Two key players for the U.S. Women's National Basketball Association team, A'ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum, have withdrawn from the upcoming FIBA World Cup due to health reasons, according to ESPN.
Wilson, a star for the Las Vegas Aces and a frequent standout for Team USA, is reportedly dealing with minor ankle and back injuries that have impacted her throughout the current WNBA season. She has averaged 32 minutes per game across 37 appearances this season. Wilson was a vital part of the U.S. teams that won gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics and the 2022 World Cup, where she was named most outstanding player.
The Las Vegas Aces are currently in third place in the WNBA standings with four regular-season games remaining before the playoffs. The team is aiming to repeat its championship success from 2022 and 2023, becoming the first WNBA team to achieve back-to-back titles in 21 years.
Plum, who plays for the Phoenix Mercury, has also been sidelined with a calf injury and has been ruled out for the remainder of the WNBA season. Her general manager, Nick U’Ren, stated that the decision prioritizes Plum's long-term health and recovery. Plum was traded to the Mercury earlier this month but has only played in five games with her new team, averaging 21.5 points and 5.4 assists per game.
Kiki Iriafen and Sonia Citron of the Mystics have been called up to fill the roster spots vacated by Wilson and Plum. The FIBA World Cup is scheduled to take place from September 4-13 in Berlin. Team USA is a favored contender and will begin its tournament play against China on Friday.