Lisa Leslie’s message to Caitlin Clark puts more pressure on her and gives her no choice in her future

It could be a monumental year for the former Iowa Hawkeyes star

Caitlin Clark.

Caitlin Clark could be set for a busy start to her professional basketball career by appearing in the 2024 Paris Olympics, after former WNBA star Lisa Leslie urged Team USA to select her at all costs.

The 22-year-old has just finished her final game with the Iowa Hawkeyes, having made history in her senior year as the all-time record points scorer in the NCAA women’s division.

Her final appearance came against the undefeated South Carolina in the national championship game on April 7, and now she waves farewell to her college career with a bright future in the WNBA laid out.

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Clark has been smashing records in every area and it is no surprise she has been tipped as the No. 1 pick in the WNBA Draft, with the youngster primed to join Indiana Fever.

And her schedule could be about to get even busier in the summer months if she is picked to represent Team USA at the Olympics in Paris, with Clark the only collegiate athlete to be selected for Team USA’s 14-player training camp roster in Cleveland.

However, she was forced to miss the three-day camp, which was mandatory, due to her involvement with Iowa in the Final Four of March Madness.

But three-time WNBA MVP and four-time Olympic gold medalist Leslie has made it clear in no uncertain terms that Clark must be included on the USA Basketball roster.

“She better be on the Olympic team. We should not leave the country without her,” Leslie told ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne. “She’s a bona fide baller. There’s no doubt she’s already one of the best players in the world.”

How would the Olympics affect Caitlin Clark’s rookie WNBA season?

Nothing has been confirmed yet regarding Clark’s participation, with the Team USA selection committee set to decide on the final roster that will head to Paris for the Games.

The WNBA season begins on May 14, which would normally clash with the Olympics as it starts on July 18 and runs until August 14.

However, the league has organized a month-long break to ensure its players can participate and return to their teams after the competition ends in France.