The last time the U.S. Women’s National Team didn’t pick Arike Ogunbowale, she showed her skills on the basketball court in response. Now, three years later, things are a bit different but her goal remains the same.
Once again, the 27-year-old won’t be part of the upcoming Paris Olympics, though it wasn’t exactly a snub since she withdrew her name from consideration well ahead of time.
Speaking on a podcast earlier this summer, the Dallas Wings guard mentioned “politics” around how players are chosen for the U.S. team.
She stood by that feeling recently, even though it wasn’t her main reason for stepping back early from the selection process.
“Women’s basketball, and many other things, can involve politics,” she said. “I made my decision based on what felt right. Now I’ll take some time to rest.”
Before she takes a break, the 5-foot-8 guard will lead a team of WNBA All-Stars against Team USA on Saturday at the All-Star weekend.
In 2021, when the format was similar, Ogunbowale scored 26 points and was named MVP as her team won 93-85, reminding the U.S. team they had work to do.
Reflecting on her MVP performance three years ago and looking ahead to Saturday, she hopes for another great game but doesn’t see it as proving anything.
“We don’t need to prove anything — we’re here as All-Stars,” she said. “But it’s a bit more intense because they’re preparing for Paris. This is like a practice game for them. It’s competitive, and of course, they want to win and do well in the Olympics.”
“We’re competitors too. We want to win simply because we love winning.” Ogunbowale is in her sixth season in the WNBA and has been selected as an All-Star four times. This year, she’s averaging 22.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 5.2 assists.
Even though she isn’t part of Team USA, she expressed gratitude for being part of the league’s showcase weekend.
“Being chosen is never guaranteed,” Ogunbowale remarked. “The league keeps improving every year, so you have to engance your game. It’s always special when you receive that call.”
Ogunbowale and the other WNBA All-Stars will be coached by Cheryl Miller, a legendary figure in women’s basketball. Miller, aged 60, mentioned that the players have made it clear they’re eager to compete.
“The team I’m coaching is determined to beat our Olympic team,” Miller stated. “That adds pressure, but it’s exciting.” Reflecting on her MVP performance in 2021, Ogunbowale maintained a positive outlook.
“I think it shows that out of 144 players in the WNBA, everyone has talent,” she said. “We aimed to prepare Team USA for Tokyo. They represent all of us.”
This year, Ogunbowale will be joined on the WNBA All-Stars team by rookies Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, who also weren’t chosen for the national team. Clark’s exclusion, in particular, drew significant criticism due to her substantial impact on women’s basketball.
Ogunbowale noted that with Clark and Reese on the team, the WNBA squad might garner as much attention as the U.S. team during Saturday’s event in Phoenix.
“I’m a basketball fan,” Ogunbowale added. “Kelsey, Caitlin, Angel, Neeka, K-Mac — everyone on the team brings something special. That’s why they’re All-Stars. I enjoy watching their games when I’m not competing against them, but playing alongside them is a great experience.”
