Caitlin Clark's Olympics snub: Did women's basketball blow the layup?

The "Caitlin Clark Effect."

For the first time in history, the whole world is talking about women's basketball. Why? Because Caitlin Clark sent viewership and engagement to new levels while becoming the most prolific scorer — male or female — in college basketball history. And as the No. 1 overall draft pick by the Indiana Fever, she has brought this following with her into the WNBA. 

Yet, she was left off of the 2024 U.S. Women's Olympic basketball team. And some people are not happy.

Colin Cowherd voiced his disapproval of the decision on FS1's "The Herd" on Monday.

"Caitlin Clark, who is not one of the top 12-15 WNBA players, did not make the Olympic team," Cowhered said. "But Christian Laettner wasn't one of the top 100 players in the NBA, and he made an Olympic team. Jaylen Brown is not on this (upcoming Men's) Olympic team, and he's one of the top 15 players.

So, if it seems that talent is not the only factor that guarantees a spot for players on the Olympic team, what does? According to Cowherd, it's all about "politics."

"Olympic basketball teams, men's and women's has always been subjective and very political. Isaiah Thomas didn't make it. Why? Michael Jordan didn't like him," Cowherd said. "To me, it feels like an opportunity wasted."

Cowherd went on to argue that not only would Clark garner viewership for the women's Olympic team, but she would also make her teammates money in endorsements.

"The WNBA finals had 700,000 viewers. The draft that included Caitlin Clark had three times as many. I would make the argument, like a Tiger Woods or a Connor McGregor in their prime, that she would make other people money beyond herself." Cowherd said. "The women's Olympic team does not lose in the Olympics. I think