Caitlin Clark gains online support as WNBA rookie is expected to be snubbed by Team USA for 2024 Olympics

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA: WNBA rookie Caitlin Clark may not be representing the US in the upcoming Summer Olympics in Paris. 

Clark, despite being WNBA’s No. 1 Draft pick of 2024, is expected not to play in the women's basketball team in their attempt to defend their Olympic gold, per Daily Mail. 

Caitlin Clark may be snubbed by selection committee

The Indiana Fever star, who has brought considerable attention to the game, will probably not be boarding the plane to Paris this summer, per Daily Mail. 

Per The Athletic, the Women’s Basketball team’s head coach Cheryl Reeve, and the selection committee look inclined to favor the veteran players. 

The outlet reported that veteran players like A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, Diana Taurasi, Brittney Griner, Alyssa Thomas, Napheesa Collier, Jewell Loyd, Kelsey Plum, Jackie Young, Sabrina Ionescu, Chelsea Gray, and Kahleah Copper are expected to represent the team in the Olympics. 

Though Clark was initially among the 14 players invited to the Olympics training camp in April, she was unable to make it because of a conflicting schedule with Iowa’s NCAA championship game. 

The young athlete, however, said upon receiving the invite, “You always want to grow up and be on the Olympic team, but lucky for me, I have the opportunity of possibly not doing that because I want to be at the Final Four playing basketball with my team.”

She added, “But if not, that's where I'll be. People that are on that roster are people that I idolize and have idolized growing up. Just to be extended a camp invite is something you have to be proud of and celebrate and enjoy.”

Clark’s time at Iowa can easily be categorized as a dream run as she emerged as the all-time leading scorer in NCAA Division I basketball.

She has continued her impressive form during her ongoing stint with the Indiana Fever as well after averaging 16.8 points on 37.3 percent shooting, 6.3 assists and 5.3 rebounds per game in 12 starts. 

The USA team will be opening the women’s basketball section with a match against Japan on July 21. They would be facing Germany and Belgium along with Japan in their fixtures for Group C.

Fans furious over Caitlin Clark's alleged snub

Fans were left furious after the alleged snub of caitlin Clark as they slammed the selection committee and accused them of pettiness and jealousy.

One of the readers commented online, "Dumbest decision in history. Think about the original Dream Team. They had Christian Leitner on it, straight out of college. She’s infinitely more marketable, and is really the only reason anybody cares about the team. Fire the coach."

Someone else declared, "Guess I will not be watching that event, BIG mistake!"

Another fan called out, "So no punishment for the bully’s. Let them represent USA. Wrong!! They shouldn’t be allowed to play. Poor sportsmanship!!"

"She DEFINITELY should be in the Olympic team," emphasized another. 

One of the netizens observed, "Bad decision, she would be an even greater draw, and so fun to watch."

"The WNBA and Olympics should be embracing Caitlin. She has sparked new interest in the WNBA and would surely do the same for the Olympics. They could both use the ratings boost," said another fan.

"Ridiculous to snub a leading scorer. Petty politics at work. Reeve would rather virtue signal than win," remarled someone else. 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.