Rookie sensation Caitlin Clark, known for her shooting ability from deep, and Sabrina Ionescu, reigning 3 point champion in the WNBA both chose to snub the event this season. Without the two biggest name pulls at the moment, I believe this decision just held the WNBA’s growth back substantially.
Earlier this year we saw during the NBA 3 point contest, Sabrina Ionescu and sharp shooter Stephen Curry have a once in a lifetime 3 point shoot out. Bringing hype to the women’s game. This event also stamped Ionescu as one of today’s great shooters as she only lost by one to Curry.
Meanwhile around this same time at the collegiate level, Caitlin Clark mania is vamping up for the second year in a row heading into March Madness.
Both players had a chance to do something special this past Friday night in Phoenix. However both opted out of competing.
Clark and Ionescu State…
Clark stated that she needed a break. Which my initial thoughts were understanding to that given her March Madness run leading almost directly into the WNBA season.
Then it hit me, she is about to have a 3 week break due to the Olympics in Paris breaking up the WNBA season until August 15th.
With great power comes great responsibility, we all have heard that statement. Clark competing in the 3 point contest is what billions of fans wanted. Regardless if they were rooting for her to win or lose, the people wanted to see it.
Same thing goes for Ionescu, who stated that she was focused on the Olympics. These two players alone had the power to bring the eyes of a nation to the screens for this contest.
Sabrina Ionescu should have tried to defend her trophy she won last year in the 3 point contest if you ask me. Yet, Ionescu is a pro and understands what needs to be done. At the moment, I know her full focus and intent is to help USA win gold in Paris. Ionescu is participating in the Olympics for the first time.
No disrespect to the players that did compete. When the two biggest stars, as far as shooting a basketball goes, do not compete, the fans feel robbed.
Rowan Donaghey, Sports Reporter and Betting Analyst for Stare Down Sports.You can follow him onthe X via @RowanDonaghey
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