A'ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum to Miss FIBA Women's World Cup USA Basketball announced Monday that A'ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum will miss the FIBA Women's World Cup due to health concerns, with Plum also stepping away from the 2026 WNBA season. Wilson, a four-time WNBA MVP and 2024 Paris Olympics Most Outstanding Player, has struggled with recurring back issues, including two recent entries on the injury report. Despite playing 30 minutes in the Las Vegas Aces’ final game before the FIBA break, her condition raised concerns about her ability to handle the World Cup’s demanding schedule. Plum, meanwhile, has battled a calf injury throughout the WNBA season, which remains unresolved. The decision to withdraw both players was made after consultations with medical teams, family, and coaching staff, prioritizing their long-term health. Wilson’s absence marks the second time she has missed a major international tournament, following her withdrawal from the 2022 World Cup due to a similar injury. Plum, a key figure in the 2024 Paris Olympics gold medal game against France, expressed her disappointment in a social media post, stating, “I did everything I could to be back on the court, but just ran out of time.” Her decision to retire from the 2026 WNBA season reflects a focus on recovery, as Mercury general manager Nick U'Ren emphasized the importance of her long-term well-being. To fill the void, USA Basketball has named Washington teammates Kiki Iriafen and Sonia Citron as replacements. Both players were part of U.S. camps during the winter, with Iriafen contributing to the team that won the World Cup qualifier in Puerto Rico. Citron, who missed the qualifier due to injury, will make her national team debut in Germany. The U.S.#usa_basketball #kelsey_plum #wnba #aja_wilson #fibawomensworldcup
Mike D'Antoni Inducted into NBA Hall of Fame for Revolutionizing Offense Mike D'Antoni, the former NBA coach known for his high-octane offensive system, is set to be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame this weekend. While his coaching achievements—such as winning Coach of the Year honors twice and amassing 672 career wins—have long been celebrated, D'Antoni emphasized that his induction is a recognition of his transformative impact on the game as a visionary who redefined how basketball is played. D'Antoni’s philosophy, rooted in fast-paced, player-centric offense, gained global attention when he led the Phoenix Suns in the early 2000s. His system, which prioritized three-point shooting and ball movement over traditional post-up plays, became a blueprint for modern basketball. The phrase “:07 Seconds or Less,” coined by D'Antoni to describe his directive for players to attack early in the shot clock, became synonymous with the era’s shift from isolation basketball to a more dynamic, spacing-driven style. This approach not only propelled the Suns to a second-place finish in offensive efficiency during the 2005-06 season but also inspired Jack McCallum’s book, which chronicled the team’s rise. D'Antoni’s influence extended beyond the Suns. His system helped Steve Nash and James Harden, two of his most notable players, achieve historic success. Nash, a two-time MVP, thrived under D'Antoni’s guidance, while Harden, who later won his own MVP awards, adopted the same principles that made the Suns a dominant force. D'Antoni’s ability to unlock the potential of his star players, combined with his emphasis on team cohesion, remains a hallmark of his coaching legacy. Despite his achievements, D'Antoni acknowledged the challenges of pioneering such a radical approach.#usa_basketball #phoenix_suns #nba_hall_of_fame #mike_dantoni #jack_mccallum
Team USA Women's Roster Announced for FIBA World Cup The United States women's national basketball team has unveiled its 12-player roster for the upcoming FIBA World Cup in Germany, marking a significant shift toward youth and fresh talent. The squad, led by veteran stars A'ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart, includes Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, Angel Reese, and Aliyah Boston, all making their debut at a major international competition. The team aims to secure its 12th World Cup title and fifth consecutive gold medal, with the tournament set to run from September 4 to 13. The roster, announced by USA Basketball, features a blend of experienced players and emerging stars. Wilson and Stewart, who have combined for six WNBA MVP awards, bring a wealth of international experience, having previously competed in the 2022 World Cup and 2024 Olympics. Other key veterans include Napheesa Collier, Chelsea Gray, Kelsey Plum, Jackie Young, Kahleah Copper, and Rhyne Howard. The team also includes four players under 24 years old and seven under 30, with Gray being the oldest at 33. The selection process, overseen by national team managing director Sue Bird, emphasized a balance of experience and youth, ensuring the squad could compete under coach Kara Lawson’s system. Bird highlighted the importance of cohesiveness and the team’s ability to win gold, stating, “The north star in all these decisions is putting together a roster that complements each other, has a cohesiveness, and can play Kara’s style.” Lawson, who will lead the team, praised the group’s talent and readiness, noting, “These 12 have earned it through their play and consistency.” Several players on the roster have prior international experience.#usa_basketball #kara_lawson #fiba_world_cup #a_ja_wilson #breanna_stewart
