The USA Olympic team has been locked and is led by veterans such as A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart. However, a thing of disappointment for many was the omission of their favorite Caitlin Clark. Clark who is a rookie has a lot of followers such that the viewership of the women’s NCAA Finale in her last year exceeded that of the men’s NCAA Finale. Therefore, both from the viewers’ point of view and also from the talent she brings to the table, she was considered deserving of the spot. Similarly, another Connecticut Sun star Brionna Jones was also deemed to be worthy of making it to the Team USA. However, there is a catch.

As per the latest reports, Clark and Jones are considered to be alternatives for Team USA if they need any replacement at the last moment. This news was revealed by celebrated journalist Sams Charania when he made an appearance on Run It Back.

“Caitlin Clark and Brionna Jones are top of the alternates list for Team USA if there is needed to be a replacement. This is a supremely talented roster. I don’t think I have to keep the focus on the…on the…women that made the team but obviously people will talk about Catilin Clark,” stated Sham Charania.

The 12 players who have made it to the roster include Wilson, Stewart, Kelsey Plum, Jackie Young, Chelsea Gray, Sabrina Ionescu, Napheesa Collier, Diana Taurasi, Brittney Griner, Kahleah Copper, Jewell Loyd and Alyssa Thomas. However, it is interesting to note that Clark and Jones did not make it as the first choice of the USA Selection Committee.

Clark currently averages a decent 16.8 points per game with 5.3 rebounds per match and 6.3 assists per contest. Similarly, Jones averages 13.3 points per game with 4.7 rebounds per outing. Jones has been plying her trade for the Sun since 2017 and hence is a crucial player for them. Therefore, these two being snubbed from the squad came as a surprise to the fans. Meanwhile, Clark had expressed her feelings on the same.

Caitlin Clark shares her feelings about not being selected

Clark had shared her feelings about not being selected for the team and expressed hope and optimism for the USA squad. As per her, it is not much of a disappointment, and she will be rooting for Team USA. “I know it’s the most competitive team in the world and I know it could’ve gone either way of me being on the team, me not being on the team. I’m gonna be rooting them on to win gold….Honestly, no disappointment,” Clark stated as per NBC News.

Meanwhile, her Indiana Fever head coach Christie Sides had another opinion when she revealed Clark told her that “They’ve woken a monster.” Notably, Clark has been struggling to display her game skills as she did in the NCAA, and hopefully, this snub will come as a motivation for the 22-year-old.

Whatever the equation whether or not Clark plays, fans would hope that Team USA grasps another gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, has to say about the Reese-Clark rivalry and more, watch this video.

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