sphere wrote:
Quote:
You really think the last spot on the roster will make or break the US getting a gold medal? They fucked up the PR and brand management. In a few years if they're wondering why the sport still hasn't taken off well this would be just one more data point
The fact is women's basketball is popular at the collegiate level because it's school vs school. It doesn't translate to sustained professional interest any more than women's soccer does, at least not to the extent you're talking.
Agreed. While Women's Basketball (NCAA) did capture some attention this year based on a few personalities, it generally has to be pitched as school vs. school. Similarly, Team USA Women's Soccer leverages national pride in the World Cup and Olympics, but then nobody watches the pro teams (yes, some teams like Portland have good attendance figures). In neither case you do we have the population of cities basing their pride in their city on the outcomes of their WNBA or NWSL.
On another note: I think that anyone who says that Clark should have been put on the team should also bear the burden of telling you which player should have been left off, and why. If they can't name someone AND tell you about that player's stats or injuries or whatever, then their opinion is worthless. If they can't even name another player at her position, then their opinion is laughable.
These women all work incredibly hard to earn spots on Team USA. Putting one player on in place of another is not to be taken lightly and shouldn't be done for marketing purposes.