Caitlin Clark reacts to Team USA snub: 'You remember that'

When Team USA revealed its roster, many were shocked to find that Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark was left off the roster.

Clark has since commented on the matter, revealing her level of disappointment of having not made the team for the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

“No disappointment. I think it just gives you something to work for,” Clark said on Sunday. “That’s a dream. Hopefully one day I can be there. I think it’s just a little more motivation. You remember that and hopefully, when four years comes back around, I can be there.”

When it comes to not making the Olympic team, Caitlin Clark has nothing but praise for the 12 who made it: “it’s the toughest team to make.”

Clip: pic.twitter.com/LX59YA5Bzf

— Chloe Peterson (@chloepeterson67) June 9, 2024

The official Team USA list was selected as follows: 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.

Clark was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft coming out of Iowa this spring. After averaging 31.6 points, 8.9 assists and 7.4 rebounds per game in her final season with the Hawkeyes, Clark’s swift transition to the WNBA is seeing her currently average 15.6 points, 6.4 assists and 5.1 rebounds per game as a rookie.

In the end, Clark said that those in charge of piecing together Team USA for the upcoming Paris Olympic Games called her and told her the news before announcing the team themselves. However, Clark said that this wasn’t unique to her case stating that there were a lot of women vying for a spot on the team.

“I’m excited for the girls that are on the team,” Clark continued. “It’s the most competitive team in the world and it could have gone either way with me being on the team or not being on the team. I’m excited for them and I’ll be rooting them on to win gold.”

It’s worth noting that Clark was invited to participate in USA Basketball’s training camp in April, which was essentially used as a tryout for the team as the camp was led by Women’s National Team head coach Cheryl Reeve.

However, the camp and the Final Four overlapped and Clark chose not to miss her final few games at Iowa as she chased a national title. Whether that decision played into the final decision to leave her off the roster is up for debate, but the snub has still left some fans scratching their head.

USA Basketball is set to compete for its eighth consecutive Olympic gold medal this summer in Paris. The 2024 Paris Olympic Games are set for July 26 through Aug. 11.