Caitlin Clark receives another disappointment from USA Basketball ahead of the Olympics

Much has been made of Caitlin Clark‘s “snub” from the national team selected to compete for gold at this year’s Summer Olympic Games in Paris. Not only was Clark omitted from the 12-player roster for the Games next month, she also missed out on selection for the 3-on-3 women’s team that will be competing separately at the Olympics — a team that fellow rookie Cameron Brink made.

However, Brink’s recent knee injury has changed the equation, and she needed a replacement on the smaller 3-on-3 roster. While many instantly name-checked Clark as an ideal replacement, the reality could not be more different.

One Spark replaces another

Clark did not meet eligibility requirements that would have warranted selection to the 3×3 team — but one of Brink’s Los Angeles Sparks teammates did.

USA Basketball on Monday announced Dearica Hamby as Brink’s replacement on the 3×3 team. Hamby met FIBA‘s eligibility criteria and is enjoying a superb season in Los Angeles for the rebuilding Sparks.

Hamby is one of four WNBA players this season averaging a double-double per game, and even if Clark had met FIBA criteria to merit selection to the 3×3 team, Hamby is a more direct replacement for Brink — and she gives the US a better chance to bring home another gold medal.

In the meantime, Clark will continue to wait and work, in anticipation of making the cut for the 2028 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles.