Caitlin Clark Debuts for Team USA
Caitlin Clark made her senior national team debut for Team USA in the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers USA Today, recording a double-double in their victory over Senegal IndyStar.
Clark finished with 17 points and 12 assists in 19 minutes of play, helping Team USA secure a dominant 110-46 victory over Senegal in the FIBA World Cup Qualifier. Rhyne Howard led all scorers with 21 points. Clark wore No. 12 for Team USA, a change from her usual No. 22, due to USA Basketball rules limiting jersey numbers to between 4 and 15. This rule originated from FIBA regulations to help referees easily communicate foul calls, though FIBA has since discarded it. Some fans expressed disappointment that Clark didn't start the game. Despite not starting, Clark checked in during the first quarter and quickly contributed three assists. Clark has stated that her long-term goal is to compete at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. She previously competed on three junior national teams, winning gold medals at the FIBA U19 World Cups in 2019 and 2021, and the FIBA Americas U16 Championship in 2017.
