In a surprising decision, Caitlin Clark, the WNBA rookie sensation and all-time college scoring leader, will not be joining the U.S. national team as they travel to the Paris Olympics, according to a source familiar with the matter. The official announcement of Team USA's roster is yet to be made, but it has been revealed that the team will consist of 12 veteran players, leaving Clark out of the lineup.

The roster is expected to include star players such as Brittney Griner, A'ja Wilson, and Breanna Stewart, who have all made a significant impact in the WNBA. While Team USA spokesperson has stated that no official announcement has been made, the absence of Clark from the squad highlights the team's focus on experience and proven talent.

Clark's performance in her short professional career has been remarkable, with her latest game showcasing her scoring prowess. She scored an impressive 30 points and sank seven 3-pointers in the Indiana Fever's thrilling 85-83 victory against the Washington Mystics. This outstanding performance earned her the title of the WNBA's rookie of the month for May.

However, Clark's long-range shooting has been inconsistent, with a shooting percentage of just 32.7% from beyond the arc. Despite her remarkable college career and her impact on the WNBA, this statistical inconsistency could have played a role in the decision to exclude her from the Olympic roster.

While the on-court justifications for leaving Clark out of the team are evident, her absence also means that Team USA is missing an opportunity to generate additional excitement and buzz around the competition. Since joining the WNBA, Clark's presence alone has transformed the league into a hot ticket and must-see TV. Her popularity has resulted in larger arenas and increased fan attendance.

As the overall No. 1 pick in the 2021 WNBA draft, Clark's exclusion from the Olympic roster contrasts with previous years when rookies have been included. Players like Diana Taurasi, Alyssa Thomas, and Jewell Loyd have had the privilege of representing Team USA in their inaugural seasons.

Fans of Clark and other top WNBA players who did not secure a spot in the Olympic squad, such as Arike Ogunbowale and Dearica Hamby, may be disappointed. However, the confirmed roster for the Paris Olympics is expected to feature a formidable lineup, headlined by players like Wilson, Stewart, Griner, Taurasi, and Collier.

If Clark does not make it to Paris, her next opportunity to participate in the Olympics will be in 2028 when the Games are held in Los Angeles. In the meantime, Team USA's focus remains on their first game against Japan, scheduled for July 29th in Lille, France.

Despite the absence of a rising star like Clark, fans across the globe eagerly await an exciting and competitive Olympic basketball tournament.