Caitlin Clark delivers standout performance as USA Basketball dominates Spain in FIBA World Cup qualifier Caitlin Clark, the star guard for the United States women’s national team, showcased her elite skills during a decisive 84-70 victory over Spain in the 2026 FIBA World Cup qualifying tournament. The 24-year-old averaged 11.6 points and 6.4 assists across the Americans’ five-game qualifying campaign, with her contributions pivotal in securing a perfect 5-0 record. In the matchup against Spain, Clark tallied 7 points and 7 assists, complementing the efforts of team leaders Kahleah Copper and Kelsey Plum, who scored 20 and 18 points respectively. The game unfolded with the U.S. maintaining a commanding lead throughout, highlighted by Clark’s dynamic playmaking. In the first quarter, Clark opened the scoring with a three-pointer and two free throws, finishing with 2 assists as the U.S. built an early 8-5 advantage. Her ability to transition the ball quickly was evident when she delivered a long pass to Paige Bueckers during a critical moment in the second quarter. By halftime, the U.S. led 44-32, with Kelsey Plum leading the charge with 10 points. Clark’s impact continued in the third quarter, where she assisted Kahleah Copper and Paige Buckers on three-pointers while also recording a steal. Her playmaking prowess was on full display as the U.S. extended its lead to 61-47 by the end of the third period. The final quarter saw the Americans cruise to victory, with Clark’s composure and leadership helping the team secure the win. The U.S. team, already qualified for the 2026 FIBA World Cup in Berlin, Germany, used the tournament to prepare younger players for future international competitions.#usa_basketball #kelsey_plum #caitlin_clark #fiba_world_cup #kahleah_copper
Angel Reese Makes Bold Fashion Statement Ahead of USA Debut Angel Reese made a striking fashion choice as she prepared for her debut with the USA Basketball senior national team. The Chicago Sky forward opted for a bold top featuring a plunging neckline and rock-patterned tights, accessorizing with silver necklaces, bangles, gold earrings, a gray bag, and a ring on her left middle finger. Her makeup was kept minimal, and she styled her black dreads into a long ponytail that reached her hip. The look was highlighted in a mirror selfie shared on Instagram, which quickly generated attention from fans. Reese’s fashion moment coincided with the announcement of her participation in the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup qualifying tournament. The event will take place in San Juan, Puerto Rico, from March 11 to March 17, 2026. She will join fellow stars Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers in representing the United States on the international stage. The tournament marks a significant milestone in Reese’s career, as it represents her first appearance with the senior national team. Her Instagram post, which showcased the bold top, sparked considerable buzz among followers. The image not only highlighted her personal style but also underscored her growing presence in the basketball world. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how she will perform in the high-stakes environment of international competition. Reese’s debut is expected to be a key moment for the USA team as they aim to secure a strong position in the global rankings. The combination of her fashion-forward appearance and the significance of her debut has positioned Reese as a standout figure in both the sports and fashion spheres.#angel_reese #usa_basketball #chicago_sky #fiba_womens_world_cup #san_juan_puerto_rico
Angel Reese embraces role within USA Basketball’s ‘Young and Turnt Crew’ MIAMI — Angel Reese, a rising star for the Chicago Sky, is stepping into a new chapter as part of USA Basketball’s emerging core, dubbed the ‘Young and Turnt Crew.’ The group, which includes Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, and Kiki Iriafen, is set to make its debut in senior national team competition at the FIBA World Cup qualifying tournament in Puerto Rico. The event, which begins this week, marks the first time TNT will broadcast USA Basketball’s qualifying games, signaling a shift in how the team’s international efforts are viewed. Reese, who grew up watching USA Basketball games with her grandmother, now finds herself in the spotlight as part of a new era for the team. Longtime veterans like Diana Taurasi and Sue Bird have retired, leaving room for younger players to take center stage. At a recent training camp in Miami, Bueckers coined the nickname ‘Young and Turnt Crew’ to describe the group’s fiery, competitive spirit. “Every time we step on the court, you see passion, you see fire, you see a competitive spirit about us,” Bueckers said. “We don’t shy away from that; we embrace that.” The term, which Bueckers described as a way to “talk crap,” resonates with the team’s approach. Bird, the managing director of USA women’s basketball, praised the group’s vocal intensity. “That’s the type of vocal I like,” Bird said, reflecting on her own career. Bird, a five-time Olympic gold medalist, has remained involved with USA Basketball in retirement, overseeing the selection of the 12-player team for the qualifying tournament. She highlighted the group’s potential, noting their ability to balance individual flair with team cohesion.#angel_reese #usa_basketball #young_and_turnt_crew #fiba_world_cup_qualifying #paige_bueckers
