Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) claps her hands in excitement.

Team USA facing intense backlash after Caitlin Clark decision

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Mar 15, 2026 10:03 AM ET

WNBA star Caitlin Clark has taken the basketball world by storm since her collegiate days. Currently, the sharpshooting guard is representing Team USA at the FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament in Puerto Rico.

With the Indiana Fever, Clark is already a two-time All-Star, a Rookie of the Year winner and an All-WNBA first-team member. She led the league in assists during her rookie season, averaging 8.4 assists. Unfortunately, a slew of recurring injuries kept her out for most of her second year. Clark only played in 13 games during the 2025 season.

Despite that, the former Iowa Hawkeye has been making good progress in her recovery. Clark has been called up to be part of Team USA’s squad for the FIBA Women’s World Cup qualifiers.

Caitlin Clark still coming off bench for Team USA

Even though Clark is coming off an injury, she was still selected to represent Team USA. This is the first senior national team selection for the Fever guard. Clark had the chance to be part of Team USA’s 2024 Summer Olympics squad. Unfortunately, she was playing in the NCAA tournament during that time.

In her first game for Team USA in the World Cup qualifiers, Clark showed that she’s not rusty. She came off the bench and finished with a double-double, scoring 17 points and dishing out 12 assists. The Fever guard also shot 80% from the field and 100% from the free-throw line.

In three games, Clark is averaging 12.3 points and 6.3 assists. She is tied with Paige Bueckers as the leading scorer for Team USA. Clark also leads the tournament in assists and ranks third in scoring.

Despite her strong play, Clark has yet to start this tournament. Team USA is now facing intense backlash for its decision to leave out the Fever star from the starting lineup.

“For a third straight game, Caitlin Clark is still not starting. Every player on this team has started except Caitlin Clark and Burrell. Absolutely disgraceful.

” a comment on X read.

“It can’t be good for her to warm up and then go sit for 10 or 15 minutes,” a user said.

“They make her spend more time on the bench…SMH!” a fan commented.

“She’s not a damn role player. She’s one of the one. Best PG in the nation. Her talent is from another dimension and they don’t utilize her talent for it,” a supporter mentioned.

“But she is the best player. Odd,” another said.

“I used to think [Kara Lawson] was a great coach…not anymore,” declared a viewer.

Clark still has two chances to start when they play against New Zealand and Spain. Either way, Clark is still one of the three players who are averaging 20 minutes per game. She is also leading Team USA in scoring, so her impact is undeniable.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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