While many have been focusing on the exclusion of Nneka Ogwumike from the U.S. Olympic Team roster, not many have been talking about another exclusion: Sabrina Ionescu.
Arguably one of the most recognizable faces in the sport of basketball, her exclusion from even the conversation surrounding the team may come as a bit of a surprise.
Fans of the WNBA know that Ionescu has been battling back from a severe ankle injury that ended her rookie season in 2020 and required offseason surgery. That injury kept Ionescu from being able to attend several training camps for both the senior national team and the 3×3 team that will compete in Tokyo.
Carol Callan, chair of the committee to select the national team, told Sporting News that USA Basketball “for sure” has an appreciation for Ionescu’s potential.
Ultimately, her injury kept her from being in serious contention to make the team, as the training camps are instrumental in the selection process.
“It is important to be healthy to come to some of that,” Callan said. “And I would anticipate that Sabrina would be a part of our national team moving forward. For a long time.”