ARLINGTON, TX — The Dallas Wings and Phoenix Mercury are set to play on Sunday afternoon. However, the game itself was not the only talking point before tip-off. Wings superstar Arike Ogunbowale was recently left off the Team USA Olympics roster, something that Wings head coach Latricia Trammell addressed before Sunday's game.
“I don't like it,” Trammell said of Ogunbowale not being selected to the roster. “But I am very proud of the players that did make it. I know that they will represent our country extremely well. But you always talk about Arike, needs to be in the MVP talks… I was disappointed that I did not see her name because I think she deserves it. I'm not taking away from the players that did make it…. I was disappointed that she was left off.”
Trammell said she has not talked to Ogunbowale about the news yet.
“You don't really have to say anything to her. I know that's motivation in itself.”
When the initial news was announced, many WNBA fans noticed that Caitlin Clark was also not selected to the team. The roster features plenty of talented players, however, via ESPN.
Clark has made a huge impact on the WNBA but she is still only a rookie. Her absence is understandable despite her bright future.
Arike Ogunbowale, though, is one of the best players in the WNBA. She is in her sixth year and probably should have earned a spot on the roster.
Extra motivation for Arike Ogunbowale
Trammell said that the snub will provide Ogunbowale with added motivation. Ogunbowale entered Sunday's game averaging 26.6 points, 5.0 assists, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.1 steals per game. She is going to earn MVP consideration in 2024 if he continues to play at such an elite level.
It isn't as if this is Ogunbowale's first impressive season either. The 27-year-old is a three-time All-Star who has played a pivotal role in Dallas' previous success.
The Wings have dealt with a plethora of injury concerns so far during the 2024 campaign. Yet, they still entered Sunday's game against the Mercury with a 3-6 record. That record is not ideal, but it could be worse since stars like Satou Sabally and Natasha Howard are currently out.
Arike Ogunbowale has been the driving force for the Wings. They have needed tremendous efforts from her in all of the victories.
Ogunbowale would likely love nothing more than to lead the Wings to the postseason after being snubbed from Team USA. And perhaps she will win her first WNBA MVP Award in 2024. If the season ended today, Ogunbowale would have a legitimate case for the award. And she is not showing any signs of slowing down anytime soon.
At the moment, the Wings are focused on protecting home court and defeating the Mercury.
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