Clark on Team USA omission: 'A little more motivation'

Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark rebuffed the notion that she was frustrated by being left off Team USA's squad for the 2024 Olympic Games.

"Honestly, no disappointment," she said at practice Sunday, courtesy of Chloe Peterson of The Indianapolis Star. "I think it just gives you something to work for. You know, 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 come back around, I can be there."

USA Basketball has yet to officially announce its women's roster for the Paris Games, but reports over the weekend revealed a 12-player squad featuring several WNBA veterans and previous gold-medal winners but not the former Iowa standout. Her absence from the list sparked plenty of debate on social media, though Clark herself had not commented until Sunday.

The 22-year-old was invited earlier this year to a USA Basketball minicamp while at Iowa but was unable to attend as it conflicted with the Hawkeyes' deep run to the NCAA Tournament final. If the program eventually circles back to Clark to invite her as an injury replacement, she said she would happily accept.

"I think it would be a great opportunity," she said. "A lot of ifs, so - my main focus is on the Fever. Like, that's what it is. If USA Basketball needs something, I have a great relationship with them. But the 12 they have selected are really, really great players.

"So, I think they're in pretty good hands. A great coach; Cheryl (Reeves) is a great coach. Selection committee did a really good job. So, yeah, just focus on the Fever and what we can do to be better."

The 2024 first overall pick is up to 16.8 points per game as a rookie after putting up 30 points Friday to beat the Washington Mystics. Clark shot 7-of-13 from deep in the win; she hadn't hit more than four threes in a game all season.