Five days before the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson withdrew from the tournament, reportedly due to injuries. According to multiple reports, Wilson is not feeling 100% despite missing only three games in the current WNBA campaign. She has been replaced by Washington Mystics standout Kiki Iriafen on Team USA’s roster. In a video posted to X on Tuesday, Sept. 1, columnist Jason Whitlock discussed his thoughts on Wilson suddenly opting out of the World Cup. Whitlock believes Wilson withdrew to dare Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark to prove herself on the international stage. He later explained that Wilson stepping away for now is to protect her from potential backlash.
” On an international stage, Wilson is stepping out of the way and daring Clark to prove it. It is a high-risk bet. Clark just might do it. She might lead Team USA to the title and completely reimagine the MVP race. Her content machine will argue she did it no matter what happens over the next two weeks. Wilson knows what happens if she stays on the floor. If she plays and they win, they were supposed to,” Whitlock said. (0:45)
Whitlock’s claims come as Clark is gearing up to lead Team USA, along with other star players such as Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers and Atlanta Dream center Angel Reese. Along with Wilson, Phoenix Mercury veteran Kelsey Plum is also sitting out the World Cup and will be replaced by Iriafen’s teammate, Sonia Citron. Team USA is gunning for its fifth consecutive and 12th overall FIBA World Cup title.
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A’ja Wilson is considered the best women’s basketball player in the world currently. Her impact on the WNBA extends to the international stage, where she has been a focal point of Team USA Women’s last two FIBA World Cup gold-medal runs. Jason Whitlock says that she is saving herself from a trap that could derail her reputation.
” The United States has not lost a World Cup or an Olympic game since 2006. That is not a miracle. That is the job… If Wilson plays and they lose, she eats the loss and the indictment writes itself. ‘Team USA would not bend the offense to Caitlin Clark.’ That is a loaded board. Sitting is the only square that is not a trap. The Queen’s Gambit is the smartest play Wilson has,” Whitlock shared. (1:16)
Following this year’s FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, the WNBA regular season resumes on Sept. 18.
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Also Read:
After A’ja Wilson And Kelsey Plum’s FIBA Decision, Analyst Explains Why There Will Be “Increased Interest” for Team USA
“Caitlin Clark is the MVP”: Dave Portnoy Puts Indiana Star Above A’ja Wilson as 3x WNBA Champ Dominates Battle for Regular Season Award
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