In a fiery outburst that has set the sports world buzzing, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith didn’t hold back after learning that Caitlin Clark, one of the brightest stars in women’s college basketball, was not included on the Team USA roster for the upcoming international competitions. Known for his outspoken and often controversial takes, Smith took to the airwaves with an explosive reaction, calling out both the WNBA and Team USA for the snub of Clark, who has been dominating the NCAA and is widely regarded as one of the most talented players in women’s basketball today.

A Shocking Snub

Caitlin Clark, who has taken the basketball world by storm with her incredible scoring ability, basketball IQ, and leadership on the court, was widely expected to be a part of Team USA for the upcoming international events. The Iowa Hawkeyes guard has been a standout player in college basketball, winning numerous accolades, including the 2023 NCAA Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player award and being named the Naismith College Player of the Year. Her incredible performances have made her a household name and a candidate for representing the United States on the international stage.

However, when the Team USA roster was announced, Clark’s name was notably absent, leaving many basketball fans scratching their heads. This glaring omission set off a firestorm of reactions, with many questioning how a player of Clark’s caliber could be left off the team.

Stephen A. Smith’s Explosive Response

Smith, never one to shy away from expressing his opinions, wasted no time in addressing the situation. On a recent episode of ESPN’s “First Take,” he went off on the WNBA and Team USA for what he saw as a major oversight. “This is an absolute joke!” Smith exclaimed. “How in the world is Caitlin Clark not on this roster? She’s one of the best players in the country, male or female! She’s been lighting it up in college basketball, and for Team USA to leave her off this roster is not only disrespectful to her, but to the game of basketball as a whole.”

Smith didn’t stop there. He went on to criticize the WNBA and Team USA’s selection process, suggesting that the decision to exclude Clark was not based on merit but rather a failure to recognize the changing landscape of women’s basketball. “What are we doing here? We are supposed to be evolving, recognizing the talent that is emerging in women’s basketball. Caitlin Clark is a once-in-a-generation talent. If she’s not on Team USA, who is? This is a slap in the face to her and every young player who dreams of playing for their country.”

The Case for Caitlin Clark

Smith’s outrage is rooted in the overwhelming evidence of Clark’s dominance on the court. In addition to her individual awards, Clark led the Iowa Hawkeyes to a national championship game appearance and was the undisputed star of the tournament. Her ability to score from anywhere on the floor, including from deep range, her playmaking skills, and her leadership have drawn comparisons to some of the best to ever play the game, including NBA stars.

Clark’s stellar performances have not gone unnoticed by fans and analysts alike, yet her exclusion from Team USA has sparked debate over the selection criteria and what it takes to earn a spot on the prestigious roster. While Team USA typically relies on professional players from the WNBA, Clark’s exclusion highlights a larger conversation about whether the selection process has overlooked some of the brightest stars in college basketball.

Is It Time for Change in Team USA’s Selection Process?

Stephen A. Smith’s criticism has led many to question the way Team USA assembles its roster. While it’s traditional for the national team to be composed of experienced WNBA players, the growing talent pool in women’s college basketball cannot be ignored. Players like Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, and others have shown that they can perform at the highest level, and their inclusion in Team USA should be a consideration, regardless of their current professional status.

The exclusion of Clark has raised a larger issue about how Team USA’s selection process might need to evolve to accommodate the best talent available. Should Team USA stick solely to professional players, or is it time to start considering the standout players from college basketball who are already making waves and proving their skills on the national stage?

Smith also raised the point that the future of women’s basketball lies in empowering and elevating the next generation of players. “We can’t keep ignoring the stars that are coming up in college basketball. Caitlin Clark is a prime example. If we want to grow the game, we need to include the best players, no matter where they are coming from,” he said passionately.

Reactions From the Basketball Community

The reaction to Clark’s exclusion from Team USA has been mixed. Some agree with Smith’s outrage, pointing out that her talent and accomplishments over the past year deserve recognition at the international level. Others believe that Team USA should focus on experience and familiarity, with the assumption that players from the WNBA have a more established track record in high-pressure international competitions.

However, many fans and players are voicing their frustration over the exclusion of a player who has captured the attention of the entire basketball world. Social media has been flooded with calls for Clark to be added to the roster, with hashtags like #LetCaitlinPlay gaining traction. Notable WNBA players and analysts have also expressed their surprise and disappointment, acknowledging that the WNBA and Team USA must do a better job of recognizing emerging talent.

The Bigger Picture

Stephen A. Smith’s outburst underscores a larger issue in sports—how we define and measure greatness. In women’s basketball, this includes a rethinking of how we evaluate players from different levels of competition. Clark, as a top-tier college player, has proven that she deserves the chance to compete at the highest level, and her absence from the Team USA roster highlights the need for growth and flexibility in the selection process.

While Smith’s reaction may have been fiery, it reflects a growing movement that demands a more inclusive and forward-thinking approach to women’s sports. If the goal is to push women’s basketball to new heights and inspire future generations of players, it’s crucial that all deserving athletes, regardless of their professional status, are given the opportunity to represent their country.

Conclusion

Stephen A. Smith’s blistering criticism of the WNBA and Team USA following Caitlin Clark’s snub has sparked a critical conversation about the future of women’s basketball. With Clark’s exceptional talent and accomplishments, the question remains: How can we continue to grow the game if we fail to recognize emerging stars? As the debate continues, it’s clear that Clark’s exclusion is just one chapter in a larger story about how women’s basketball is evolving—and the decisions made today will shape the future of the sport for generations to come.