"First time in 16 years I wasn’t the reason somebody didn’t make the team": Geno Auriemma shares his feelings amid Caitlin Clark Olympics roster drama

Geno Auriemma, the head coach of the UConn Huskies women's basketball team, has given his response to Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark's omission from Team USA's Olympic roster. Clark had a historic college career and is one of the most popular athletes in the country. However, she will not be on the team for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games beginning next month.

Talking with the Hartford Corant, Auriemma reflected on USA basketball's decision to not include Caitlin Clark.

"My favorite part (this year) is that nobody mentioned me, I thought that was great," Auriemma said. "First time in 16 years I wasn’t the reason somebody didn’t make the team, or somebody did."

Geno Auriemma knows the pressure that the coach of the US Olympic team (which in 2024 is Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeves) is under. He led the women's team from 2009 till 2016, winning the gold medal in 2012 and 2016.

The United States has won seven consecutive gold medals in the event, and Reeves will want to make it an eighth consecutive win. For this, she had to pick the 12 best players in women's basketball.

It could easily be argued that Clark has the potential to be one of these 12 players. However, her recent form in the WNBA has been below par when compared to what she did in college. These struggles would have been taken into consideration for the Olympic team picks.

However, even with Clark not being included on the Olympic team, Auriemma said that does not mean she is not a great player. Comparing this decision to not including Charles Barkley in the Olympic team in 1980, he said:

"I don’t remember it being an international incident when Charles Barkley didn’t make the team (in the 1980s), he turned out to be a hell of a player."

Even without Caitlin Clark, the U.S. women's basketball team is going to be a contender to win the gold medal.

Geno Auriemma praises Diana Taurasi

Geno Auriemma also spoke to the Hartford Courant about the players who did make the team.

He focused on the inclusion of former UConn Huskie Diana Taurasi, who is 42 and is still playing at the top of her game. On her inclusion in the team, Geno Auriemma said:

"If she stayed healthy, she’d play till she’s 60, Sue (Bird) was the same way. If they could just show up and play and not go through everything it takes to get ready to play, that’s the grind they don’t like.

"But the love of the game, wanting to play, TV, winning gold medals, that will never go away. She just loves the game too much and the game loves her, that’s the best part."

Taurasi has made a good start to the WNBA season, scoring 16.9 points per game and 2.1 assists. Her long experience in the sport (this will be her sixth Olympic Games) will allow her to help those less experienced players who are playing in their first Olympics.

Together, this team can help the U.S. win another gold medal in women's basketball, even without Caitlin Clark.