Caitlin Clark Returns to Team USA
Caitlin Clark is set to make her return to the court for Team USA at the FIBA World Cup qualifiers in Puerto Rico after nearly eight months [https://espn.go.com/wnba/story/_/id/48157776/caitlin-clark-excited-return-court-fiba-qualifiers][https://www.si.com/onsi/womens-fastbreak/news/caitlin-clark-names-most-underrated-usa-basketball-teammate-01kkagn5bf58]. She's one of the most hyped prospects in women's basketball – how will she perform after the layoff?
Clark's return comes after dealing with multiple injuries, including groin issues and a bone bruise, that limited her to just 13 WNBA games last season. She averaged 16.5 points and 8.8 assists in those games. The FIBA World Cup Qualifiers in Puerto Rico, taking place from March 11-17, mark Clark's first competitive games in nearly eight months. Team USA will face Senegal, Puerto Rico, Italy, New Zealand, and Spain. The game against Senegal is scheduled for Wednesday and will be broadcast on truTV and HBO. Clark has a history with USA Basketball, having competed on three junior national teams, including playing with Paige Bueckers on the U16 squad. She recognizes the rarity of progressing from youth teams to the senior national roster. Before the WNBA, Clark became the NCAA Division I all-time leading scorer with 3,951 points and also set the record for most career 3-pointers with 548. Clark's ultimate goal is to represent the United States at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
