Bluder Expresses Concern Over Clark's Absence, Emphasizing Future Olympic Preparations

Former Iowa women's basketball coach Lisa Bluder has expressed disappointment over Caitlin Clark's absence from USA Basketball's national team for the Paris Olympics, voicing concerns about the team's development for the 2028 Los Angeles Games.

Former Iowa women's basketball coach Lisa Bluder has voiced her disappointment over Caitlin Clark's absence from USA Basketball's national team for the Paris Olympics, expressing concern about the team's development for the 2028 Los Angeles Games.

Bluder, who coached Clark at Iowa, told the Washington Post that she would have loved to see the Indiana Fever rookie phenom represent the U.S. in Paris but acknowledged the extreme difficulty in making the national team.

"She's represented USA Basketball many times. She's won three gold medals. But we have to remember, it is the hardest team to make anywhere. It is the hardest team to make. And the 12 women that they have chosen are exceptional women," Bluder said.

However, Bluder expressed reservations about the team's long-term prospects, noting its undefeated record since 1992.

"The only ‘but’ I have is: What about the future? Because this team has not lost a game since 1992," Bluder added. "So, they're a great group. They're experienced. There's no doubt we're going to win another gold medal in Paris. But what about the fact that in four years we're going to be playing in L.A.? How are we preparing for that? That would be my only ‘but.’"

Bluder suggested that Clark's absence might have been different if she had a full year in the WNBA, but she emphasized the silver lining of the time off she will now have after beginning her pro career immediately after Iowa.

"I think it would have benefited Caitlin if she would have had another year of experience and maybe not be coming right off of her collegiate season where she's pretty tired, as you can see in her play right [now]," Bluder said.

"Her body needs a rest," Bluder continued. "And the silver lining is that her body will get some rest during this break. And I think that's what we have to focus on is the silver lining to this whole deal."

Clark has stated that being left off the roster will motivate her, and Bluder is familiar with that aspect of Clark's personality.

"Any time that somebody doubts her, somebody says she can’t do something, she’s going to prove them wrong," Bluder said.

Despite her concerns, Bluder believes the U.S. team will win gold in Paris, but she urged the team to consider the future and develop players like Clark for the 2028 Olympics.

"I just hope that they're thinking about the future and what's best for the future of USA Basketball," Bluder said. "Because I love this program. I love the tradition. I love the history. And I want to see it continue to grow and be successful. And I think that's what's most important."