Caitlin Clark Aims for Spot on U.S. Olympic Women's Basketball Team

Caitlin Clark, the top pick in the 2024 WNBA draft, has her sights set on representing Team USA in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Despite being unable to attend the U.S. training camp this month due to competing in the NCAA Final Four with Iowa, Clark's early WNBA play with the Connecticut Sun will serve as her tryout for a spot on the Olympic team.

The U.S. women's basketball selection committee, led by Jennifer Rizzotti, will be closely watching Clark's performance in the WNBA to determine if she deserves a place on the Olympic roster. Rizzotti stated that the committee is looking to introduce new players into the pool, and Clark's talent, positional fit, loyalty, and experience will all be evaluated.

Why this matters: The U.S. women's basketball team is vying for their eighth consecutive Olympic gold medal and has a talented group of guards, including five-time Olympian Diana Taurasi. Clark's potential inclusion on the team represents the next generation of elite women's basketball players in the United States.

While Clark has no senior national team experience, she has played on junior USA teams, winning gold medals at the 2019 and 2021 FIBA U19 World Cups and the 2017 FIBA U16 Americas Championship. If selected, Clark would not be the first WNBA rookie to make the Olympic team, as Breanna Stewart did so in 2016.

Clark's focus is on making the 5-on-5 Olympic team rather than the 3-on-3 team. "I think 5-on-5 is the goal and the dream. I want to be able to play with the best in the world and against the best in the world," Clark said.

The U.S. women's basketball Olympic roster will be announced before June 1, 2024. Clark will have the start of her WNBA career to prove she deserves a spot on the team alongside veteran stars and up-and-coming talents like Sabrina Ionescu and Kelsey Plum. Rizzotti believes that with this new generation of players, the future of the U.S. women's basketball team is bright.

Key Takeaways

• Caitlin Clark, 2024 WNBA top pick, aims for 2024 Paris Olympics with Team USA.
• Clark's WNBA play with Connecticut Sun will serve as her Olympic team tryout.
• U.S. women's basketball selection committee will evaluate Clark's talent, fit, and experience.
• Clark has junior national team experience, but no senior national team experience yet.
• U.S. women's basketball team seeks to introduce new players, with Clark as next generation.