South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley, who is also a member of the United States women’s national basketball team selection committee, acknowledges a potential oversight in the selection process for the Olympic roster. Staley stated that Caitlin Clark would be a top candidate for the team if the selection were made today.
“If we had to do it all over again – the way that she’s playing – she would be in really high consideration of making the team because she is playing head and shoulders above a lot of people,” Staley told NBC Sports’ Mike Tirico, as reported by Fieldhouse Files’ Scott Agness.
Clark, along with the Indiana Fever, has shown significant improvement after a slow start to the season. The Iowa native is currently averaging 17.1 points and leading the WNBA with 8.2 assists per game.
During her rookie season, Clark has set several league records, including the single-game assists record. She was also selected as a first-time All-Star earlier this month.
Despite her impressive performance, Staley defended the USA Basketball selection committee’s decision, which was made prior to Clark’s recent standout play.
“As a committee member, you’re charged with putting together the best team of players. The best talent,” Staley said. “Caitlin is just a rookie in the WNBA. Wasn’t playing bad, but wasn’t playing like she’s playing now.”
Staley further commented, “She’s a little more seasoned in the pro game … than she was two months ago.”
Team USA is set to begin its pursuit of an eighth consecutive Olympic gold medal on Monday against Japan.
