Caitlin Clark’s early games in the WNBA will act as her audition for a place on the U.S. Olympic women’s basketball team.
The final selection for the women’s team heading to the Paris Games won’t be made until June 1. Since Clark couldn’t make it to the U.S. training camp this month, her performance in the WNBA will be her chance to prove to the selection committee that she deserves a spot.
The chair of the selection committee, Jennifer Rizzotti, mentioned that they are open to introducing new players into the team, whether for the current Olympics or future events. They consider factors like talent, position suitability, loyalty, and experience when making their decisions.
Clark was invited to the U.S. training camp in Cleveland but couldn’t attend because it coincided with the Final Four, where she was still competing for a national championship with Iowa.
While attending the camp wasn’t mandatory, it would have allowed her to showcase her skills against top players.
The U.S. women’s team will have a few days together in Phoenix just before the Olympics, including an exhibition game against WNBA players. The men’s basketball Olympic roster was announced last week.
The women’s team, aiming for an eighth consecutive Olympic gold medal, has a strong group of guards, including veterans like Diana Taurasi and Chelsea Gray. Rookies like Sabrina Ionescu and Kelsey Plum are also being considered for the team.
Rizzotti will have a chance to see Clark in action when she starts her WNBA career with the Connecticut Sun on May 14, as Rizzotti is the president of the Sun.
