FILE–Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark ( 22) within the first half of a WNBA basketball sport, Tuesday, Might 14, 2024, in Uncasville, Conn. (AP Picture/Jessica Hill)
Caitlin Clark gained’t be headed to the Paris Olympics, based on an individual acquainted with the choice.
The particular person, who offered the complete roster to The Related Press, spoke on situation of anonymity Saturday as a result of no official announcement has been made.
The choice was first reported by The Athletic.
Clark does have some worldwide expertise with USA Basketball at a youthful degree, however she wasn’t in a position to make the nationwide coaching camp in Cleveland after she was invited as a result of she was main Iowa to the Last 4. Clark completed her profession because the NCAA’s Division I all-time scoring chief.
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Clark, now a rookie with the Indiana Fever, has drawn hundreds of thousands of latest followers to ladies’s basketball in her faculty profession and in addition in her younger WNBA profession.
Whereas Clark gained’t be headed to Paris, the U.S. is anticipated to take five-time gold medalist Diana Taurasi for a sixth Olympics. Taurasi can be joined by Phoenix Mercury teammate Brittney Griner.
This can be Griner’s first time enjoying internationally since she was detained in a Russian jail for 10 months in 2022. She mentioned she’ll solely play overseas with USA Basketball.
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Becoming a member of the pair can be Olympic veterans Breanna Stewart, A’ja Wilson, Napheesa Collier, Jewell Loyd and Chelsea Grey. Kelsey Plum and Jackie Younger, who helped the U.S. win the inaugural 3×3 gold medal on the Tokyo Video games in 2021, can even be on the crew.
A bunch of first time Olympians can be on the crew with Alyssa Thomas, Sabrina Ionescu and Kahleah Copper. All three performed on the American crew which gained the World Cup in Australia in 2022.
The U.S. ladies have gained each gold medal in ladies’s basketball for the reason that 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
Taurasi, who turns 42 earlier than the Paris Video games start, will break the document for many Olympics performed within the sport of basketball. 5 gamers, together with former teammate Sue Chicken, have competed in 5.
The U.S. crew will get collectively to coach for just a few days in Phoenix in July. Then its off to London for an exhibition sport in opposition to Germany earlier than heading to France.
The Individuals will play Japan, Belgium and Germany in pool play on the Olympics.
