“Here’s the basketball criteria that we were given as a committee and how do we evaluate our players based on that?” she said. “And when you base your decision on criteria, there were other players that were harder to cut because they checked a lot more boxes. Then sometimes it comes down to position, style of play for (coach Cheryl Reeve) and then sometimes a vote.”
The team heading to Paris includes seven players from the group that won gold in Tokyo, including Diana Taurasi who is back for a record sixth time. Notably, her Olympic career started in Athens when she was a WNBA rookie in the 2004.
The team heading to Paris includes seven players from the group that won gold in Tokyo, including Diana Taurasi who is back for a record sixth time. Notably, her Olympic career started in Athens when she was a WNBA rookie in the 2004.
Clark, the No. 1 overall pick after a record-setting tenure at Iowa, is seen by many as the main reason for increased interest in women’s basketball and the WNBA. While in college, her games set viewing records and some WNBA teams have moved games against Clark’s Indiana Fever to accommodate more fans.
Beyond the debate of whether she should be on the team, Clark’s success, or lack thereof, during her rookie season and the phenomenon around her has led to larger conversations about race, sports culture and the media’s place in that discussion.
