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Caitlin Clark has been under the watchful eye of WNBA fans ever since ascending to professional women's basketball.
So when her omission from the Team USA roster for the Paris 2024 Olympics was made official, fans were stunned into silence - including popular TV personality Stephen A. Smith.
The 22-year-old was the No.1 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft and as expected, signed with the Indiana Fever as she brought her new fanbase to the league.
Even after a difficult start, Clark was still expected to make the final squad jetting off to Paris - given her global appeal and undeniable talent. It was seen as a perfect opportunity to help grow the WNBA after a sharp rise in its domestic viewing figures.
However, Clark was left off the list of players to be coached by head coach Cheryl Reeve, who did not have a part in the selection process. It is believed there was a preference for more established players, such as A'ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart, who were included.
But Smith, who regularly features as an analyst on ESPN, made a wider point about the WNBA's global appeal and said Clark was their biggest attraction.
"This girl is box office! I said a rising tide lifts all boats. What you do [is include Caitlin Clark], especially if you're Team USA and you're trying to be globalized and there's an opportunity to globalize the WNBA brand, so people like Brittney Griner and others don't have to go to Russia in the offseason to play additional basketball to get extra income," he said.
"They could stay right here if the sport elevates it popularity and you ladies start to get what you richly deserve!
Caitlin Clark reacts with class to shock snub
Those who know Clark would have expected nothing less after her expert-level media training, and she lent her to the players heading to Paris, saying she hoped to make the roster in 2028.
"I'm excited for them, gonna be rooting them on to win gold. I was a kid that grew up watching the Olympics, it'll be fun to watch them.
"Honestly, no disappointment. I think it just gives you something to work for. It's a dream, hopefully one day I can be there.
"I think it's just a little bit more motivation. You that and hopefully when four years comes back around, I can be there."