Caitlin Clark Starts on the Bench in US National Basketball Team's First Match

In the US National Team's match against China at the start of the FIBA Women's World Cup, head coach Kara Lawson used her starting five preference on experienced players, and Caitlin Clark was among the substitutes.

Starting Five Choice Against China

As the excitement of the FIBA Women's World Cup begins, the US National Team played its first match against China. Following intense competition within the deep roster, head coach Kara Lawson chose to use her starting five preference in favor of the national team's experienced names.

Accordingly, the starting five on the court consisted of Napheesa Collier, Kahleah Copper, Chelsea Gray, Breanna Stewart, and Jackie Young, while the young players started the game on the bench.

Status of Young Players

It might have been expected for Caitlin Clark, who draws attention with her playmaking ability, to start in the starting five, but favoring experienced names was considered a logical move. This situation does not mean that Clark will not play an important role in the later weeks of the tournament.

Clark, who is on the roster, is striving to gain experience under the national jersey alongside other young talents such as Paige Bueckers, Angel Reese, Rhyne Howard, Kiki Iriafen, and Sonia Citron.

Caitlin Clark's Statements

Stating that there is a lot of talent in her age group, Caitlin Clark expressed that it is extremely enjoyable to watch everyone develop their own college careers and live out their dreams at the professional level.

Past Tournament Performance

Caitlin Clark also played in the World Qualifiers team held in Puerto Rico in March and managed to become one of the players with the most playing time.

The young player averaged 6.4 assists per game, taking the top spot in this area and winning the tournament's most valuable player (MVP) award.