USA Basketball Announces Replacements for Wilson and Plum in FIBA Women’s World Cup

POLICY WIRE — City, Country — USA Basketball has revealed that Las Vegas Aces’ A’ja Wilson and Los Angeles Sparks’ Kelsey Plum will not participate in the upcoming FIBA Women’s World Cup due to health issues. They will be substituted by Washington Mystics’ Kiki Iriafen and Sonia Citron.

Wilson, a four-time WNBA MVP, has been carrying a heavy load this season and requires rest ahead of the playoffs. Plum, on the other hand, is still recovering from a calf injury sustained during the WNBA season.

In an Instagram post, Plum expressed her disappointment, stating that despite her best efforts, she ran out of time to recover fully. She emphasized that the decision to sit out was made after thorough consideration and discussions with her family, medical team, and coaching staff.

Iriafen and Citron have previously been part of U.S. camps. Iriafen represented the U.S. in Puerto Rico, winning the World Cup qualifier, while Citron, who missed the tournament due to injury, will make her national team debut in Germany.

The U.S. team, which has won every World Cup since 2006, will now depend more on its younger players. Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Paige Bueckers will make their World Cup debut, alongside Olympic medalists Breanna Stewart, Napheesa Collier, Chelsea Gray, Jackie Young, and Kahleah Copper. Rhyne Howard and Aliyah Boston will also make their World Cup debuts.

The U.S. will face China in their opening match. China boasts a formidable front line with players like Zhang Ziyu, Han Xu, and Li Yueru. The two teams previously competed for the World Cup title in 2022.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)