Indiana Fever rookie guard Caitlin Clark didn't make the 2024 U.S. Olympic team, but she doesn't appear to be taking it personally.
"I think it just gives you something to work for," Clark said Sunday, via The Athletic's James Boyd. "That's a dream. Hopefully, one day, I can be there. I think it's a little more motivation. You remember that. Hopefully, when four years comes back around, I can be there."
#IndianaFever No. 1 pick Caitlin Clark on not being picked for Team USA:
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) June 9, 2024
“No disappointment. I think it just gives you something to work for. That’s a dream. Hopefully one day I can be there. I think it’s just a little more motivation. You remember that.” | @TheAthleticWBB pic.twitter.com/EF1yNMUBR3
"I'm not shocked Clark didn't make it given the other guards who were ahead of her in the USA Basketball talent pool," wrote ESPN's Alexa Philippou. "Taurasi realistically wasn't going to be left off if she was healthy. And assuming Gray is ready to play — she has yet to play in the WNBA this season as she continues her way back from an injury last fall in the WNBA Finals — it's more difficult for a rookie guard like Clark to break through."
While Clark doesn't seem too upset about the snub, expect her to use it as motivation, which should make her a better player.
"She got the call on the bus," Fever head coach Christie Sides said, via Chloe Peterson of the IndyStar. "She texted me to let me know, and I just tried to keep her spirits [up]. And she said, 'Hey 'coach, they woke a monster.' Which I thought was awesome."
Clark scored 30 points for the second time this season in an 85-83 victory over the Washington Mystics on Friday. Perhaps she'll turn in another outstanding performance on Monday against the Connecticut Sun.
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