Much has been made of Caitlin Clark’s “snub” from the national team chosen to vie for gold at this year’s Summer Olympics in Paris. Clark was not only left off the 12-player roster for the Games next month, but she was also passed over for the 3-on-3 women’s team, which will compete separately at the Olympics and is led by fellow rookie Cameron Brink.
However, Brink’s recent knee injury altered the equation, as she need a substitute on the smaller 3-on-3 roster. While many people immediately thought of Clark as a suitable alternative, the reality couldn’t be more different.
One Spark replaces another
Clark did not reach the eligibility requirements for selection to the 3×3 squad; however, one of Brink’s Los Angeles Sparks colleagues did.
On Monday, USA Basketball announced Dearica Hamby as Brink’s successor for the 3×3 team. Hamby met FIBA’s qualifying rules and is having a great season in Los Angeles for the Lakers for the revamping Sparks.
Let's get more gold @dearicamarie 🤝
Dearica Hamby has been named to the 2024 🇺🇸 #3x3WNT for the Olympic Games in Paris! pic.twitter.com/yTUTsTlMT8
— USA Basketball 3×3 (@usab3x3) June 24, 2024
Hamby is one of four WNBA players this season averaging a double-double per game, and even if Clark had satisfied FIBA standards for selection to the 3×3 squad, Hamby is a more direct replacement for Brink, giving the United States a better chance of winning another gold medal.
Meanwhile, Clark will continue to wait and work in hopes of making the cut for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
I promise you, Caitlin Clark sitting on the bench for 98% of games at the Olympics but commanding 98% of the coverage does not do the service to growing women’s basketball you think it does
— Chris Bumbaca (@BOOMbaca) June 8, 2024
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