In June, the world of women's basketball was left in disbelief when USA Basketball unveiled the women's Team USA squad for the 2024 Paris Olympics , a squad that shockingly didn't feature the sensational rookie Caitlin Clark . For many, the absence of the Iowa native was a glaring oversight, given her historic senior season, where she obliterated nearly every scoring record in the NCAA. Her exceptional talent was undeniable, and many believed she was a shoo-in for the team.
Unfortunately, USA Basketball didn't see it that way and opted for more experienced players. However, a door may have opened for the sharpshooting playmaker to make it to the team following injuries suffered by Brittney Griner, Napheesa Collier, Diana Taurasi, and Breanna Stewart. That said, popular sports commentator Colin Cowherd pressed for USA Basketball to rectify their initial gaffe and add Clark to the squad.
Fever on fire
The Indiana Fever are on a roll lately, winning four of their last six outings, with Caitlin averaging 18.8 points, 11.3 assists, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per game during this sizzling stretch. Her spectacular play has also helped the Fever gain momentum with wins over powerhouse teams like the Phoenix Mercury, New York Liberty, and the Minnesota Lynx. According to Cowherd, Clark's recent performances should open the eyes of USA Basketball to her undeniable talent, and she should be added to the national team without further delay.
"Indiana's on fire. Caitlin Clark is like a 17, 8, and 6 player; she's getting better by the week. She says the right stuff at the podium, and there's nothing about her you don't like. You made a big mistake the first time by not putting her on the Olympic team. Don't double down on dumb. Get her on the team and give us a reason to watch the Olympic women's team," Colin said on "The Herd."
With Team USA's superior talent and the weak competition in the Olympics, Colin is confident the Americans will easily win the gold medal. These circumstances should allow Caitlin to play and attract more attention to the tea, potentially quadrupling the television ratings and bringing a new level of excitement to the Olympic women's team.
"You win gold every year; your competition is weak. Give us a reason to quadruple your television ratings with her promoting not only the other women on the team who could get endorsements but also promoting your sport," Cowherd emphasized.
Related: Larry Bird comments on Heat's Big 3 losing to the Mavs in the 2011 NBA Finals: "Ball movement always beats individuals going one-on-one"
An easy decision to make
Caitlin has captured the sporting world's heart since her remarkable performances in the NCAA, igniting viewership to unprecedented heights. The momentum she gained in the amateur ranks seamlessly transitioned to the professional arena, where she now fills stadiums and generates substantial revenue for her team and the WNBA. Colin said the USA must take advantage of this precious opportunity to have Caitlin on the team.
"In basketball terms, this is a layup. In NBA terms, it's a slam dunk. If you can get her on the Olympic team, you miss the first time, do it the second time. You're doing yourself a favor. Don't get in the way of yourself. Don't jump over a $20 bill to get to a five, as they say. You screwed up the first time; don't screw up again. Get her on the Olympic team," Colin asserted.
With the Paris Olympics fast approaching, it's only a matter of time before rosters are finalized and the USA Women's Basketball team is set. Fans and experts now wait with bated breath to see if Caitlin's name will be on that list. And based on her exceptional talent and incredible performances in the WNBA, it would be a colossal mistake for Team USA to pass up this opportunity.
Related: "I will personally label 'The Idiocy of Team USA Women's Basketball'" - SAS loses it over Team USA's snub of Caitlin Clark
Most Popular
Comments / 0