Team USA opened FIBA World Cup qualifying play with a commanding 110-46 victory over Senegal in Puerto Rico on Wednesday, with the spotlight firmly on six players making their senior national team debuts.
The most anticipated debut belonged to Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark, who delivered an impressive performance with 17 points and 12 assists in 19 minutes of action. The 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year was joined by fellow first-timers Paige Bueckers, Angel Reese, Monique Billings, Kiki Iriafen, and Rae Burrell in suiting up for their country.
Head coach Kara Lawson emphasized that Wednesday's lineup decisions were far from set in stone as she continues evaluating her roster.
"The starting lineup is going to change, the rotation is going to change," Lawson said. "As a coach, I am still in fact-finding mode. Not in terms of who they are ... but trying to find some chemistry and see what combinations work together."
Lawson opted for a veteran-heavy starting five against Senegal, featuring 2024 Olympic gold medalists Chelsea Gray, Kahleah Copper, and Jackie Young. Notably absent from the opening lineup was Kelsey Plum, despite her Olympic team status. Angel Reese earned the lone rookie starting spot alongside Dearica Hamby in the frontcourt.
The American bench unit provided a significant spark, with Lawson praising their impact on the game's flow.
"We have a very deep roster. And it's one thing to say you have depth, but another thing to leverage that depth," Lawson said. "I thought our players that came off the bench ... took us to a different level. If you have a lot of depth, you are playing sometimes either tired starters or the other team's bench. It is a great opportunity to create separation in the game. They did that."
Clark headlined the second unit alongside Rhyne Howard, Plum, Iriafen, and Billings. Lawson substituted all five starters midway through the first quarter, showcasing the team's impressive depth.
Billings joined Clark as the most impactful debutants, contributing 10 points on efficient 4-of-8 shooting along with five rebounds in her 19-minute stint. Reese finished with six points and eight rebounds in 16 minutes, while UConn's Bueckers added nine points, four rebounds, and three assists in 14 minutes of play.
Lawson expressed satisfaction with how the newcomers handled their first taste of international competition.
"It's an exciting day when you get to make your debut for the U.S. Women's National Team," Lawson said. "I thought they played well. I don't think you would have noticed that it was their debut. I thought they came in and had the appropriate level of respect for the game."
A potential preview of USA Basketball's future came late in the third quarter when Clark, Reese, and Bueckers shared the court together for the first time. The trio represents some of the brightest young talent in women's basketball.
For Clark, the opportunity to represent her country carried special significance.
"I'm just thankful," Clark said. "Any time you get to put this jersey on, it's a little different."
The United States enters these qualifiers having already secured their spot in the FIBA World Cup, scheduled for September in Germany. With four more games remaining in Puerto Rico, Lawson plans to continue experimenting with different combinations while building the chemistry necessary for international success.
The team's frontcourt depth faces some challenges with Aliyah Boston sidelined due to a right leg injury suffered while playing in Unrivaled. This absence makes the strong performances from Reese, Billings, and Hamby even more crucial as Lawson evaluates her options.
With established stars like Gray, Young, and Copper providing veteran leadership alongside emerging talents like Clark and Reese, Team USA appears well-positioned for both immediate success and long-term dominance. The remaining qualifying games will offer valuable opportunities to fine-tune rotations and establish the team identity Lawson envisions for World Cup competition.