The U.S. women’s national basketball team has been a major talking point recently, with discussions revolving around the 2024 Olympic roster. While the final 12-woman roster has been announced, some notable players were left out, sparking debates.
One such player is Arike Ogunbowale, a guard for the Dallas Wings, who made the decision to withdraw herself from the Team USA pool ahead of the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris. Ogunbowale shared her thoughts on the situation during an interview on the “Nightcap” podcast.
According to Ogunbowale, the selection committee’s decision seemed to be based more on team fit rather than individual skill. She expressed her belief that her playing style may not have aligned with what the committee was looking for in a team member. Despite feeling confident in her abilities, Ogunbowale made the choice to remove herself from consideration months ago.
The talented guard, who is currently one of the leading scorers in the WNBA, emphasized that politics often play a role in women’s basketball, influencing decisions at various levels of the sport. She acknowledged the subjective nature of selection criteria and the presence of politics in determining team rosters, including those for All-Star games and national teams.
Ogunbowale’s impressive track record in the WNBA includes earning All-WNBA honors in previous seasons and leading the league in scoring in 2020. Her skills on the court are undeniable, and her decision to step back from the Olympic team pool sheds light on the complexities and challenges faced by athletes in the world of professional basketball.
As discussions continue around the Olympic roster and potential replacements, Ogunbowale’s story serves as a reminder of the nuanced factors that come into play in elite sports competitions. Despite the disappointment of not being selected for the team, Ogunbowale’s focus remains on her performance in the WNBA and continuing to excel in her career as a professional basketball player.