Arike Ogunbowale is confident in her skills.
The Dallas Wings guard, who was named MVP of Saturday’s WNBA All-Star game, further elaborated on her decision to opt out of competing in the Paris Olympics, which begin on July 26.
“I know myself and I know what I see and I just didn’t feel like they really wanted me on that team so I just declined,” Ogunbowale, 27, said during an appearance on “SportsCenter” on Sunday.
“It’s a process to keep your name in the pool and you have to participate in these events. [Team USA camps]So if I already knew and felt like I wasn’t going to make the team, I just walked away from it.”
Ogunbowale explained that there were “flags” that influenced her decision, but did not elaborate.
“I said ‘politics’ because I was talking about sports in general. Not just women’s basketball. I mean sports in general … there are players who are great and aren’t on the team. There are players who are on the team and aren’t that good.”
“I’m not talking specifically about USA Basketball. When I said ‘politics’ I was just talking in general about having been involved in basketball my whole life. I’ve been involved in political things in college, high school etc. [or] WNBA. So I just put it that way.
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“There were flags and things I felt, but at the end of the day, it’s their decision who they pick. It doesn’t matter to me. I’m very confident and happy with myself and my skills, so I’m lucky to be able to play the game, whether I’m on the team or not. God has given me the ability, so I just keep doing what I have to do.”
Her brother, Texans running back Dare Ogunbowale, was named MVP at the 2024 WNBA All-Star Game after leading the WNBA team to a 117-109 victory over Team USA. Tweeted“Best Team USA ignorance ever,” with a crying-laughing emoji.
Ogunbowale, who finished with an All-Star record 34 points, three rebounds and six assists in 34 minutes, explained afterward that he played through multiple injuries.
After discussing basketball politics, Ogunbowale was asked about the Olympics. Appeared on “Nightcap” podcast Last month, with Shannon Sharpe and Chad Ochocinco.
” [the Olympic trials]”It really doesn’t have much to do with how I play,” the four-time WNBA All-Star said, “It’s really about who I feel is the right fit for the team, so I removed my name from consideration a few months ago.”
“Last year I thought I might make the team and I was good enough to make the team, but when the list was released I knew I wasn’t going to be on it… Who should make the team is a subjective thing. In the WNBA, everyone is a great player, so it’s their choice who gets selected.”
“I can’t speak for USA Basketball in general, but when you think about college and professional women’s basketball, there are always politics involved. Whether it’s USA Basketball, the All-Star team, the first team, there are politics. Even in men’s basketball. [basketball teams]”…There’s always politics in everything, so I’ll just leave it at that.”
Ogun-Bowell, who was also the MVP of the 2021 WNBA All-Star Game, currently leads the WNBA in steals and minutes played prior to the Olympic break.
The 2024 Olympics will run from July 26 to Aug. 11, with the women’s 5-on-5 basketball competition taking place from July 27 to Aug. 11, with the qualifying rounds taking place in Lille, France.
