Dallas Wings star guard Arike Ogunbowale made headlines this week as she revealed that she had voluntarily removed herself from consideration for the USA Basketball pool for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Ogunbowale expressed her belief that the selection committee did not want her on the team and emphasized the role politics plays in the decision-making process.

During an appearance on the show "Nightcap" with Shannon Sharpe, Gilbert Arenas, and Chad "OchoCinco" Johnson, Ogunbowale shared her insights on the Olympic trials. She asserted that the decision-making process was more than just about players' skills and abilities. "When it comes to [the Olympic trials], it really doesn't have much to do with your game," Ogunbowale said. "It's really about who they feel like fits with the team."

Ogunbowale explained that she made the decision to remove her name from the pool several months ago after realizing that she would not be selected. She acknowledged that while she believed she deserved a spot on the team, the released roster confirmed her exclusion. She described the criteria for team selection as "subjective," implying that individual opinions heavily influence the outcome.

When asked about the influence of politics on the committee's decision-making process, Ogunbowale acknowledged the presence of politics in USA Basketball, both in college and professional leagues. She stated, "There's politics in everything, so I'm gonna just leave it at that."

Ogunbowale's comments came following her and Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark's initial exclusion from this year's Olympic roster, leading to speculation that the two may have been snubbed for their first-time appearances.

As the fifth pick in the 2019 Draft, Ogunbowale has established herself as a prominent figure in the WNBA. With three All-Star appearances and recognition on the All-WNBA First Team in 2021 and Second Team in 2022, she has constantly showcased her talent. In the current season, she has been averaging an impressive 26.2 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game while maintaining shooting percentages of 36.5% from the field, 32.3% from three, and 93% from the free-throw line.

In the recent match against the Seattle Storm, despite the Dallas Wings' 92-84 loss, Ogunbowale led her team with 24 points, six rebounds, and five assists.

Ogunbowale's decision to withdraw from the USA Basketball pool serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in selecting national teams and highlights the presence of politics in the process. As fans eagerly anticipate the 2024 Paris Olympics, discussions around fair and transparent team selection criteria may gain further momentum.