Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark entered the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Berlin, Germany, as the most popular player. In fact, a FIBA poll ahead of the tournament saw her voted as the player fans are most excited to watch.
Clark is also having a remarkable season in the WNBA. Prior to the break for the FIBA World Cup, she was averaging 22.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, 8.4 assists and 1.0 steal per game, putting her third in the league in scoring and second in assists.
Considering her popularity and the fact that she has proven herself as one of the best guards in the pros, there was naturally plenty of anticipation for her role with Team USA.
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However, ahead of its first group-stage game against China, Team USA revealed that Clark wouldn’t be in the starting lineup. Instead, they had Chelsea Gray at point guard, alongside Jackie Young, Kahleah Copper, Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier.
It’s not really a surprising decision since all members of the starting five have international experience. It’s also worth noting that Team USA used Gray as the primary point guard during the World Cup qualifiers last March.
Still, it didn’t prevent fans from being disappointed, especially since Clark has been on a tear in the WNBA.
“Grey and copper ahead of Paige and cc, yeah right,” a disappointed commenter wrote. Another one said, “You just have to laugh.”
“Yall tripping with this seniority [expletive] beside everyone wants to see Clark, angel and Paige. Chelsea gray, copper and stewie can sit their old [expletive] down and mentor from the bench,” an angry viewer added.
“Why [expletive] CC isn’t starting?” a poster asked.
It remains to be seen how big of a role Clark will have for the national team, but it’s worth noting that USA head coach Kara Lawson was recently full of praise for Clark’s “ability to create pace, her ability to score, [and] playmake.”
Lawson also called Clark a player who can change games, fueling expectations that the Fever star will be utilized significantly by Team USA.
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