South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley, a member of the United States women's national basketball team selection committee, admits that they may have made a mistake when they left Caitlin Clark off the Olympic roster.
"If we had to do it all over again - the way that she's playing - she would be in really high consideration of making the team because she is playing head and shoulders above a lot of people," Staley told NBC Sports' Mike Tirico, courtesy of Fieldhouse Files' Scott Agness.
Clark and the Indiana Fever have turned things around after a slow start to the season. The Iowa product enters the Olympic break averaging 17.1 points and a WNBA-leading 8.2 assists per contest.
Clark has set numerous league records during her rookie campaign, including the single-game mark for assists. The No. 1 overall pick in this year's draft was a first-time All-Star selection earlier this month.
While Clark has established herself among the WNBA's top players, Staley defended USA Basketball's decision as it was made before her breakout play.
"As a committee member, you're charged with putting together the best team of players. The best talent," Staley said. "Caitlin is just a rookie in the WNBA. Wasn't playing bad, but wasn't playing like she's playing now."
Staley added: "She's a little more seasoned in the pro game ... than she was two months ago."
Team USA begins its quest for an eighth straight Olympic gold medal on Monday against Japan.
