WNBA player Arike Ogunbowale discusses why he decided not to compete in the Olympic team pool following Caitlin Clark’s rejection.
Following reports that WNBA rookie Caitlin Clark would not be included on the 2024 Olympic squad, the U.S. women’s national basketball team has been the talk of the town for the past few days.
The final 12-woman roster is made up of Diana Taurasi, Kahleah Copper, A’Ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray, Breanna Stewart, Brittney Griner, Alyssa Thomas, Napheesa Collier, Jewell Loyd, Kelsey Plum, Jackie Young, and Sabrina Ionescu.
Although Clark’s exclusion generated a lot of discussion, she wasn’t the only athlete who was perhaps overlooked. Guard Arike Ogunbowale of the Dallas Wings recently disclosed that she made the decision to withdraw from the Team USA roster in advance of the next Olympic Games in Paris.
During a podcast appearance on “Nightcap,” Ogunbowale expressed her belief that the selection committee overlooked her due to what they perceived as a lack of overall compatibility with the team.
“When it comes to the Olympic trials, it’s not solely about your skillset,” the three-time WNBA All-Star explained to “Nightcap” hosts Shannon Sharpe and Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson.
“It’s more about who they believe meshes well with the team. I actually withdrew my name from consideration months ago. This isn’t to say I didn’t think I had a shot last year and was capable of making the team. But when the roster was announced, I knew I wouldn’t be included.”
Ogunbowale trailed Las Vegas Aces player and two-time league MVP A’ja Wilson in scoring heading into Saturday’s matchup with the Connecticut Sun.