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FIBA Makes Caitlin Clark Announcement After Team USA Debut

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Angelo Guinhawa | Last updated Mar 11, 2026 7:25 PM ET

Caitlin Clark, who has not played competitively in eight months, impressed in her debut for USA Basketball's senior team. The Indiana Fever star tallied 17 points and 12 assists in just 19 minutes of action, as the Americans defeated Senegal 110-46 in their first game in the FIBA Women's World Cup Qualifying Tournament.

Clark appeared in just 13 games during the 2025 WNBA season due to a groin injury and a bone bruise. She last played on July 15, 2025 against the Connecticut Sun, eventually missing the Commissioner's Cup championship and the playoffs with the Fever.

Fortunately, the Fever guard was able to recover in time to prepare for her run with USA Basketball in the qualifiers.

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark during the WNBA All-Star Game.Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

On Wednesday, Clark came off the bench for Team USA. When she got her opportunity, though, she didn't look like a player coming off an injury. In the first half, she played just 10 minutes but tallied eight points and eight assists.

Making her senior team debut even more incredible, Clark reached a milestone with her performance. According to FIBA, her 12 assists were the second-most in a single game in the history of the Women's World Cup Qualifying Tournament.

"DOUBLE-DOUBLE IN HER SENIOR DEBUT," FIBA wrote on Instagram. "Caitlin Clark registers second most assists in a single game in #FIBAWWC Qualifying Tournaments history."

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Siyu Wang of China holds the record for the most assists in a single game in the qualifying tournament history. She had 15 assists during a 2022 game against France.

Sure enough, based on what Clark showed against Senegal, she is more than capable of breaking the single-game record. The Fever playmaker's career high in assists is 19, which she recorded during her rookie season in the WNBA.

With the plethora of offensive talent she has around her on Team USA, Clark has the opportunity to make more history.

Team USA plays Puerto Rico next on Thursday, followed by Italy, New Zealand and Spain.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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