In a turn of events that sent basketball aficionados buzzing and Parisian hotels lowering their cancellation fees, Caitlin Clark has been left off the Team USA 2024 Paris Olympics roster. While anticipation was rife among her legions of fans, the former Iowa superstar wasn't too surprised, having somewhat expected the decision.

Clark, one of 14 elite players invited to the Team USA camp, was unavailable to attend due to leading Iowa to the national championship game in the NCAA Tournament. You know, because juggling a college midterm and an international basketball career is just too pedestrian.

Coach Cheryl Reeve’s roster appears to lean more heavily on seasoned veterans, a strategy as traditional as black coffee and a belief that experience trumps youthful exuberance. The expected cast of characters includes household names like A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, Diana Taurasi, Brittney Griner, Alyssa Thomas, Napheesa Collier, Jewell Loyd, Kelsey Plum, Jackie Young, Sabrina Ionescu, Chelsea Gray, and Kahleah Copper. Apparently, it's a team so star-studded it could power a small solar panel.

There is, however, a shred of hope for Clark's admirers. Should Chelsea Gray not recover from her leg injury, Clark might still be able to make it to Paris. One can almost hear the collective gasps of relief from Parisian merchants who were bracing for reduced sales in Eiffel Tower keychains.

No Hard Feelings, Just More Motivation

In an interview as level-headed as her three-point shot, Clark confirmed her non-selection but emphasized that there is "no disappointment." If anything, the snub only serves as more motivation for the 22-year-old phenom. Imagine turning a career oversight into a motivational poster—Clark seems poised to do just that.

Despite the Olympics miss, Clark's absence could well be the marketing department's worst nightmare. She has significantly increased interest in the WNBA, boosting TV ratings and selling out games. This is the basketball equivalent of putting a supercharger on an already roaring engine.

Team USA’s missed opportunity to include such a dynamic player certainly raises some eyebrows. Even coach Cheryl Reeve has previously voiced concerns about Clark receiving more attention than the rest of the league. We might never know if this had an impact on the roster decision—but it sure makes for good spectator sport.

A Courtesy Call and Optimism

Courtesy calls before announcements are often reserved for breakups and job rejections. In this case, Clark received a phone call informing her of her non-selection before any formal public statements were made. It’s less like being in the eye of a press storm and more like being in the calm before said inevitable storm.

Despite her non-selection, Clark showed enthusiasm for supporting Team USA and watching them compete in the Olympics. Her optimism is palpable, and she highlighted that selection procedures for the national team include availability, position played, and versatility—a trifecta she seems determined to ace in the near future.

Five-time gold medalist Diana Taurasi and her Phoenix Mercury teammate Brittney Griner will both grace the Parisian courts. If you’re placing bets, it's worth noting the U.S. women have snagged every gold medal in women's basketball since the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. No pressure for the rookies, then.

So, while Caitlin Clark might be absent from this year’s Olympic roster, she's far from out of the game. She’s got her eyes set firmly on future opportunities, much to the joy of her fans and likely the dismay of her competition.

For now, Paris might miss out on the electric energy she brings, but as Clark jokingly puts it, her non-selection is just more fuel for the fire. One can almost hear the Paris tourism board sighing heavily, already missing the economic boost her presence would have undoubtedly brought.