The anticipation surrounding the FIBA Women’s World Cup is palpable as Team USA gears up to defend its impressive streak of four consecutive championships. The tournament is set to commence on September 4 in Berlin, Germany, and this year’s roster showcases a blend of seasoned veterans and fresh faces, all eager to uphold the nation’s basketball legacy.
All 12 athletes selected for the squad bring a wealth of experience with the national team, yet notably, only three of them have previously competed in a World Cup. This fresh composition reflects a strategic shift, as Team USA looks to integrate emerging talent into its ranks. However, the roster has also sparked discussions about some high-performing players who were not included, a common occurrence in the competitive landscape of Team USA basketball.
Sue Bird, a five-time Olympic gold medalist and the first managing director of Team USA Basketball, emphasized that the selection process is complex and nuanced. "I wanted to have a mixture of people with experience, a good mixture of people with youth," Bird explained during the roster announcement. She highlighted the importance of assembling a team that not only complements each other but also has the potential to secure gold medals.
Among those who were considered but ultimately left off the roster are notable WNBA players such as Olivia Miles of the Minnesota Lynx and Sabrina Ionescu from the New York Liberty. Miles, a rookie sensation, has been making waves this season with an impressive average of 19.7 points and six assists per game, earning her accolades as a potential Rookie of the Year. Despite her standout performance, Bird noted that the decision-making process involved multiple factors, including how well a player fits into the system established by head coach Kara Lawson.
Bird praised Miles, stating, "Olivia is a tremendous player. So much fun to watch. It’s been amazing watching her grow in this league. She will undoubtedly be in the mix for teams in the future." Similarly, Ionescu, who has previously contributed to Team USA’s success at the 2022 World Cup and the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics, was also left off the final roster. Bird clarified that the absence of these players does not reflect their individual capabilities but rather the strategic choices made to create a cohesive unit.
Other players who participated in the Team USA camp but did not make the final cut include Veronica Burton, Monique Billings, and Rae Burrell. Additionally, established talents like Alyssa Thomas and Brittney Griner, both of whom were part of the 2024 Olympic roster, were also omitted. Notably, Kelsey Mitchell of the Indiana Fever, who is currently the league’s second-leading scorer, was another surprising exclusion, having only represented Team USA in the 3x3 format.
The roster initially featured stars like A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum, both of whom were expected to play pivotal roles. However, due to health concerns, both players have been replaced by Washington Mystics’ Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen. Wilson, the MVP of the 2022 World Cup, has been battling injuries this season but continues to lead the league with an average of 26 points per game. Plum, a two-time World Cup champion, has been sidelined for the remainder of the WNBA season due to a lower leg injury.
Looking ahead, the implications of this World Cup roster extend beyond the tournament itself, particularly regarding the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. Bird cautioned against using the current roster as a predictor for future selections, stating, "I’m not thinking about LA in any concrete way. This is not an indicator of what’s going to happen two years from now." With player health and evolving talent dynamics, the landscape for Olympic hopefuls could look vastly different in the coming years.
As Team USA prepares to take the court in Berlin, the combination of new talent and experienced players will be pivotal in their quest for another gold medal, while the decisions made now will undoubtedly shape the future of women’s basketball in the United States.
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