Former Iowa women’s basketball coach Lisa Bluder was among the many many who had been dissatisfied to study that Caitlin Clark is not going to be headed to Paris subsequent month with USA Basketball’s nationwide crew.
However her concern isn’t for the ladies’s crew in the Olympics this 12 months however moderately what Clark’s absence will imply for the crew competing in Los Angeles in 2028.
Head coach Lisa Bluder of the Iowa Hawkeyes is seen through the recreation towards South Carolina through the NCAA Ladies’s Basketball Event Closing 4 semifinal recreation at American Airways Middle on March 31, 2023, in Dallas. (Maddie Meyer/Getty Photos)
Talking with the Washington Publish, Bluder mentioned she is aware of how troublesome it’s to make the nationwide crew, however she “would like to have seen” the Indiana Fever rookie phenom symbolize the U.S. in Paris.
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“She’s represented USA Basketball many instances. She’s received three gold medals. However now we have to recollect, it’s the hardest crew to make wherever. It’s the hardest crew to make. And the 12 ladies that they’ve chosen are distinctive ladies,” she mentioned.
“The one ‘however’ I’ve is: What in regards to the future? As a result of this crew has not misplaced a recreation since 1992,” Bluder added. “So, they’re an incredible group. They’re skilled. There isn’t any doubt we’ll win one other gold medal in Paris. However what about the truth that in 4 years we’ll be enjoying in L.A.? How are we making ready for that? That may be my solely ‘however.’”
Bluder prompt it may need been totally different if Clark had at the very least a full 12 months in the WNBA, however the “silver lining” would be the time without work she’ll now have after starting her professional profession instantly after ending her profession in Iowa.
Iowa guard Caitlin Clark will get a hug from head coach Lisa Bluder after a recreation towards Michigan on Feb. 27, 2022, in Iowa Metropolis. (AP Picture/Charlie Neibergall)
“I believe it might have benefited Caitlin if she would have had one other 12 months of expertise and perhaps not be coming proper off of her collegiate season the place she’s fairly drained, as you may see in her play proper 1718093648.”
“Her physique wants a relaxation,” Bluder continued. “And the silver lining is that her physique will get some relaxation throughout this break. And I believe that is what now we have to give attention to is the silver lining to this entire deal.”
Clark has mentioned that being left off the roster can be motivation for her. Bluder is conversant in that model of Clark.
Iowa head coach Lisa Bluder and Iowa guard Caitlin Clark are seen after a recreation towards the Michigan Wolverines on Feb. 15, 2024, at Carver-Hawkeye Area in Iowa Metropolis. (Keith Gillett/Icon Sportswire by way of Getty Photos)
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“Any time that any individual doubts her, any individual says she will’t do one thing, she’s going to show them flawed.”
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