After the U.S. men’s basketball team defeated Serbia in its first game of the Olympic group stage on Sunday, the U.S. women’s basketball team followed it up with a convincing win against the Japan on Monday.
Led by Breanna Stewart and A’ja Wilson, Team USA defeated Japan 102-76 despite making just four of their 20 three-point attempts.
While poor shooting didn’t cost Team USA much on Monday, some fans worry that the lack of outside shooting could be a problem later in the Paris Olympics. Under an Instagram post from ESPNW, the network’s women’s sports site, Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark was trending: Fans thought her firing would help Team USA.
“Could use the CC shot,” said one fan. “Wow, if only the WNBA could bring back a 3-point shooter,” another fan commented with three laughing emojis.
Although there were some such comments, there are also fans who rejected the idea that Clark was the answer to the misfortunes of the USA team. “I watched the second half and if they had brought Caitlin, they would have had to change the whole game plan because their fans want to see her shoot instead of pass. She will definitely represent the country next time,” says a comment.
From her long list of college records to the television accolades she brought to the game, Caitlin Clark has been something to behold. That’s of course before discussing her selection as the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s WNBA draft, her monumental introduction to the league — more notes to follow — and the recent attendance record she has established. In that regard, it was shocking to say the least that Clark’s name was removed from the USA Olympic team list for Paris 2024.
Dawn Staley agrees that Caitlin Clark must be in Paris
For some, these comments will be an excuse, for others, they will be a cause of disappointment. As for Caitlin Clark herself, we can only guess. Regardless, the fact is that a former member of the US women’s national basketball team committee admitted that Clark’s rejection was a mistake. Speaking in a brief interview during the Olympics on Sunday, one of college basketball’s top coaches, Dawn Staley, gave an honest perspective on Clark’s firing, and basically said what we were all thinking.
Even though CC was cool with her, her fans were outraged…and many called out the selection committee for this apparent indiscretion. The American team, however, stood by their decision … with the big names explaining the reasoning behind the search elsewhere.
“When you base your decision on the criteria, there were other players that were more difficult to eliminate because they checked a lot more boxes,” said president Jen Rizzotti.
The women’s national basketball team is one of the greatest international teams in the Olympics … with a record of 72-3 and seven straight gold medals.
The women’s national basketball team is one of the greatest international teams in the Olympics … with a record of 72-3 and seven straight gold medals.
