In a recent podcast appearance, Arike Ogunbowale, the talented guard for the Dallas Wings, opened up about her decision to withdraw herself from consideration for the USA women's basketball roster for the 2024 Olympics. Ogunbowale, a three-time WNBA All-Star and recipient of multiple All-WNBA honors, expressed her belief that politics played a significant role in the selection process.

Ogunbowale's omission from the Olympic roster sparked disappointment among WNBA fans, who felt that she, along with Caitlin Clark, was unfairly left out. The guard's stellar performance on the court has been undeniable, as she consistently puts up impressive numbers. This season, Ogunbowale has been averaging a career-high of 24.9 points per game, showcasing her prowess as the top-scoring guard in the WNBA.

During the "Nightcap" podcast with hosts Shannon Sharpe and Chad Johnson, Ogunbowale shed light on her decision to remove herself from contention months ahead of the official announcement. She revealed that she sensed politics were at play in the selection process, emphasizing that these factors often have little to do with a player's actual performance on the court.

"When it comes to that stuff, it really doesn't have much to do with your game," Ogunbowale explained. "I pretty much had an idea that I wouldn't be on it. I just felt the vibes."

Despite being aware of her unlikelihood of making the team, Ogunbowale stated that it did not diminish her belief in her own abilities. Reflecting on her decision, she mentioned how her name was absent from the list of selected players, causing others to voice their disappointment about her omission.

"I knew I wouldn't be on it. That's not saying I didn't think maybe last year I would be on the team, that I was good enough to make the team," Ogunbowale added.

Ogunbowale's decision not to pursue a spot on the Olympic roster came as a blow to fans who recognized her immense talent. However, the guard acknowledged that subjective factors and team fit played a role in the selection process alongside performance statistics. The guards who did make the cut for Team USA included renowned players such as Diana Taurasi, Sabrina Ionescu, Kelsey Plum, Jewell Loyd, Chelsea Gray, and Jackie Young.

This is not the first time Ogunbowale has encountered politics within women's basketball. She highlighted that politics have always been present, whether it be in USA Basketball, All-Star teams, or All-WNBA selections, suggesting that it is a widespread issue within the sport.

Wings Head Coach Latricia Trammell voiced her disappointment at Ogunbowale's exclusion from the Olympic roster, expressing her belief that the star guard deserves to be in the MVP conversation. Trammell emphasized that she remains proud of the players who did make the team and has faith that they will represent the country admirably.

As Ogunbowale continues to dominate on the court with her remarkable scoring ability, her decision to remove herself from Olympic consideration sheds light on the complexities and potential biases surrounding team selections in women's basketball. The controversy surrounding her exclusion highlights the ongoing debate about the influence of politics and subjective factors in the sport.