Arike Ogunbowale shows Team USA what it's missing after 'politics' dig

WNBA All-Star Arike Ogunbowale sent a clear statement to USA Basketball by setting a new record with 34 points, all of which were scored in a stunning second half.

Ogunbowale drove Team WNBA to a 116-109 victory over Team USA with 34 points, 7 assists, and 3 rebounds, and was crowned All-Star MVP. It wasn't the warmup game Team USA was hoping for, as they are set to fly to Paris for the Olympics straight from Phoenix, AZ where the 2024 All-Star Weekend took place.

It was a satisfying victory for Ogunbowale who previously slammed the "politics" involved during the selection process for the Olympic team, which led to her withdrawal from the pool. Ogunbowale claimed she withdrew on her own terms after believing the committee didn't want her on the team.

Ogunbowale has been named an All-Star in each of the past three seasons and felt like she deserved a seat on the plane to Paris. "I had an idea I wouldn't be on there," she told Nightcap. "There's trials that happen throughout the year.

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"You do it and you see the vibes. Me being me, I just felt the vibes. When it comes to that stuff, it really isn't about your game. It's about what fits with the team. I actually took my name out of the pool. I knew I would not be on it.

"It's politics. I can't really speak on USA Basketball in general but when it comes to women's basketball, politics is always around it. Whether Team USA, All-Star teams, or whatever, there is politics in everything. Even on the men's side, I'll just leave it at that."

After being crowned 2024 All-Star MVP, Ogunbowale was asked about her performance and whether it sent a statement to the rest of the WNBA. The Wings guard didn't have much to say, but made her feelings clear as she replied: "Y'all see it."

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Ogunbowale was also asked what happened at halftime, as she went from scoring no points to setting a new All-Star record in just two quarters. "Coach told me to take a deep breath and go out there and play my game," Ogunbowale added.

Her withdrawal from the pool was overshadowed by Caitlin Clark's snub, with many fans expecting her to be selected due to her popularity. Angel Reese was also not named to the final Team USA roster but felt as though she also made a statement with 11 points and 11 rebounds during the All-Star Game, recording another double-double in her rookie season.

"I just wanted to leave my mark. One day I want to be a Team USA member, I want to be on that team," Reese said after the game. The defeat applies some pressure on Team USA to bring home the gold medal, or questions about the roster selection could be asked.