Caitlin Clark hadn’t appeared in a sanctioned basketball sport in virtually eight months earlier than the 2026 FIBA Girls’s World Cup qualifying event.
After a prolonged rehab course of, Clark was able to return to the court docket and make her senior nationwide group debut for Group USA. Many individuals stored expectations low for the previous Iowa famous person, not realizing what to anticipate after a protracted layoff from the sport. Clark demolished these expectations after which some.
Commercial
In 5 video games with Group USA within the qualifying event, Clark helped lead her squad to an undefeated report whereas taking part in some unbelievable basketball within the course of. Her efficiency in these video games earned her one other accolade for the gathering. Clark was named MVP of the event.
Clark completed the event averaging 11.6 factors, 6.4 assists, and 1.6 rebounds per sport, whereas additionally scattering 4 steals and two blocks throughout these 5 video games. She shot 53% from the sector and 37% from behind the arc, effectively main the offense for Group USA. She did all of that whereas primarily coming off the bench, which makes it all of the extra spectacular.
Whereas Group USA had already clinched its spot within the 2026 FIBA World Cup earlier than the event, this was nonetheless an amazing alternative for Clark to get again on the court docket and shake some rust off. Whereas the way forward for the 2026 WNBA continues to be unsure, there is not any doubt that Clark might be able to go every time the Indiana Fever take the court docket once more.
Commercial
It was a tough second season within the WNBA for Clark, who battled quite a few illnesses throughout an injury-riddled marketing campaign. If her play on this event is any indication, she’s again to full well being, and the remainder of the WNBA might be in serious trouble after they play the Fever.
Contact/Comply with us @HawkeyesWire on X (previously Twitter) and like our web page on Fb to comply with ongoing protection of Iowa information, notes and opinions. Comply with Zach on X: @zach_hiney
This text initially appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Caitlin Clark named FIBA Girls’s World Cup qualifying event MVP


























Arsenal














































