Former Team USA Basketball coach Dawn Staley reveals what Caitlin Clark needed to do to earn Olympics spot in Paris

Former U.S. women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley praised the growth of Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark, saying her play in recent months could have earned her a spot on the roster if the decision had been made later.

Clark was 12 games into her career when the roster for Team USA was released, meaning the Iowa star had to watch the Olympics from home.

But when asked about Clark by NBC’s Mike Tirico, Staley thought the Fever star might have been able to play if the selection decision had been made closer to the Olympics.

‘As a committee member you are responsible for compiling [the] “The best team of players, the best talent,” Staley said.

‘Caitlin is just a rookie in the WNBA. [She] didn’t play badly, but didn’t play like she’s playing now.

Clark is getting some well-deserved rest after a grueling season that started in November

“If we had to do it again, she would definitely be considered for a place in the team, given the way she plays. She is head and shoulders above the rest and a great shooter.

“I mean, she’s an elite passer. She’s just got a great basketball IQ and she’s a little more experienced in the pro game in a couple of months… than she was two months ago.”

Clark has grown exponentially since her rejection, ranking 12th in the league in scoring, leading in assists and in the top five in 3-pointers made.

But this break also gives Clark something equally important: her first real chance at rest since she started playing college basketball last November.

Despite that much-needed time off, many believe Clark deserved to make the roster — including controversial conservative pundit Jason Whitlock

“Just admit you were petty and blew a huge opportunity. The U.S. women’s team is irrelevant without CC,” Whitlock said in response to Staley’s comments.

The US team opens Monday with a match against Japan.