more motivation,” she explained.
This season, the WNBA will take a three-week vacation for the Olympics, and Clark said she’ll relish having some time off after months of competition at the college and professional levels. At the same time, she’s looking forward to having more time to improve herself and her team before the end of her debut season.
Caitlin Clark on Team USA snub
On Sunday, Clark had a conversation with the reporters following the announcement of the roster.
She expressed her enthusiasm for the girls who made it to the team saying, “It’s the most competitive team in the world, and I knew it could’ve gone either way – me being on the team, me not being on the team.” Despite not making the cut, she remains supportive of the team, stating, “I’m excited for them. I’m going to be rooting them on to win gold.”
In regards to what some analysts and fans are referring to as a snub, she expressed that she did not feel disappointed in any way.
According to her, having a dream to work towards provides motivation. “I think it just gives you something to work for. That’s a dream. Hopefully one day I can be there. I think it’s just a little more motivation,” she stated.
During this season, the WNBA will be taking a three-week break for the Olympics. As a result, Clark is excited to finally have some time off after months of intense competition at the college and professional levels. However, she is also eager to use this time to work with her team and continue improving during the remaining months of her rookie season.
2024 Summer Olympics: Team USA women’s basketball roster
Multiple reports have indicated that Team USA’s lineup for the upcoming event in Paris later this summer has been revealed.
Caitlin Clark stats
In the span of 12 games this season, Clark has been making waves with her impressive averages of 16.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 6.3 assists, and 1.5 steals. Although she doesn’t lead the Fever in rebounding this year, she takes the lead for points and assists among all rookies.
She ranks 13th in the WNBA with an average of 16.8 points per game, but unfortunately, she leads the league in turnovers per game with 5.6.