After Caitlin Clark’s Olympic Snub, Coach Sandy Brondello Spills the Beans on Diana Taurasi’s Selection

There was a lot of controversy when Caitlin Clark was snubbed from Team USA for the Paris Olympics. Her fans were furious with the fact that veterans were selected while young rookies found it difficult to have a place on the team. One of the most prominent names that was questioned was the Phoenix Mercury’s Diana Taurasi especially because she is 42 years old, an age at which most basketball athletes retire. But Taurasi added another Olympic selection laurel to her name. On June 20, the New York Liberty and Team Australia head coach Sandy Brondello came forward to remind everyone of the importance of Taurasi.

Brondello was present with the journalists in a pre-game interview before the match between the New York Liberty and the Los Angeles Sparks. Brondello’s point of view reflected the value Taurasi adds to the table.

Sandy Brondello supports Diana Taurasi’s Team USA selection

Brondello’s interview was shared by the TJ Sports Queen channel on YouTube when she gave her opinion on the controversy surrounding Taurasi’s Olympic selection. She emphasized that there should be more mention of Taurasi in the mainstream media. “I was asking people yesterday I’m like ‘why isn’t Diana been spoken about enough for what she does at the age of 42? And still play at such a high level it’s amazing,” Brondello stated, via TJ Sports Queen. 

Brondello also praised the 42-year-old for playing extremely well despite age not being on her side. “She looks quicker out there and I mean no better shooter than what D is and she makes that team. Um, you know so much better because she has this you know… She has the IQ, she has the passing, she has the ability for the moment,” Brondello continued. 

Previously there was a lot of comparison between Taurasi and Clark since the latter is just 22 years old and her fans thought she could fit the Olympic roster better. Their numbers are also almost identical. While Taurasi averages a decent 16.9 points per game, Clark averages 16.3 points per contest. In terms of rebounds also Taurasi has 5 rebounds per outing while Clark has 5.5 rebounds per game. Even in field goals, the two are quite close.

But now Brondello’s perspective sheds light on Taurasi’s inclusion. She spoke of the other side of basketball which is not merely contained in stats. The 55-year-old enumerated that Taurasi felt quicker and her experience will definitely prove valuable to the team. Meanwhile, Team USA Basketball national team committee chairperson Jennifer Rizzotti also came forward to justify the selection process. 

Jennifer Rizzotti reckons the selection was competitive

Team USA women’s basketball will be aiming for their tenth gold in Paris this summer. Clark’s snub therefore erupted in such a controversy that even Rizzotti had to speak of the problems during selection. She spoke of the confidence in the team of veterans, “We have selected a team that we are confident will represent our country to the highest standard in Paris.”

A part of the media including Stephen A. Smith also expounded that Clark’s inclusion would have helped the women athletes take center stage in terms of popularity in the Olympics and therefore, it would have benefitted women’s game. Meanwhile, popular journalist Christine Brennan also came in support of Clark and criticized selectors for missing out on an opportunity.

Perhaps, Clark’s admirers will ponder over their stand now as Brondello has brought forth the importance of Taurasi and cheer for Team USA together as one.

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, has to say about the infamous Shaq-Kobe feud, Caitlin Clark’s Olympic snub, and more, watch this video.